Heading to The Globe in Newcastle in early August is the locally-produced, raised and musically delicious Francis Tulip Quartet – a group of young jazz virtuosos grown from the youth jazz ensembles at the Sage in Gateshead and further tended to by Paul Edis.
The group formed in 2017 and immediately made a big impact on the North East’s Jazz scene. The quartet comes together in the summer and winter for recitals and recordings. When the group are not together, they are all dispersed across the world, attending their many prestigious music colleges, from the United Kingdom to the United States of America, to perfect and hone their already amazing assets.
Francis Tulip Quartet is returning this summer with a combination of covers of classic and contemporary jazz tunes alongside some original compositions created by members of the band. Francis, the leader, brings influences from modern jazz as well as funk and classic jazz and has stunned many an audience. Joel Brown compliments Francis’ melodies with his incredible piano skills and is influenced by the likes of Evans, Monk and many other Jazz giants. Michael Dunlop (electric bass) and Matthew MacKellar (drums) provide the groove and beat that are vital to the ensembles’ mood and colour.
Francis Tulip Quartet is described as ‘the next big thing’ by local jazz reviewers and there is certainly something special about the jazz band that the phrase “you must see it to believe it” comes to mind about them.
Francis Tulip Quarter will be playing at The Globe in Newcastle on Sunday 5th August. The show begins at 19:30 and finishes at 23:00. Tickets can only be purchased on the door and they are available at £6.00 each (£3.00 for students).
