Forq / Sirintip

Forq is an instrumental quartet with an aggressive sound and a penchant for sonic exploration.

This all-star band based in New York released its third album, Thrēq, in August 2017. Founded by keyboardist Henry Hey (David Bowie, Empire of the Sun, and Jeff “Tain” Watts) and bassist Michael League (Grammy Award–winning founder of Snarky Puppy), Forq is joined by guitarist Chris McQueen (Snarky Puppy, Foe Destroyer, and Bokanté) and drummer Jason “JT” Thomas (Roy Hargrove’s The RH Factor, Marcus Miller, and D’Angelo).

Forq’s sound draws from the various musical paths of its members. Hey is the coleader of Rudder, a groundbreaking instrumental quartet. Thomas has a musical history rich in authentic Texas blues and swampy funk. McQueen brings his singular sonic approach, coupled with highly melodic soloing. Joining Forq on this tour is bassist Kevin Scott, whose incredible low-end groove can be heard with guitarist Wayne Krantz, as well as with Atlanta, Georgia, music legend Bruce Hampton.

Stretching across three continents and cultures (Thailand, Sweden, and America), Sirintip’s remarkable debut album Tribus—produced by three-time Grammy-winner Michael League of Snarky Puppy—is a gathering of different moments from the last four years of the singer/composer’s life. It’s an exciting, eclectic work that touches on pop, R&B, electronic, and jazz, while creating a sound uniquely its own.

Sirintip has also recorded with Snarky Puppy’s Bill Laurance, competed in the prestigious Thelonious Monk International Jazz Competition, performed with Benny Andersson from ABBA during a fundraiser held at the Guggenheim, opened at the Polar Music Prize to honor jazz great Wayne Shorter, and performed for the King of Sweden at the Wallenberg 100th anniversary.

Can’t make it to the show? Visit the Berklee Internet Radio Network (thebirn.com) at showtime to hear a live broadcast on the birnCORE channel.