A Rediscovered Trio

Unveiling the Forgotten Trio and its Leader, Donald Shirley, Featured in the Movie Green Book.

True stories from two men who witnessed the brilliance and complexity of piano virtuoso Donald Shirley: Estonian cellist Juri Taht, a longtime colleague, and Finnish double bass player Atro Mikkola, who was Donald’s apprentice.

Details:
Only in e-book format. Written in English.

Info about co-author Atro Mikkola

Step into a world where lives intertwine and connections captivate. Join Juri and Atro on their timeless journey. Through illustrations and personal memories, their stories unfold, weaving a tapestry of shared moments. Immerse yourself in this captivating realm where memories come alive, and experience the enchanting power of their stories.

Juri and Atro met Donald at different times in his life. They only met each other in 2019, after the release of the Hollywood movie Green Book. In 1957, Juri first met Don when they were both almost thirty. They had a long and casual professional relationship as colleagues. In 1983, Juri’s new job took him away from New York, causing him to lose touch with Don. Atro knew the mature and sophisticated version of Dr. Shirley as his music student. Atro met Donald in 1995 and stayed in touch with him for the last seventeen years of Shirley’s life, making yearly visits to New York and having regular long phone calls.

When Donald Shirley died in April 2013, Michiel C. Kappeyne, Donald’s heir and protégé, wrote a bio-obituary, displayed in this book. Michiel’s writing has never been published in its original state because, at the time of Donald’s passing, he wasn’t considered famous enough.

The three Oscar-winning movie Green Book is based on the true story of the friendship between pianist Donald Shirley and his personal driver Tony during a concert tour of the American Deep South in 1962. It focuses on Tony’s personal growth. Although inspired by true events, the film is not a documentary. Juri Taht, a member of the trio, was the only surviving prototype character at the time of the movie’s release and he shares his opinion of the movie. Donald, Kenneth, and Tony all passed away in 2013, and Juri in 2022.

Experience the enchanting power of intertwined lives and heartfelt connections. Grab your copy now and embark on a remarkable adventure where destinies intertwine and memories come alive.

The original trio performance from Juri Taht´s personal collection
“Lullaby in Birdland” was reconstructed for the film Green Book. The original here is a good example of the mastery and skills of the piano virtuoso (Richard Davis on the bass). For the film soundtrack, it was written by George Shearing and George David Weiss and performed by Kris Bowers.