Charl Du Plessis Trio
The Charl du Plessis Trio is one of the most versatile and respected crossover
ensembles in South Africa. The diverse style of music this ensemble performs
ranges from Baroque, Latin, Swing, Classical to Funk and sets them apart from
other instrumental groups. The trio consists of Steinway Artist Charl du Plessis
(piano), Werner Spies (bass) and Hugo Radyn (drums).
The Charl du Plessis Trio was founded in 2006 to further the enjoyment of jazz
music and prove that classic music lovers can enjoy jazz too. This unit recorded
their first album TRIO in 2007 with new arrangements of jazz standards and
original music by Charl du Plessis. After the release of this album the Charl du
Plessis Trio was invited to perform at various festivals across South Africa. After
a countrywide tour with the TRIO album 2009 the first international tour
followed with sold-out performances in China, Switzerland and the Netherlands.
Charl du Plessis is a Steinway Artist and one of the most respected pianists in
South Africa performing across various styles and diciplines and as soloist with
some of the country’s leading syphony orchestras. Werner Spies is a multitalented bass player and teacher. Hugo Radyn is a free-lance jazz drummer and
teacher high in demand for his specialised musicianship and quality of playing.
In 2009 the Charl du Plessis Trio was awarded the prize as the best new
production at the Volksblad Arts festival in Bloemfontein for their production
Rhapsody in Blue.
In 2010 the Charl du Plessis Trio recorded new arrangements of classical
compositions on Arena, the SAMA nominated CD of organist Ockie Vermeulen.
Highlights of the 2011 season included return tours to Shanghai and a special
performance at the Festival der Zukunft in Ernen, Switzerland as well as a
performance in Amsterdam for the opening of the Transvaal Art Contemporary
Art Gallery.
In 2012 the Trio recorded their second album – Shanghai Brunch with jazz
arrangements of compositions by Bach, Mozart, Beethoven and others. This
album was awarded a SAMA nomination for Best Classical Album and was
awrded a KykNet Ghoema award for Best Instrumental album 2012.
The trio will returned to China and Switzerland in 2013 and released a new CD
and DVD of their live show PIMP MY PIANO.
For more information please visit www.charlduplessis.com