Tristan Cappel Quintet

Tristan Cappel is a deeply passionate and sought-after multi-instrumentalist. He seeks to musically and energetically uplift every environment he is fortunate to be a part of.

Currently, Tristan is gearing up for his sophomore album, North Star, releasing late May 2026. The record is a major step in his development as a composer, producer, and artist, and will feature several notable contemporaries, such as Miguel Atwood-Ferguson, Telemakus, Kyla Moscovich, Adam Hersh, Andrew Renfroe, Alex Sil, Max Gerl, and Myles Martin.

2025 was a deeply rewarding and fulfilling year. In December 2025, he joined Sasha Berliner at SFJAZZ Miner Auditorium. In November 2025, he joined the Coltrane Home in Berkeley, CA in ‘Divine Offering’ celebrating the legacy of Alice Coltrane. He also joined bassist and composer Aubrey Situmorang (Billy Childs) in her sold-out Los Angeles bandleader debut. In September 2025, he began the recording process for his next album, North Star. In July 2025, he married the love of his life, Samantha Cappel! That same month, he joined Michelle Coltrane at the Hartford Jazz Festival and recorded lead woodwinds in the Marlonius Jazz Orchestra’s upcoming record, produced by Stanley Clarke. In June 2025, he joined Sly5thAve at Grand Performances in ‘CALIFORNIA LOVE: An Orchestral Celebration of Dr. Dre.’ In May 2025, he debuted a new trio with Telemakus and Miguel Atwood-Ferguson. In March 2025, he was a part of “Everybody’s LIVE with John Mulaney,” featuring Cypress Hill + Orchestra. In February 2025, he joined Michelle Coltrane and the Coltrane Home at the HAMMER Museum, Los Angeles, for their Alice Coltrane, Monument Eternal.

As a performer, Tristan is a regular collaborator with Michelle Coltrane, Telemakus, Miguel Atwood-Ferguson, and many more. In varying contexts, he has performed with Imagine Dragons, Gordon Goodwin’s Big Phat Band, Olivia Dean, Sasha Berliner, Sly5thAve, and Bruno Mars to name a few. As a recording artist, Tristan has contributed woodwinds for artists such as Lana Del Rey, Don Toliver, Laufey, Christina Aguilera, H.E.R., and others. Beyond this, he has made notable contributions in film, theater, and television.