Charl du Plessis Trio – Baroqueswing, Vol. 3 (2018) [FLAC 24bit/192kHz]

The South African ensemble, Charl du Plessis Trio, is consistently versatile in thier variety of influences they use in their arrangements. They have preformed Latin, Swing, Baroque, Classical, and Funk throughout their careers. The goal of this unique album is to highlight the group’s ability to cross-over musically and culturally with ease.

As one of the most unique and recognizable musical ensembles in South Africa today, the Charl du Plessis Trio has contributed to resurgence in the popularity of crossover music from Zeerust to Zürich, Stellenbosch to Shanghai. They have won major music awards including a South African Music Award (“SA Grammy”) and Ghoema Award for Best Instrumental Album. This trio frequently performs in Europe and Asia as well as at major music festivals in South Africa. Highlights include Grachtenfestival – the Netherlands, Musikdorf Ernen – Switzerland, and Standard Bank Joy of Jazz – Johannesburg.

Formed in 2006 the scope of the Charl du Plessis Trio’s musical diversity is what makes their endeavors truly unique. Performing in styles ranging from classical, jazz, rock, pop and even salsa, reggae and Latin they have recorded four albums: Trio (2007), Shanghai Brunch (2010), Baroqueswing (2013) and Gershwin Songbook (2015). This musical unit consists of pianist Charl du Plessis, bassist Werner Spies and drummer Hugo Radyn.

Charl du Plessis is a prolific pianist and Steinway Artist with an extensive performing schedule who holds a Doctorate of music from the University of Pretoria under Joseph Stanford. He has performed on 4 continents, and his repertoire ranges from classics with leading symphony orchestras to jazz and pop. He has since appeared on the stage of the Berlin Philharmonie for a performance with Chick Corea in July 2015 and has been the collaborative pianist with South African star singer/songwriter Nataniël since 2000 performing in more than 120 performances per year.

Werner Spies studied jazz at the Tshwane University of Technology in Pretoria and is a free-lance bass player and teacher. He is a successful entrepreneur co-owning the Haloa coffee shop chain in Pretoria, South Africa. He has also toured Europe as bass player with South African singer Jannie du Toit.

Hugo Radyn is a specialist jazz drummer who studied jazz at the Tshwane University of Technology in Pretoria. He is a sought after drum teacher and is currently on the staff at Cornwall Hill College. He has made recordings for various projects ranging from CD, DVD and live radio broadcasts.

Highlights from the upcoming concert schedule include a live recording of the Trio’s first LIVE DVD in Ernen, Switzerland as well as a return tour to China.

Tracklist:
ANTONIO VIVALDI (1678-1741)
Violin Concerto in F Major, Op. 8 No. 3 RV 293,
Autumn from Four Seasons
1 I. Allegro 7:50
2 II. Adagio molto 2:30
3 III. Allegro 3:52
CHARL DU PLESSIS (BORN IN 1977)
4 Waltz Sum More 5:29
5 Pay With Samba 4:50
J. S. BACH (1685-1750)
Concerto for two violins in D Minor BWV 1043
6 I. Vivace 3:10
7 II. Largo ma non tanto 6:27
8 III. Allegro 4:25
Bach & Friends Jazz Suite
9 I. Wachet Auf und Ruft uns die Stimme 5:35
10 II. Take the A Train (Billy Strayhorn) 5:40
11 III. Bist Du Bei Mir 6:01
12 IV. Billie’s Bounce (Charlie Parker) 4:05
13 V. Minuet (from Anna Magdalena Notenbüchlein) 4:27
14 VI. Musette (from Anna Magdalena Notenbüchlein) 5:32
15 VII. Spain (Chick Corea) 6:39