Search - Time for Three :: Time for Three

Lyrical players of great emotional electricity

J. Ross | Roseburg, OR USA | 02/20/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Playing Time - 37:21 -- Word is traveling like wildfire about Time for Three, a trio of young musicians with two violins and upright bass. Friends of mine attending the 2004 American Harp Society conference in Philadelphia caught the trio at the Museum of Art there, and they told me to check out the ensemble. Zachary DePue, Nicolas Kendall, and Ranaan Meyer met and formed the trio while enrolled at the Curtis Institute of Music. Now with a few years of high visibility performing, recording, and touring experience under their belts, Time for Three is poised to launch their careers to an even higher level.



Released in late-2002, Time for Three's self-titled debut album demonstrates that they are lyrical players of great emotional electricity who draw their enchanting repertoire from a variety of sources from traditional old-time fiddling to bluegrass, Gypsy and classical music. Opening with a quick-paced romp through their arrangement of the fiddle tune, "Ragtime Annie," they then show their affinity for Gypsy music with the spirited "Csardas." Meyer's bass and some train sound effects provide the prelude for an "Orange Blossom Special" that is full of steam. Time for Three's medley of "Ashoken Farewell" and "Amazing Grace" displays virtuoso musicianship. A smooth, silky touch on the bow intimately conveys these favorites. "Bach Double" features DePue and Kendall, and the piece shows that they are superior instrumentalists in the classical idiom as well. Father of Bluegrass Bill Monroe's "Jerusalem Ridge," about an area he hunted for fox near Rosine, Ky. is given a dynamic arrangement that still preserves the Scottish and Irish sounds that Monroe wanted to reflect. Ranaan Meyer's original, "Mohawk," shows some fine bow work. Brahm's "Hungarian Dance" is a tastefully-rendered 6-minute piece that transitions from solo bass to a remarkably powerful rhythmic intensity. The trio's collaborative original, "Samuel," closes the project on a reflective and inspirational note.



Time for Three is comprised of first class musicians who have a love for an eclectic repertoire that both respects tradition and allows them to build a personalized signature sound. Their youthful energy and exuberance, along with classical music sensibilities, will take them far. While this album is certainly a showcase for their singularly impressive talents, Depue, Kendall and Meyer have a unique cohesive flair when they're all playing together. I hope that they'll continue to push the envelope into uncharted territory, and I look forward to their next album. (Joe Ross, Roseburg, OR.)

"

Most impressive debut album

Peter S. Greer | Pittsburgh | 04/26/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I'm a huge fan of these classically trained musicians. The string trio (2 violins and double bass) met while on full scholarships at the Curtis Institute and started to jam between orchesta rehearsals. They all play classical music extremely well. But what they do on this CD cannot be taught in music school. This CD consists of totally original arrangements of many well know pieces ranging from country music to classical standards as well as some original tunes. Simon Rattle has called them "the future of music". I would agree. Their next CD should be out very soon. This CD was recorded while they were still in school. They are on a 100 concert tour this year and should find many new fans as a result."