Tristan Israel is Making a Scene

December 14, 2024

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Making a Scene Presents an Interview with Tristan Israel

Tristan Israel’s newest album “Snake Hollow” was recorded on the island of Martha’s Vineyard in the town of West Tisbury by Paul Thurlow, a talented artist in his own right. Tristan’s music varies in style but is always consistent in its surprising deliveries. The lyrics are poetical and well thought out. The songs on the album deal with many moods and subjects. “Snake Hollow” pays homage to Tristan’s home and the surrounding natural environment. “Massachusetts” has a subtle bent to its lyrics but is also an anthem for the state. Musically heading in another direction, “House Always Wins” is a catchy blues tune with a blunt message that is contained in the title. “Virginia” is a song that Tristan wrote many years ago but he wanted to re-record with Nancy Jephcote, a consummate fiddle player and member of the Tristan Israel Band.

Her musical voicings add so much more to the song. “Gotta Believe” has a soul feel to it and was co-written by Rich Levinson a bass player from California. It was born via Zoom during the Covid year when a group of musicians from around the country came together online and exchanged ideas and music and friendship and showcased extraordinary creativity. There are many highlights to Tristan’s latest album and many topics are covered. From Monarch butterflies to the Astrolabe an ancient seafarer’s navigational tool, the listener is taken to a variety of moods and places. There is even a song inspired by Franz Kafka called “The Crow”. “When I Die” relays to the listener a humorous look at heaven! “Galicia”, takes the music in a surprising other direction. It speaks to the past but the message delivered is painfully current. The dramatic klezmer like accompaniment that Tristan’s band members Paul Thurlow and Nancy Jephcote recorded on the track is dramatic, evocative and unique sounding.

The Tristan Israel band consists of Tristan Israel, Paul Thurlow and Nancy Jephcote. Tristan sings vocals, plays acoustic guitar and also harmonica on “Water Over the Dam”.

Paul plays bass, piano, keys, electric guitar, percussion and backing vocals. Nancy Jephcote plays the fiddle and adds a piano track on the song “Galicia”.

Other musicians who contributed to the album are: Mike Israel who plays drums on “Snake Hollow”, “House Always Wins” and “When I Die”. Mike, Tristan’s younger brother, is a well-known percussionist on the west coast and he has backed up and toured with many renowned musicians. Phil Spillane plays harmonica on “When I Die”, “No Steal” and “On Our Way” and his bluesy notes greatly enhance those numbers.

“Snake Hollow” is Tristan’s fourth album and may well be his best although he is continuing to create new music at his home in Snake Hollow.