TRIPI channels personal grief into shared catharsis on 'Close to Fire: Roman’s Anthology Release Part I'

November 2, 2026

TRIPI channels personal grief into shared catharsis on ‘Close to Fire: Roman’s Anthology Release Part I’

Rock-and-soul musician Tony Tripi aka TRIPI channels deeply personal grief into a shared musical experience on his new album, Close to Fire: Roman’s Anthology Release Part I.

A 10-track collection weaving through the many layers of grief, the record which was created after his grandson Roman died one day after his birth, is shaped as a comforting yet open dialogue around grief, remembrance, love and the support people can offer one another.

Opening with the slow built melody of “Charlie’s Song,” which drew from a inspired by a conversation Tripi witnessed between his
daughter and another grieving mother while staying at therapeutic carefarm Selah Carefarm, the album immediately encapsulates how grief can take different forms.

The groovy “Can’t Keep a Good Man Down For Long” comes next as it revisits something that helped him through a dark period while “Tears in Heaven,” with its stripped-back guitar soundscape is wrapped in tenderness.

“Ronan,” featuring the lush vocals of Emily Grove is an emotive stand-out shaped by lilting instrumentals that feel melancholic yet soothing. On the flip side, the rock-tinged edge of anthemic number “Come To Poppa,” is expressive and bold in its catharsis.

An expansive musicality that plays with genre and moods continues to unfold throughout the project, right down to the warmth of penultimate track “Angel Eyes,” giving way to the easy-going slow-jam stylings of “Somewhere Over The Rainbow,” led by the soaring, smooth vocals of Jessie Wagner closing out the album.

Presenting grief not just as a single feeling, but taking us through remembrance, absence, anger, tenderness, perseverance and hope, the album is built on personal response transform into a collaborative recording featuring nearly two dozen musicians.

Speaking of his craft, he says “It is my hope that by coming together in a shared musical community, we can lean on each other when the grief is too much to carry on our own.”

Weaving intimate, lived experiences with resonant narratives rooted in connection, music has remained a constant comfort in Tripi’s life and with his craft he pays it forward.

Connect with TRIPI : Instagram

Visit Lyrical Muse for music reviews, exclusive coverage and more.