The only trio of its kind in the world, the James Oesi Trio “captivates with a mix of tradition and innovation” (De Standaard).
Formed in 2022, musicians Mike Fentross (lute), Mark Haanstra (electric bass guitar) and James Oesi (double bass), take you on an enthralling journey of specially arranged masterworks from the 17th and 18th centuries through surprising detours into South African jazz of the 1980s and ’90s. Programmes feature beloved works by Handel, Bach, Vivaldi, and Abdullah Ibrahim – all specially arranged for the trio in vibrant and unique interpretations by James Oesi.
Fledgling tours of Belgium and the Netherlands have included festivals such as Antwerp Spring Festival and venues such as Amare Den Haag and Vooruit Ghent about which Belgian newspaper De Standaard wrote:
“James Oesi Trio, the ensemble surrounding the trailblazing double bassist, captivates with a mix of tradition and innovation. A packed Vooruit revels in the radical reinterpretations of, say, Vivaldi, but truly comes alive with the sultry South African nineties jazz.”
James Oesi is a leading international double bass soloist, renowned for his virtuosity and wide-ranging musical vision. He has performed on major stages and festivals worldwide and is a passionate advocate for the double bass as a solo instrument.
Mike Fentross is a distinguished Dutch lutenist and conductor, specialising in Baroque music and historically informed performance. He has collaborated with leading ensembles and musicians across the globe and is a recipient of the Willem Breuker Prize. Fentross is the founder of La Sfera Armoniosa, an ensemble dedicated to bringing lesser-known Baroque works to life.
Mark Haanstra is a highly acclaimed jazz bassist who has performed with artists such as Yuri Honing and leading classical ensembles. He is also featured as a soloist in Steve Mackey’s Grammy Award-winning work Dreamhouse.
The trio self-released its first EP on digital and vinyl in ’25 and further recording plans are afoot. The James Oesi Trio is managed worldwide by Percius.
The only trio of its kind in the world, the James Oesi Trio “captivates with a mix of tradition and innovation” (De Standaard).
Formed in 2022, musicians Mike Fentross (lute), Mark Haanstra (electric bass guitar) and James Oesi (double bass), take you on an enthralling journey of specially arranged masterworks from the 17th and 18th centuries through surprising detours into South African jazz of the 1980s and ’90s. Programmes feature beloved works by Handel, Bach, Vivaldi, and Abdullah Ibrahim – all specially arranged for the trio in vibrant and unique interpretations by James Oesi.
Fledgling tours of Belgium and the Netherlands have included festivals such as Antwerp Spring Festival and venues such as Amare Den Haag and Vooruit Ghent about which Belgian newspaper De Standaard wrote:
“James Oesi Trio, the ensemble surrounding the trailblazing double bassist, captivates with a mix of tradition and innovation. A packed Vooruit revels in the radical reinterpretations of, say, Vivaldi, but truly comes alive with the sultry South African nineties jazz.”
James Oesi is a leading international double bass soloist, renowned for his virtuosity and wide-ranging musical vision. He has performed on major stages and festivals worldwide and is a passionate advocate for the double bass as a solo instrument.
Mike Fentross is a distinguished Dutch lutenist and conductor, specialising in Baroque music and historically informed performance. He has collaborated with leading ensembles and musicians across the globe and is a recipient of the Willem Breuker Prize. Fentross is the founder of La Sfera Armoniosa, an ensemble dedicated to bringing lesser-known Baroque works to life.
Mark Haanstra is a highly acclaimed jazz bassist who has performed with artists such as Yuri Honing and leading classical ensembles. He is also featured as a soloist in Steve Mackey’s Grammy Award-winning work Dreamhouse.
The trio self-released its first EP on digital and vinyl in ’25 and further recording plans are afoot. The James Oesi Trio is managed worldwide by Percius.