
Shireen Francis Band
London based jazz vocalist Shireen Francis is a warm and soulful performer who continually takes her audiences into a new dimension. Her sound is rich and multi-layered, at once delicate, yet powerful. Shireen sings jazz in a uniquely sophisticated way and her rich vocals and innate musicianship is always an uplifting musical experience.
“Everything comes straight from the heart.” Carmen Lundy, Jazz vocalist & composer
“Quite simply, Shireen is one of the best British Jazz Vocalists of this generation” Tony Currie, BBC Radio
“Reminiscent of a young Cleo” Brian Blain, Jazz UK
Shireen studied jazz under Lee Gibson at RACC and Louise Gibbs and Mark Bassey at Goldsmiths College and during her 20 year career has performed at venues such as Ronnie Scott’s, Royal Festival Hall, Royal Albert Hall, 100 Club, 606 Club and Smollensky's on the Strand. She has also played at many international venues and festivals including Soho Jazz Festival, London Oris Jazz Festival, Ealing Jazz Festival, Richmond Jazz Festival, Ingolstadt Festival (Germany), Brattislava Jazz Festival (Czech Republic) and Slovenia Jazz Festival and has worked with artists such as, Billy Ocean, Benny Green, Jim Mullen, John Etheridge, Humphrey Lyttleton, Frank Griffiths, Anita Wardell, Gill Manley, Juliet Kelly, Ciyo Brown, Cameron Pierre, and Brian Abrahams. Shireen’s band contains some of the UK’s top Jazz musicians:
Barry Green – Piano
Barry studied classical and jazz piano at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, graduating in 2002. Whilst still studying, he began playing professionally in a varied range of musical styles. Barry plays regularly with both singers and instrumentalists in jazz venues all over the UK, including Ronnie Scotts, the 606 Club and The Vortex. Barry has also had a wide range of teaching experience at various Jazz Summer schools, and at The Guildhall School of Music and Goldsmiths College.
Julie Walkington – Double Bass
Julie started her musical career playing on electric bass, with various rock, indie and folk bands in the north of England and the USA. Her love of jazz led her to move to London, where she studied at the Guildhall School of Music. She has worked with many of London’s jazz musicians such as Claire Martin, Anita Wardell, Huw Warren, Chris Biscoe, Jim Mullen and has recorded with Tina May, Tony Coe, Georgia Mancio and Barb Jungr with whom she also toured extensively. Currently, Julie is working with Georgia Mancio, Tina May, Shireen Francis, Naadia Sheriff, and Geoff Eales amongst others.
Tristan Maillot - Drums
French born, Tristan studied at Dartington College of Music and The Royal Academy of Music. He has appeared with leading UK and international artists, including; Art Farmer, Jim Hall, Bobby Shew, Scott Hamilton, Peter King, Stan Tracey, Dave Newton, Alan Barnes, Gerard Presencer and Jim Mullen. He has many recording credits to his name including albums by Tina May and Gareth Williams.