6-7/3
Michelle David& The True-Tones (US)
On stage, Michelle David & The True-Tones are a musical whirlwind. Their concerts radiate warmth, joy, and virtuosity – and it’s nearly impossible for audiences to sit still. They’ve made festival crowds dance and cheer at stages like Pinkpop, North Sea Jazz, Cheltenham Jazz Festival, Umbria Jazz, and London Jazz Festival – and their live shows are as celebrated as their studio albums.
Michelle David began singing in church in New York at the age of four and toured the world long before making her mark in Europe. She has appeared in Broadway productions such as Mama, The Sound of Motown, and Mahalia, and recorded with stars like Diana Ross and Michael Bolton. Her career is defined by authenticity, versatility, and a voice that seamlessly bridges generations and musical styles.
Together with musicians Onno Smit and Paul Willemsen, the band grew out of the critically acclaimed project The Gospel Sessions. What began as raw, earthy interpretations of gospel quickly evolved into a group with its own identity and distinctive sound – joined by drummer Bas Bouma as the fourth member.
Inspired by gospel pioneers such as The Soul Stirrers, Sister Rosetta Tharpe, and Shirley Ann Lee, Smit and Willemsen found their way to the heart of gospel – and that’s where the collaboration with Michelle David was born. Since then, the group has expanded their musical horizons, drawing from 70s soul, Brazilian rhythms, and African grooves.
With seven studio albums to their name (The Gospel Sessions Vol. 1–4, Truth & Soul, Brothers & Sisters, and now Soul Woman), they’ve established themselves as one of Europe’s most respected soul and gospel acts. Truth & Soul was named “Album of the Year” by BBC Radio 6 Music, “Album of the Month” by FIP Radio, and nominated for an Edison Award – the Dutch equivalent of a Grammy.
With Soul Woman, set for release in February 2026, Michelle David & The True-Tones reaffirm their place as one of the most powerful voices in modern soul and gospel. Their music uplifts, inspires, and unites – with love, strength, and irresistible groove.
On stage:
Michelle David – vocals
Onno Smit – guitar & bass
Paul Willemsen – guitar & bass
Bas Bouma – drums & percussion
On stage, Michelle David & The True-Tones are a musical whirlwind. Their concerts radiate warmth, joy, and virtuosity – and it’s nearly impossible for audiences to sit still. They’ve made festival crowds dance and cheer at stages like Pinkpop, North Sea Jazz, Cheltenham Jazz Festival, Umbria Jazz, and London Jazz Festival – and their live shows are as celebrated as their studio albums.
Michelle David began singing in church in New York at the age of four and toured the world long before making her mark in Europe. She has appeared in Broadway productions such as Mama, The Sound of Motown, and Mahalia, and recorded with stars like Diana Ross and Michael Bolton. Her career is defined by authenticity, versatility, and a voice that seamlessly bridges generations and musical styles.
Together with musicians Onno Smit and Paul Willemsen, the band grew out of the critically acclaimed project The Gospel Sessions. What began as raw, earthy interpretations of gospel quickly evolved into a group with its own identity and distinctive sound – joined by drummer Bas Bouma as the fourth member.
Inspired by gospel pioneers such as The Soul Stirrers, Sister Rosetta Tharpe, and Shirley Ann Lee, Smit and Willemsen found their way to the heart of gospel – and that’s where the collaboration with Michelle David was born. Since then, the group has expanded their musical horizons, drawing from 70s soul, Brazilian rhythms, and African grooves.
With seven studio albums to their name (The Gospel Sessions Vol. 1–4, Truth & Soul, Brothers & Sisters, and now Soul Woman), they’ve established themselves as one of Europe’s most respected soul and gospel acts. Truth & Soul was named “Album of the Year” by BBC Radio 6 Music, “Album of the Month” by FIP Radio, and nominated for an Edison Award – the Dutch equivalent of a Grammy.
With Soul Woman, set for release in February 2026, Michelle David & The True-Tones reaffirm their place as one of the most powerful voices in modern soul and gospel. Their music uplifts, inspires, and unites – with love, strength, and irresistible groove.
On stage:
Michelle David – vocals
Onno Smit – guitar & bass
Paul Willemsen – guitar & bass
Bas Bouma – drums & percussion