RESIDENT: Tuuli Põldvee. FRICTION: Velvet Grooves • Philly Joe's Summer Residency 2026

Resident: TUULI PÕLDVEE. FRICTION: VELVET GROOVES

Thursday, July 2, 9 p.m. at Philly Joe's Jazz Club

This summer, Philly Joe’s belongs to its residents! The stage is set for Estonia’s rising young musicians — distinctive bandleaders and artists with a fresh sonic voice, already shaping the future of the local alternative scene.

Each night brings a new focus, sound and line-up, ranging from premieres of new material to one-of-a-kind experiments and late-night jam sessions. 

Expect contemporary jazz and everything orbiting around it! All summer long in the heart of Tallinn, at Philly Joe's Jazz Club!

“FRICTION: Velvet Grooves”

Tuuli Põldvee is a young bassist from Pärnu, Estonia. She began her musical journey as a flutist, but later discovered rhythm music and the bass guitar, which have since become her primary focus. She is currently in her second year of bass guitar studies in the Rhythm Music Department at the Tallinn School of Music and Ballet. Tuuli has participated in numerous festivals and competitions, including Jazzkaar, Koolijazz, the Round Table competition, and the Uno Naissoo Composition Competition, and has been active in various ensembles across Estonia. Over the past year, she has focused primarily on original music with her band Friction. Her diverse musical background has led her to explore a range of genres, but her deepest affinities lie in neo-soul, R&B, and funk.

Friction is a collective of young musicians whose diverse musical influences have sparked a unique creative chemistry. Bringing smooth neo-soul and R&B grooves to the stage of Philly Joe’s, the band presents both original compositions and carefully selected repertoire inspired by artists such as Hiatus Kaiyote, D’Angelo, Erykah Badu, and Tom Misch.

The project originated from the early songwriting collaborations of vocalist Karl Kallastu and bassist Tuuli Põldvee. Since then, it has evolved into a seven-piece ensemble whose music is defined by deep grooves, rich harmonies, improvisation, and an ongoing musical dialogue between the performers.

Friction’s original music has received recognition at the Uno Naissoo Composition Competition in both 2024 and 2026. Their work has also been featured at the Koolijazz Festival and as part of Jazzkaar’s urban space programme. In addition, the band participated in the Livestage Youth competition, where they received a special award and received an invitation to perform at the 2026 NOVUS Showcase Festival in Lithuania.

Line-up:

Daniel Fomotškin - keyboards

Karl Kallastu - vocals

Helene Hermiine Tamm - vocals

Jürgen Valgemäe - drums

Magnus Siska - guitar

Martti Tarsalainen - guitar

Tuuli Põldvee - bass

The ticket does not guarantee a seat, we recommend arriving early or making a table reservation for 10 € per table: info@phillyjoes.com

Philly Joe's jazz club is supported by Cultural Endowment of Estonia, the Ministry of Culture, Tallinn Culture and Sports Department, private patreons, and many more.