The WDR Big Band has a long tradition. It came out out of the 1946-founded "NWDR Tanz- und Unterhaltungsorchester".
As a result of continuous collaboration with high-class guest musicians, conductors and arrangers starting from center of the 60's, the band has gained a world wide fame.

The band won 3 Grammys. The first one in 2007 for the album Some Skunk Funk together with Randy Brecker and Michael Brecker. In 2008 number two and three were added. One for the Best jazz Vocal album with Patti Austin and the other one for the arrangement for A Silent Way by Vince Mendoza.

Band leader

Since 2003 the New York based composer, arranger, piano-player and producer Michael Abene is leading the band.
Before him the following band leaders led the band:
Otto Gerdes (1946–1947)
Adalbert Luczkowski (1947–1967)
Kurt Edelhagen (1957–1972)
Werner Müller (1967–?)
Jerry van Rooyen (1985–1995)
Bill Dobbins (1995-2002)

The lineup:

Trumpets
Andy Haderer
Rob Bruynen
Klaus Osterloh
John Marshall
Wim Both

Trombones
Ludwig Nuss
Marshall Gilkes
Mattis Cederberg

Saxophones
Johan Hörlen
Karolina Strassmayer
Olivier Peters
Paul Heller
Jens Neufang

Rhythm section
Frank Chastenier p, kb, org
John Goldsby b
Paul Shigihara g
Hans Dekker dr

Former musicians
Heiner Wiberny sax
Dave Horler tb
Paul Peuker sax
Roy Deuvall tb
Rolf Römer sax
Rick Kiefer tp
Bernt Laukamp tb
Jon Eardley tp
Harald Rosenstein sax
Wolf Schenk tb

Official website:
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