The Contemporary Fortepiano

Did you ever hear an 18th century fortepiano, a violone from 1560 and a historical drum and percussion kit playing contemporary music full of improvisation and groove?

This mix of sounds has never before been heard, certainly not in jazz. The chosen repertoire is equally unorthodox: the trio play original compositions, baroque repertoire, modern improvisations and even Herbie Hancock’s jazz-rock hit Butterfly.

‘A fantastic listening experience’

— Jazzenzo

‘Fresh, lively and inspiring. Every minute of it is evocative’

— Pat Szatmari

‘The innovation and inspired playing these three men achieve together sets the bar HIGH’

— Wayne Wilmeth

Piano-pioneer Rembrandt Frerichs developed a unique playing style on the fortepiano, an idea that was spawned by the many collaborations with musicians from the Middle East. The National Musical Instrument fund had such an instrument built for Rembrandt by Chris Maene in Belgium. In response to this, Tony Overwater started to master the violone, precursor to the double bass. Vinsent Planjer complements this with an unconventional collection of percussion instruments from all over the world, the Whisper Kit.

The Rembrandt Frerichs Trio demonstrates that instruments from centuries gone by can sound totally modern when placed into a new context. The listener experiences a sound palette like they have never heard before but that’s strangely familiar.

– Text: Challenge Records

‘This trip of the daredevil men with their old boxes sounds strange and yet familiar – and above all timelessly good’

— Jazzthing

Videos

The Contemporary Fortepiano – Album trailer

The Contemporary Fortepiano – Live at De Doelen

The Contemporary Fortepiano – ‘Escher’

‘Very original and very successful’

— Le Soir

‘The rich platform that forms the musical genre of jazz can be expanded indefinitely with this album’

— Jazz Fun