Time For Three
The groundbreaking, category-shattering trio Time for Three transcends traditional classification, with elements of classical, country western, gypsy and jazz idioms forming a blend all its own. The members -- Zachary (Zach) De Pue, violin; Nicolas (Nick) Kendall, violin; and Ranaan Meyer, double bass -- carry a passion for improvisation, composing and arranging, all prime elements of the ensemble's playing.
What started as a trio of musicians who played together for fun while students at Philadelphia's Curtis Institute for Music evolved into Time for Three, or Tf3 for short, which is a charismatic ensemble with a reputation for limitless enthusiasm and no musical boundaries. Violinists De Pue and Kendall first discovered their mutual love of fiddling in the country western and bluegrass styles. Bassist Meyer then introduced them to his deep roots in jazz and improvisation. After considerable experimentation, the three officially formed Tf3. The ensemble gained instant attention in July 2003 during a lightning-induced power failure at Philadelphia's Mann Music Center. While technicians attempted to restore onstage lighting, Ranaan and Zach, who were both performing with The Philadelphia Orchestra, obliged with an impromptu jam session that included works as far afield from the originally scheduled symphony as "Jerusalem's Ridge," "Ragtime Annie," and "The Orange Blossom Special." The crowd went wild.
To date, the group has performed hundreds of engagements as diverse as its music: from featured guest soloists with The Philadelphia Orchestra to opening for k. d. lang.
Tf3 sets itself apart not only with its varied repertoire performed with astonishing technical acuity, but also through its approach. Its high-energy performances are free of conventional practices, drawing instead from the members' differing musical backgrounds. The trio also performs its own arrangements of traditional repertoire and Ranaan Meyer provides original compositions to complement the trio's offerings.
In addition to its demanding performance schedule, the trio is committed to reaching younger audiences and has participated in a number of educational residencies and outreach concerts including Paul Newman's Hole In The Wall Gang Camp (for which they have helped raise over $8 million along with Whoopi Goldberg, Alec Baldwin, Mikhail Baryshnikov and Joanne Woodward); The Fox Channel's "Good Morning Philadelphia" telecast from the Kimmel Center; the Liberty Awards Ceremony honoring Colin Powell; and the Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce's morning debate banquet for gubernatorial candidates Edward Rendell and Mike Fisher. Tf3 was also featured in the Pennsylvania Society's televised annual gala from New York's Waldorf-Astoria.
Time for Three has been seen and heard frequently on various television and radio broadcasts throughout the country, including numerous times on Public Television and NPR, and was featured in a documentary film about Philadelphia's Rittenhouse Square directed by Robert Downey, Sr.
Time for Three is currently on a rigorous North American performance schedule, including appearances with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra under Marin Alsop; the Fort Worth Symphony under Miguel Harth-Bedoya; and the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra. The group furthers its commitment to outreach launching a multi-year residency with the Indianapolis Symphony and makes its Carnegie Hall debut on the Family Concert Series.
Releases
3 Fervent Travelers
- Release 1/26/2010
