Swingin' Ladies plus 2

This international, uniquely unorthodox band with a world-class four-hands piano duo (on one instrument), a top-notch bassist and singer, and an extraordinarily expressive reed player makes music on the highest level. The program ranges from ragtime to swing, from boogie woogie to blues, spiced with some mambo and tango. The group consists of the following musicians:

Nicki Parrott (AUS), bass, vocals

"could make anyone love jazz" (Cabaret Scene, 2013). "She has this special gift that you can't buy in a music store" (Les Paul). "… at the risk of being called a chauvinist: Parrott is the lady bassist and singer whose beauty matches her musicality" (Downbeat, November 2010). "There are only a few artists who have star qualities. It's a combination of talent and charisma that enables them to stand out from a group and delight an audience" (Joe Lang).

Stephanie Trick (USA), piano

“has come to practically dominate the stride piano field“ notes reviewer Jack Rummel. With a swinging style inspired by late 1920s boogie woogie and blues as well as Fats Waller and Ralph Sutton, Stephanie has performed in many parts of the US, Europe and Japan in a variety of venues. Her "Live CD" won the "New Talent Prize 2011" of the Hot Club of France. The legendary pianist Dick Hyman writes about her: "One of the nicest gifts to arrive on the jazz piano scene in recent times, and we couldn’t be more delighted to welcome her."

Engelbert Wrobel (Germany), clarinet, saxophone

"is a master of authenticity. His perfect clarinet playing combines the highest musical demands with an avowed zest for life to create an incomparable stage presence... Engelbert Wrobel [is a] magician of the clarinet... Wrobel doesn't just play Goodman, his interpretation always perfectly reflects the spirit of the great bandleader. We hear Goodman on angel wings carried on into the 21st century. It’s fabulous what Wrobel conjures out of his instrument …

Don't let the name fool you. Engelbert Wrobel is a German woodwind player who can ignite a storm." (The American Rag)
"… Engelbert Wrobel played himself into a league of his own. This gifted musician went to work with so much fun but also elegance that the pleasure in it melted like confection on your tongue." (Bocholter newspaper)

Paolo Alderighi (Italy), piano

The line-up is enriched by Italian pianist Paolo Alderighi, who has been Engelbert Wrobel's musical partner in the "International Hot Jazz Quartet" since 2005. American jazz reviewer Michael Steinman describes Paolo as follows: "Although some call Paolo a jazz pianist, great young musician or above-average improviser, his true characterization is both simpler and more profound. Paolo is a master and artist of beauty. His music touches, is full of surprises and spreads light."

Alderighi often performs with his wife, Trick, and together they play the classic jazz repertoire in four hands, which has been released on five CDs. Dick Hyman writes: “I love to hear Stephanie and Paolo together. They are an inspiration. Such sympatico! Such back-and-forth! Individually they are marvelous musicians — we’ve known that, but together they play 4-handed stride as it’s never been done. Brava, bravo!”

(translated by Stephanie Trick)