Barend Tromp is a guitarist, bassist, and composer from the Netherlands whose music transcends borders and genres. With a background as diverse as his sound, Barend studied classical guitar at the Conservatory of Tilburg and attained a masters in Music Science at the University of Amsterdam. His passion for musical exploration led him to India and across Europe, where he studied the sitar under renowned masters. These influences — from Western classical to Indian raga — deeply inform his bass playing, resulting in a distinctive, genre-defying style.
Blending the rhythmic intricacy of slap bass with melodic and harmonic elements borrowed from guitar and sitar traditions, Barend has developed a voice all his own. In addition to his performance work, he’s a dedicated educator, teaching at various music schools and serving as a long-standing contributor to the Dutch bass magazine De Bassist. He is also the author of two guitar books and the acclaimed two-volume instructional series Next Level Slap Bass, widely respected for its innovative approach.
Barend’s music is as eclectic as it is original — a fusion of jazz, funk, world music, 70s progressive rock, electronic textures, and 20th-century classical influences. Yet, despite the complexity of these elements, his compositions remain grounded in groove and emotional resonance.
In 2021, Barend released his debut solo album Six Against Four, in which he showcases his multi-instrumentalist skills by both writing and performing all parts himself. The following year, his imaginative concept album Juvenile Fish Tales was released by Subcontinental Records (India). Inspired by a childhood book about marine life, the album features eleven instrumental tracks — each representing a different fish — and includes a special guest appearance by legendary American bassist Michael Manring. The project was met with widespread acclaim for its creativity and execution.
In 2025, Barend takes a bold leap into rhythmic experimentation with his third album, Odd Time Concepts, released on 7D Media — a U.S.-based label founded by visionary King Crimson alumnus Trey Gunn. Each of the album’s eleven tracks explores a unique time signature, ranging from familiar meters like 3/4 to more adventurous odd time signatures such as 13/16 and 21/8. Featuring four drummers, including progressive rock icon Pat Mastelotto (King Crimson, Stick Men), the album also includes a standout Warr guitar solo by Trey Gunn on the track “Madhuvanti.” Despite its experimental nature, the album remains accessible — maintaining groove and clarity throughout.
With each project, Barend Tromp continues to push the boundaries of composition and technique, crafting music that is both innovative and deeply expressive. His work resonates with musicians and listeners alike, offering a fresh and fearless perspective on contemporary instrumental music.
Track list:
1. Sitharsis
2. Gamelan Sepuluh
3. Life Path 21
4. Heavy Slap
5. Madhuvanti
6. Baritone War
7. Chromatron (Parts 1-3)
8. Thirteen
9. Access to the Sixth Dimension
10. Pandrah Ka Yantra
11. Chromatron (Parts 4-5)
Credits:
Barend Tromp - fretted and fretless basses, fretted and fretless guitars, sitar and synths
Trey Gunn - Warr guitar solo on 5
Pat Mastelotto - drums on 8
Ron van Stratum - drums on 2 & 10
Nathan van de Wouw - drums on 1 & 6
Eugene Vugts - drums on 4
All songs composed and mixed by Barend Tromp
Mastered by Michael Valentine West
Graphic design by Maarten Tromp
For more information: https://7dmedia.com/odd-time-concepts
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@barendtromp
Next Level Slap Bass Website: https://nextlevel-slapbass.com
Next Level Slap Bass Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/next_level_slap_bass/
Next Level Slap Bass Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NextLevelSlapBass/
Press inquiries: Keith James, Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158 (USA), glassonyonpr@gmail.com
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