WDR Big Band: Germany's Premier Jazz Orchestra

The WDR Big Band is a world-class jazz orchestra based in Cologne, Germany, funded by the Westdeutscher Rundfunk public broadcaster. Formed from earlier radio ensembles, the band has become a cornerstone of the European jazz scene, renowned for its virtuosic musicians and ambitious collaborative projects.

Early career

The official formation of the WDR Big Band is dated to 1967, consolidating various smaller radio dance and studio orchestras that had existed under WDR since the late 1940s. From its inception, the band's mission was to perform and commission new works, blending traditional big band jazz with contemporary classical and world music influences under the direction of early leaders like Jerry van Rooyen.

Breakthrough

The band's international reputation solidified in the 1970s and 1980s through a series of acclaimed recordings and tours with jazz legends. A key milestone was the 1992 album "The Brass Album" under the direction of Bill Dobbins, which showcased the ensemble's powerful, precise sound and won critical acclaim, cementing its status as a peer to the world's best big bands.

Key tracks

Birdland — This performance with the Manhattan Transfer, featured on their 1997 album "Swing," won a Grammy Award, highlighting the band's ability to elevate vocal jazz to its highest level.

Spain — Their intricate interpretations of Chick Corea's classic, often performed with the composer himself, demonstrate the band's mastery of complex Latin jazz rhythms and improvisational fire.

Sing Sing Sing — The WDR Big Band's version of this swing anthem is a concert staple, showcasing its powerful, driving rhythm section and explosive ensemble passages.

Under the artistic direction of figures like Vince Mendoza and later Mike Abene, the band entered a prolific period of recording. They have released over 50 albums on labels like ACT Music and Intuition, collaborating with a staggering array of artists from across the musical spectrum, including George Benson, Chaka Khan, Abdullah Ibrahim, and Till Brönner.

Notable recent projects include the 2019 album "WDR Big Band Plays the Music of Game of Thrones" and continued work with composer and conductor Vince Mendoza. The band maintains a relentless schedule of concerts, radio broadcasts, and educational workshops, ensuring the big band tradition evolves with new generations.

Fans of the WDR Big Band's sophisticated and collaborative approach to jazz should also explore NDR Bigband. This Hamburg-based orchestra similarly blends classic big band power with modern compositional ambition. Listen to HR Bigband for another German broadcast ensemble with a deep history of innovative projects and global soloists. The vibrant European scene also includes . This group shares the WDR's dedication to preserving jazz history while commissioning new works.

RADIO ROTATION: The dynamic recordings of the WDR Big Band are a fixture on dedicated jazz radio stations and public radio music programs worldwide. Their extensive catalog, from swinging standards to modern fusion, provides perfect programming for specialty shows focusing on big band sounds, live studio sessions, and contemporary instrumental jazz.

You can experience the powerful sound of the WDR Big Band on radio stations featured here on onairium.com. Tune in to our curated selection of jazz and instrumental stations to discover their classic recordings and latest collaborative projects.