Albums: Tristan Seven

Tristan is a jazz, soul and funk band which has just released its seventh album, aptly named Seven. If you are a fan of Incognito, The Brand New Heavies, Shakatak and to a lesser extent Matt Bianco and Basia this pleasing album is one you should consider adding to your collection.

The overall sound here is bright and optimistic making you feel that the warmer days of summer are not all that far away.

Highlights include the single, Diamonds which breezes along confidently with a jazzy keyboard solo towards the end from keyboardist Coen Molenaar, the soulfulness of Another Season which comes with the joyfulness of spring and the warm vocals of Jaycilee Teterissa, the excellent Double Trouble where a intoxicating keyboard riff is complemented by a sublime melody and the uplifting You Will Never Know.

The band moves out of its comfort zone on Don’t Skip This Too which comes with spoken words over a haunting background.

A residency at the prestigious Ronnie Scott’s nightclub in London would suit them ideally as would a residency at the Blue Note Club in Milan.

When the music is this good you begin to wonder how much longer it will be before Tristan becomes as successful as it deserves to be. The term hidden gem has become something of a cliché however there really is no better way to describe what is on offer here amongst these twelve superlative tracks.

A highly recommended album.