Zöe Gilby talks to Keith Tulip of Redemption.

Tell us a bit about your band. How it formed? band line up and their influences?

Redemption have been in existence for over a decade and a half, originally a Quintet featuring John Hall on Saxes, Jim Hall on Trumpet and Flugel Horn, Ian Smith on Drums and Cowbell, Martin Humphries on Piano and myself on acoustic bass.
We had the privilege of performing at the grand opening of Durham Cricket ground in Chester-Le-Street, played all the Halls of residence in Durham and Newcastle University, various Jazz venues across the North East and some wonderful gig's in Prague.
The new Quartet featuring John on Sax, Jim on Keyboards, Martin Wake on drums and myself on electric 6 - string bass came together a few years ago. Like everyone else on the Jazz scene else we were initially playing the usual cover tunes with a smattering of funky Latin tunes such as Spain, La Fiesta, Some Skunk Funk etc.

After being refused entry to perform at the Cluny because we didn't have any original compositions we decided to focus on writing our own material and realised that this was far more fun and definitely very satisfying, so if you like our take on Jazz then you can thank Paul Bream if you don't then you can take him off your Christmas card list!

I believe Jim and Johns most recent influence (and possibly the catalyst for the quartet) was after seeing an absolutely stunning performance by Hilton Ruiz at Ronny Scotts.
Jim, John and I have performed in a variety of line-up over the past two decades ranging from a 12 piece dance band, 7 piece function band, R&B bands, soul / funk performing all over the North of England.

My influences are many and varied, everything from Frank Zappa to Ray Charles to James Taylor to classical through jazz and beyond to Gong, I just love all styles of music.
I've had the opportunity to perform with some wonderful people over the years playing everything from; R&B (Zeroids - one the first Newcastle based Pub bands which featured Brendan Healy at one point). Jazz Rock (Hot Snax -around the same time as Last Exit were on the go). Jazz Fusion (Quadrant Four). Madam X (World Music). Cadillac 59 (Rock and Roll). Katy Freeway (Country).  Bluegrass Plus and currently on secondment to Prelude and the West Coast Band.

Best gig you've seen?

1st Mark Knopfler Royal Albert Hall,

2nd Buddy Rich at the City Hall

3rd George Melly and John Chilton's Feet warmers at the Newcastle Jazz festival in the Haymarket Theatre (especially the bit when the late Nigel Stanger was sharing / plying me with a Bottle of Black Bottle Whisky whilst I was trying to stay focused on mixing the sound for the evening's event).

Favourite album?

AJA

What has been the highlight of your bands musical career so far?
Performing our original material to complete strangers at recent venues and being Liked!

If you could meet, talk with and jam with any musician (alive or deceased) who would it be?

James Jamerson.

Thank you Keith Tulip.

My pleasure.

Redemption can be heard at this Sunday's (June 29) Splinter @ The Bridge session. Bridge Hotel, Castle Garth, Newcastle. Doors 7.30pm. On stage 8.15pm. £6.