(October 28, 2024) One of soul music’s winning imports, Tristan, has, for over a decade, made audiences smile with its musicality and snap their fingers with grooves galore. That explains why SoulTracks (i.e. a 2023 Choice Cut, “Diamonds”) and an international fanbase continue praising the Dutch quintet’s pure musicianship, enhanced by high quality lead vocalists who keep the organic 70’s and 80’s atmosphere intact.
What stands out further with Tristan is the members’ knack for focusing mostly on the hopeful side of relationships, mixing funk, jazz and pop on all their previous nine CDs, all led by keyboardist Coen Molenaar in the tradition of veteran ensembles like Tower of Power and Incognito.
With another full-length headed our way Spring 2025 entitled Frou-Frou, Tristan’s current lineup of Molenaar, bass guitarist Frans Vollink, drummer/percussionist Sebastiaan Cornelissen and guitarist Glenn Black, plus new vocalist Irma Derby, offer a sweet story about yearning for love through happy memories. And our latest First Listen drops a sneak preview from Frou-Frou with “Will You Ever Stay” (Isolde Records).
From her opening adlib, Derby’s tender, yet powerful narration ponders if a lifetime love is meant to be: “Back then in 95/Sweet twenty something/ Was watching Seinfeld alone/A sad song came along/A river full of love/Love and pain/I felt like kissing, kissing the rain.”
Tristan creates a soothing soulful soundtrack that allows the whimsical storyline to blossom. For those who want a taste of smooth jazz, Molenaar’s nimble acoustic piano accommodates, particularly on a bonus extended version of “Will You Ever Stay.”
One of Tristan’s albums is entitled What Could Possibly Go Wrong. However, to this day, these international soul ambassadors are always alright. Check it out!
By Peggy Oliver
