The Tibbs

Formed in Amsterdam, The Netherlands in 2012, The Tibbs are a soul and funk band inspired by Detroit and Philly soul from the 1960s and 1970s. Often compared to artists on the US-based label Daptone Records (including Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings), the group’s gritty sound embraces the retro sounds of Motown and Stax Records but adds a touch of modern garage rock. Founded by Henk Kemkes (guitar), Paul Jonker (Hammond organ / guitar), Michael Willemsen (bass), Bas de Vries (drums), Coen de Bries (tenor sax), Berd Ruttenberg (baritone sax), and Siebe Posthuma de Boer (trumpet). Originally fronted by vocalist Elsa Bekman, the group began performing classic soul material and instrumentals before deciding to expand their repertoire and add original material. The Tibbs released their first single, “Footprints in the Sand,” and debut EP, Cleaned Out, in 2014. Both releases were critically acclaimed and paved the way for their 2016 debut album, Takin’ Over. The group’s popularity began to spread throughout Europe as well as overseas. However, vocalist Elsa Bekman decided to leave the group and was replaced by Roxanne Hartog by the time the group issued their second full length album, Another Shot Fired (2020). With their commercial profile at an all-time high, The Tibbs released the single “Ain’t It Funny” in November 2023. The single was the first track to be released in advance of their 2024 album Keep It To Yourself.