Live stream preview: Francis Tulip Quintet @ The Globe - Dec. 13

Francis Tulip (guitar); Xhosa Cole (tenor sax); Tuoyo Awala (piano); Louis Stringer (bass); Matt Holmes (drums)

The Globe is set to welcome five young men who've already made a considerable impression on the British jazz scene. Tyneside's tier 3 status means jazz fans are to be deprived of the opportunity to be present at what looks like being an 'I was there' occasion at Newcastle's Jazz Co-op HQ on Railway Street.

Earlier this year County Durham's Francis Tulip graduated from Birmingham Conservatoire with an extra feather in his cap having scooped the institution's jazz performance prize. Guitarist Francis first came to the attention of the region's gig-goers at Paul Edis' Early Bird Saturday morning public performance workshop sessions. Francis' Early Bird cohort included other talented young musicians who would go on to study in Durham, London, Manchester and Berklee, Boston, USA. 

During his time in Birmingham, Francis struck up a friendship with Xhosa Cole which afforded north easterners an early opportunity to hear the BBC Young Jazz Musician of the Year (2018) saxophonist performing with Francis at Ushaw College, Durham (see photo) and Newcastle's Bridge Hotel. That was in pre-Covid times, since when Xhosa, a recent recipient of a Peter Whittingham Award, has taken London by storm. Anyone who watched the recent Kansas Smitty's live stream featuring the two tenors of Xhosa and Alec Harper playing Dizzy's Sonny Side Up album will attest to the impact he is making in the capital. 

On Sunday (Dec. 13) the Newcastle Jazz Co-op's weekly live stream features the Francis Tulip Quintet. Joining Francis and Xhosa will be Birmingham friends Tuoyo Awala, piano, Louis Stringer, bass, and drummer Matt Holmes. Tutored by some of the best in the business, these guys are out and about gigging (Covid-19 constraints not withstanding), regularly working with some of Britian's finest jazz musicians. Now, at eight o'clock on Sunday evening, there is the opportunity to hear the quintet play a selection of original compositions by signing up for the live stream. For the modest charge of £7.50 (there is the option to pay more!) you'll be able to enjoy an hour or more of music. That's Sunday sorted, 8:00pm. Check out: www.jazzcoop.         

Russell