"Eckerson, who writes the material, is an astounding keyboardist. his playing at various times evokes images of Jerry Lee Lewis, Keith Emerson, Mike Garson(get out your old Bowie records), and J.S. Bach. At the same time, I would appreciate his frustration at being so blithely compared to anyone. His is a unique voice whose playing has transcended sounding like his influences."
(Tony Conley- Dayton City Paper)
"Eckerson's abilities on the keys are impressive, creating a robust, intense aura."
(Mike Breen- Cincinnati CityBeat)
Classically trained on the piano as a child, Tristan soon began to experiment with many different instruments and styles of music. Through his adolescence he tried his luck with the trombone and the drums, but ultimately returned to the piano. During high school he studied on his own, and used the piano as an emotional and artistic outlet. After high school Tristan went to the College of Charleston in South Carolina, where he studied under Dave Haywood . He also immediately began playing in a popular band in the area called Doublestack. Doublestack quickly became successfull in the area, but creative differences caused the band to break up in the fall of 2002.
Upon returning to Cincinnati in the winter of 2003, Tristan formed the trio
Trifectafunk with two musicians that he had worked with informally in the past. Trifectafunk quickly became recognized in the Cincinnati music scene, garnering a Cincinnati Entertainment Awards nomination for best Funk/R&B band in 2005.
Through the years Tristan has continued to study and play on his own, sharing the stage with such greats as Karl Denson, Umphrey's McGee, Bump, Topaz, Ekoostik Hookah, Freekbass, and many more. Tristan officially disbanded Trifectafunk in the spring of 2008, opting to continue his career as a solo artist.
In 2004 Tristan released "A Different Hue", a collection of original instrumental piano compositions; recorded with John Brennan @ WVXU, and mixed and mastered with Brennan @ Ultra Suede Studios in Cincinnati, Ohio. Trifectafunk released their "Walking Backwards" EP in 2003, also recorded by John Brennan, as well as a self titled EP in 2007, recorded with Chris Schmidt at Sheperd's Pie Recording in Cincinnati.
Listen To Tristan's Brand New EP Exclusively on Myspace Before It's Official Release Later This Year
Tristan has recently finished recording a five track, self titled EP which will be offically released later on in 2008. The EP was recorded, mixed and mastered by
Erwin Musper at
The Bamboo Room recording studio in Heighland Heights, Kentucky. Erwin has over thirty years worth of experience working with such greats as David Bowie, Chicago, The Rolling Stones, and Elton John, just to name a few.
The recording was also blessed with the participation of some world class musicians.
Gary Winters wrote horn arrangements for the tracks "Traveling" and "Street Band", and played trumpet and flugel horn on the sessions.
Marc Fields played trombone on the sessions, and
Dwayne Irvin played the tenor sax and flute on the tracks.
Ben Cochran, the bassist from Tristan's former group Trifectafunk, laid down the bass tracks, and
Katherine Monnig took care of the drums. Collectively this group of musicians have played and continue to play locally, nationally, and internationally with such greats as Ray Charles, Fred Hersch, Fred Wesley, Kenny Garrett, and the Temptations.
Tristan is currently performing locally in San Francisco, California, and will be setting off on his first nationwide tour at the end of the summer.
Booking inquiries and general info:
[email protected]
View EPK at:
www.sonicbids.com/tristaneckerson
