Exceeding Your Expectations

HomeStrolling Trio/Jazz QuartetString Trio/QuartetPiano Quartet
Duo Classique
Solo Violin/MandolinBiography & Testimonials

  • 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.

Larkspur Quartet

The Larkspur Quartet plays for a Wedding Ceremony
Como Park Conservatory, St. Paul, MN

Strings Magazine article by James Plattes

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.

To listen, click an MP3 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

Top of Page


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.

 

To listen, click an MP3 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

Top of Page


Larkspur Piano Quartet

"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.

To listen, click an MP3 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

Top of Page


Larkspur Duo Classique

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.

To listen, click an MP3 sample below:
Prince of Denmark by Jermiah Clark
Kanon in D by Pachelbal

To listen, click an MP3 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

Top of Page

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.
To listen, click an MP3 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

To listen, click an MP3 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

Top of Page

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

Top of Page


HomeBioRecordingsLarkspur StringsViolin-A-GramMusic InstructionLinks
© - James Plattes Music • Tel: 612.861.2954 • Email: james@wildgypsy.com