WDR is a public broadcasting network based in Cologne, Germany. Besides television and radio stations, they sponsor several musical groups, one of which is the well-respected WDR Big Band. The unit is prolific, as Discogs shows over 80 albums since 1979, often in collaboration with jazz and other stars. Tenor saxophone great Bob Mintzer and composer/arranger Vince Mendoza have recently served as band directors. With their broadcasting connection, the band continually produces impeccably recorded performances, many of which are available on their YouTube channel.
Jack Bowers/AllAboutJazz: “The WDR Big Band’s latest recording, on which it is paired with the esteemed Florida-based composer and arranger Chuck Owen, offers another master class in big-band artistry, or how to make even the most arduous charts seem deceptively simple.” The video is an in-studio performance of an album tune, a bit long, but nice.
Chuck Owen & The WDR Big Band, Renderings, full album: free YouTube ; Spotify
On Jazz Best Albums 2023 and Big Band 2023 playlists at Spotify/Jazz Todayish. 😎
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