Born and raised in Brighton, England, Tristan Banks gravitated to music at a very early age. At the age of 4, Tristan would play on a drum kit that was left in the house for his father’s rehearsals. As a teenager his musical tastes would be broadened by going to see Jan Garbarek with Nana Vasconcelos. This was to change the way he thought about drumming and inspired Tristan to start playing percussion and study Latin music.

He started his professional career at the age of 16 playing drums and percussion and within the next few years he was working regularly with bands such as Batu, Cubana Bop and Robin Jones King Salsa.

Tristan has since played in a wide spectrum of musical styles including Roy Ayers, Marcos Valle, Alexander OʼNeil, Lewis Taylor, Steve Howe (Yes), Dave Valentin (Tito Puente). He has recorded on 100ʼs of Albums, singles and jingles including multi-platinum selling Artist Ive Mendes.

Tristan has spent extensive time studying Afro-Brazilian rhythms at source in Brazil. Hehas taught Latin rhythms and drum technique at MIT London and Drumtech as well as numerous workshops in drums and percussion. Tristan continues to work on an international level with many artists and is currently working on writing his debut solo project.

Endorsements include Gretsch Drums, Zildjian Cymbals & Sticks, Remo Heads, Protection Racket Cases, Porter and Davies Tactile Monitoring

For more information go to www.tristanbanks.com