Tristan Frou-Frou new jazz funk soul album 2025

Written on 17 July 2025 - 622 views

With Frou-Frou, their eighth studio album, the Dutch band Tristan confirms they are much more than a live band: a tight-knit, demanding formation deeply rooted in the jazz-funk and soul tradition, while remaining decidedly modern. This new record, both luxurious and luminous, lives up to its name: Frou-Frou, like a promise of shine, style, and an extra touch of soul.

At the heart of the project is the founding trio: Sebastiaan Cornelissen (drums), Frans Vollink (bass), and Coen Molenaar (keyboards), three musicians whose musical chemistry and technical mastery are well established. Together, they form a rock-solid rhythm section, capable of alternating sharp grooves, more aerial passages, and moments of improvisation with disarming ease. Cornelissen, precise and inventive behind the drums, brings an energy that is both fluid and impactful. Vollink lays down supple, warm bass lines, while Molenaar, the architect of the Tristan sound, blends Rhodes, synths, and analog textures with taste and intelligence. It’s worth mentioning his recent collaboration with Incognito, where he co-wrote two tracks on their latest album Into You.

This already very strong musical foundation is enriched by two new members, marking a true turning point for the band. First, Irma Derby, a singer with immediate charisma and a sumptuous voice, both powerful and caressing, in the vein of Randy Crawford or Donna Summer. She embodies the soul of Frou-Frou, giving substance and emotion to every track, from intimate ballads to the most effervescent funk. It is she who, through her presence and nuanced interpretation, turns songs like I’ve Been Loving You Too Long or Rising Up into moments of pure grace.

On guitar, Glenn Black completes the picture. His playing, both funky, edgy, and elegant, fits perfectly into Tristan’s universe. He brings fresh energy and a subtle, precise rhythmic dynamic reminiscent at times of Tower of Power or The Brand New Heavies’ golden days.

Throughout the album’s 12 tracks, Tristan weaves a contemporary soul sound, colored by funk, acid-jazz, and pop influences, without ever repeating themselves. Their sound evokes the 70s with its vintage textures and analog warmth, but speaks to today’s audience with its energy and modernity. Each composition seems designed for live performance, leaving space for improvisation—a deliberate choice by the band, who love to make every concert a unique moment.

After more than 80 dates around their previous album SEVEN, Tristan will hit the road again in spring 2025 with a tour that will stop in:

• Poland
• France
• Japan
• Germany
• Spain
• the United Kingdom
• and of course, the Netherlands.

Like their music, their concerts are bursts of optimism, driven by a contagious love of groove and collective performance.

Line-up:

• Irma Derby – vocals
• Glenn Black – guitar
• Coen Molenaar – keyboards
• Frans Vollink – bass
• Sebastiaan Cornelissen – drums

Learn more, listen to the album, and find the next tour dates at: www.tristanmusic.eu

With Frou-Frou, Tristan delivers an album where virtuosity, passion, and groove combine to offer an experience as elegant as it is unforgettable, confirming their essential place on the international soul and jazz-funk scene.

See you soon, here or elsewhere !

Chrys