James Plattes - Larkspur Strings

Exceeding Your Expectations

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Strolling Violinists
String Quartets
Country, Jazz, Ethnic Fiddlers & Bands
Piano/Violin/Bass trios
Music for Theme Parties
Concerts, Clinics and Workshops
Weddings and Receptions

Providing fine string music for people living in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St Paul, Minnesota, the group was established in 1986 by violinist James Plattes. The Larkspur Strings® features three groups of extremely talented professional musicians. All groups feature James Plattes as leader and musical director. Cassette tapes of all groups are available.

James,
We just wanted to send you a short note to thank you again for playing at our daughter's wedding reception on October 11 and Riverwood Inn. We thouroughly enjoyed the music of your trio. We had many comments from our guests that the music was the best they had ever heard at a wedding reception. We loved the fact that your music appealed to people of all ages. Thanks for your help at making it a fun evening!

- Jim and Pat Samways

Strolling Trio

"They are a delightful group. Their music is inspiring and always very appropriate. I wholeheartedly recommend them."

- Former Minnesota Governor
Arne Carlson
.

Larkspur Strolling Trio consists of Violin, Guitar and String Bass. The group plays jazz, blues, pop and songs from Broadway shows. These guys can play your request! A drummer can be added for dancing.

Music samples in both Real Audio and WAV formats.
Real Audio samples require Real Audio G2 player.
Estimated download time about 1 minute each.

		Click a strolling trio sample below:
		Take Five by Paul Desmond
		Lady Be Good by Irving Berlin
		Little Suede Shoes by Charlie Parker
		And I Love Her by Lennon/McCartney
		Isn't She Lovely by Stevie Wonder
		One Note Samba by A.C. Jobim

Strolling Trio Repertoire List

Larkspur String Trio/Quartet

"We were very impressed with the versatility your trio showed in playing moving classical music for the ceremony and upbeat jazz pieces for the reception. Our guests thoroughly enjoyed the music..."

- Sincerely, Ellie Zimmerman & Robert R. Sieber

Larkspur String Trio/Quartet plays music from the Baroque, Romantic and Classic periods, plus arrangements of contemporary popular songs. A viola may be added if the richer sound of a string quartet is desired.

		Click a music sample below:
		Brandenberg Concerto #3 (excerpt) by J.S. Bach
		Eleanor Rigby by Lennon/McCartney
		Trumpet Tune by Henry Prucell
		Menuetto (excerpt) by Mozart
		Air from Orchestral Suite #3 by J.S. Bach

String Trio Repertoire List • String Quartet Repertoire List

"I want to tell you how much our group enjoyed the Larkspur Strings. The musicians strolled around the area and played requests which the guests enjoyed. I heard many complimentary remarks about the music - they were a great addition to the reception."

Marje Ryerson, Twin Cities Home Economists in Business

Larkspur Piano Quartet is a four piece group consisting of violin, piano, string bass & drums. Great jazz music seeks to surprise and delight the listener with new approaches to the art. Larkspur's Piano Quartet combination of romantic ballads, cool swing and hot Be-bop will do just that.

		Click a music sample below:
		Satin Doll by Duke Ellington
		Sugar by Stanley Turrentine
		Song For My Father by Horace Silver
		That's All by Alan Brant & Bob Haymes

The following combinations are also available: solo violin, solo fiddle, solo harp, solo piano, harp & flute, violin and guitar, solo mandolin, mandolin & guitar, fiddle, guitar and bass.

Piano Quartet Repertoire List

Larkspur Duo Classique

"The Larkspur Strings played at my daughter's wedding on August 13th. I found them to be exceptional."

John F. Doerfer, MD

Larkspur Duo Classique, Guitar & Violin/Mandolin
Duo Classique is comprised of James Plattes playing violin and mandolin and Jocko MacNelly playing nylon string classical guitar. The experience and musical ability of these two musicians blends beautifully into a sound that is a feast for the ears. The group plays Classical, Popular and Latin music.

		Click a guitar/violin sample below:
		Prince of Denmark by Jermiah Clark
		Kanon in D by Pachelbal

		Click a solo guitar/mandolin sample below:
		Ferry 'Cross the Mersey by Gerry & the Pacemakers
		Happy Just To Dance with You by George Harrison
		In My Life by Lennon/McCartney

Duo Classique Repertoire List

James Plattes - Solo

James Plattes, Solo Violinist/Mandolinist
Mr. Plattes plays a wide variety of music, ranging from violin concerto excerpts to French love songs, romantic violin showcase pieces to country fiddling standards like "Orange Blossom Special". If you are planning a large event, this option can still work for you. If you want the excitement of live music but don't need an ensemble, this option could be perfect for you.

		Click a solo violin sample below:
		Morning Of Life by Turlough O'Carolan
		Young William Plunkett by Turlough O'Carolan
		Rondeau by Jean Joseph Mouret
		Think Of Me by Andrew Lloyd Webber
		Water Music Suite (excerpt) by G. F. Handel

		Click a solo mandolin sample below:
		Black Orpheus by Luis Bonfa
		I Just Called To Say I Love You by Stevie Wonder
		Chim Chim Cheree by Richard & Robert Sherman
		I Will Wait For You by Michel Legrande

Mr. Plattes began his violin studies at the age of eight. He has studied violin with Robert Paul, Charles Mountain and Richard Adams. He has also studied fiddle with Vassar Clements, jazz with Eddie Berger and mandolin with Julius Bellson. A list of his credits includes The Guthrie Theater, The Children's theater Company & Former Minnesota Governor, Arne Carlson. He's recorded with the artist formerly known as Prince and toured with Olivia Newton-John and RCA recording artists The Daisy Dillman Band. Published author, award winning composer. James' three original albums have received air play on stations KBEM, KFAI, KSJN, WCCO and KTCJ in Minneapolis and KKGO in Los Angeles.

The Larkspur Strings have provided music for the following Corporations:
Guthrie Theatre	Ridgedale Merchants Assoc.	Federal Reserve Bank
Dayton Hudson Corp.	University of Minnesota	The Galleria
General Mills	St. Paul Company	Minneapolis Club
Minnesota Agri-Growth	Hazeltine National Golf Culb	Bloomingdales

The Larkspur Strings can tailor a group to fit your needs. Combinations of 1 to 10 musicians are available. We represent other musical groups and can supply all your musical needs.

For booking information contact James Plattes • Tel: 612.861.2954 • E-mail: james@wildgypsy.com

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