Paul Francis Ensemble

Paul has extensive experience leading groups for small gatherings and large events alike. See descriptions for different-sized groups below:

Trio-The most compact group. Great for a cocktail hour or smaller event. This trio can play jazz standards, Latin jazz, pop, and R&B.

The Paul Francis Quartet- This group is perfect for a concert, but can also adapt to perform background music at your private event. The quartet plays improvised music within unique arrangements of pop tunes from the 1960's-2000's.

Octet-Get the sound of a big band with half of the musicians. This group performs classics from Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Woody Herman, and more. Styles included in this band’s repertoire are swing, salsa, bossa nova, even some R&B and pop. Want a special arrangement of a tune for your event? We can accommodate that. (Extra fees may apply)

Big Band-Sometimes, only a 16 piece band will do. Boasting 13 horns and 3 rhythm section players, this band’s repertoire includes music from Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Claude Thornhill, Stan Kenton, Woody Herman and many more. Need a special arrangement of a tune for your function? We can accommodate that. (Extra fees may apply) Great for a concert or for that private event that needs something a little extra, this band will make your event one to remember.

Grammy-award winning drummer and educator Paul Francis has extensive experience working with some of the world’s greatest musicians. He is featured on the Lady Gaga and Tony Bennett album and subsequent PBS special “Cheek to Cheek”, and toured extensively with the duo to support that recording. Paul has also recorded and/or performed with Stevie Wonder, Jose Feliciano, Jon Faddis, David Hazeltine, Jim Belushi, Molly Ringwald, Megan Hilty, The Rockettes, Ralph Lalama, Brian Newman, Rich Little, The Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra and The Albany Symphony Orchestra, and the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra conducted by Buddy Morrow. Paul has also appeared on shows for HBO, ABC, NBC, Netflix and MTV, and is on the soundtrack for the movie “Friends with Kids” as well as “A Star is Born” featuring Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper.

-The band would need a space of 10'x6' for trio, 12'x8' for quartet, 15'x8 for the octet, 20'x10' for the big band.
-Must have access to a power outlet in the performance area OR an extension chord to the area with a power strip and 4 inputs.
-Adequate lighting to see music preferable.
-The band has amplifiers adequate for small theaters (300 seats). For larger rooms or large parties, a PA system may be preferred, and needed to be provided by, the client. (The band's amplification is fine for most parties/cocktail receptions)