The unique Greek- Dutch singer, performer and soloist Maria Μarkesini, with the collaboration of two of the most widely known contemporary jazz bands, namely Bart De Win & the Vaste Mannen along with the Jurriaan Berger Quartet, discovered Mimis Plessas (who they called “the Greek Gershwin” after the first hearing). They adapted some of his songs in a special and contemporary manner in jazz and world forms, in the English, French and Greek language and thus creating the album titled ¨Maria Markesini - The Mimis Plessas’ song book¨ - 12 sketches which has just been released in Greece and Holland.

Twelve songs of Mimis Plessas are included in the album. Some are very well known, others less known from arias and operas to amazing jazz and world arrangements by Maria Markesini, Bart de Win and Jurriaan Berger, as well as a surprise (bonus track) of the Greek version of the very popular song “To Agalma” (The Statue), which was recorded live in the concert hall of Filippos Nakas Music School in December 2005.

Maria Markesini sings the album’s songs in a unique fashion, while she shows her talents as a complete musician by orchestrating and playing the piano. Bart de Win, who is considered one of the best contemporary singers in Holland and Belgium, accompanies Maria in two songs with his sensitive voice while he signs the orchestrations together with Vaste Mannen and the younger, but very talented pianist and arranger Jurriaan Berger.

Maria Markesini and Jurriaan Berger Quartet were in Greece for the first time in 2005 in order to participate in two unique shows at the Nakas School of Music concert hall. They had been invited by the School in master classes, thus sealing their acquaintance and collaboration with Mimis Plessas and the Artway - Technotropon label.

In 2006, they were invited by Gefyra A.E. in Kastro Antirriou. The same company had also invited them at Megaro Mousikis last November to participate in concerts with the collaboration of Mimis Plessas that received top reviews.

In September 2007, in a special show at Romaiki Agora, sponsored by the Dutch Embassy and the Municipality of Athens together with the support of Gefyra A.E., they presented the complete album for the first time and once more received praising reviews.

In addition, part of the project was presented in some of Amsterdam’s halls before an enthusiastic Dutch audience, while preparations for presentations in European Festivals of 2008 have already started.