The Dutch music group Ten Sharp was made famous by the hit You in the early nineties. The song from the band's debut album gained particular popularity in Great Britain, in 1992 entering the top ten national charts.
The band's founders and frontmen, Niels Hermes and Marcel Kaptein, keyboardist and vocalist, began their careers in the Streets group, performing rock compositions in their original interpretation.
The birth of the project
Wanting to attract the attention of record labels, in 1983 the musicians recorded new tracks. They piqued the interest of CBS Records. However, it turned out that a group with the same name already exists. The musicians were offered to rename the band. In October 1983 the team became "Ten Sharp".
In early 1985, the band recorded the song "When the Snow Falls", which climbed to # 15 on the charts. The hit "Japanese Love Song" entered the top 30 national charts.
1985 went on tour in the Netherlands. In February 1987, the band presented a novelty "Way of the West" in an arrangement unusual for listeners.
Downs and ups
By the fall of 1987, only Nils Hermes and Ton Groen remained in the team. They began collaborating with other performers, writing songs for them. In 1989, for a national competition, the authors presented new compositions.
The demo and "Ain't My Beating Heart" and "You" were recorded by Kaptain. His vocals shocked the management of Sony Music so much that a contract was awarded. The revived Ten Sharp looked like a trio of keyboardist Niels Hermes, lead singer Marcel Captain and lyricist Ton Groen.
The band recorded tracks for the collection "Under the Water-Line" in late 1990. They presented the album with the international hit "You" in March 1991.
Revival
The disc itself also gained popularity, providing the band's rise to a new level. With the recording of the tracks "Rich Man" and "When the Spirit Slips Away", work began on a new disc.
The mega-demand for "Yu" led the team to touring Europe, performing on radio and television. Only the grand piano accompanied the musicians in the studio. At times the line-up was supplemented by saxophonist Tom Barlage.
In the fall of 1992, fans received the new compilation "The Fire Inside". The disc was distinguished by greater saturation and depth of compositions. The listeners noted the lyricism and intimacy of the tracks.
On top again
The next album, released in May 1993, included the song "Dream On". She firmly established herself on several music charts in the Netherlands and became popular with the band's fans.
Touring Argentina inspired the single and music video "Rumors in the City". The idea was supported by Amnesty International, whose footage became the basis of the video.
Ten Sharp continues its work. The group has become the standard of stylish and intelligent brevity in pop music.
In an ideal balance, the musicians present the listener with a combination of soul, high quality rock and electronics. With this "cocktail" they managed to conquer many music lovers all over the world.
