DR Big Band explained

The Danish Radio Big Band (aka DR Big Band), often referred to as the Radioens Big Band is a radio ensemble and big band founded in Copenhagen in 1964 at the Danish Broadcasting Corporation (DR).

Band history

Originally called the New Radio Dance Orchestra, in the early years the band was led by Ib Glindemann. But over the next few decades many new faces joined, such as Chris Potter, Thad Jones, Bob Brookmeyer, Jim McNeely, and guest soloists like Miles Davis, Stan Getz, and Joe Henderson.

The band is one of the premiere large jazz ensembles in Denmark, the Danish Radio Big Band (aka DR Big Band) is a dynamic ensemble with a sophisticated approach to post-bop jazz and swing. Although a spotlight organization in their own right with a roster of top Danish musicians, they have built a strong reputation for their many collaborations and recordings with world-renowned jazz soloists. Founded as the New Radio Dance Orchestra in 1964 by bandleader Ib Glindemann, the DR Big Band was initially an outgrowth of the then-Danish Broadcasting Corporation Danmarks Radio's desire to represent jazz in the country and over the airwaves. Since 2009, the band has been based out of the Danish Broadcasting Corporation's Copenhagen complex DR Byen, or "DR City," along with several other nationally funded arts ensembles.

As a recording outfit, the DR Big Band debuted in 1970 with Brownsville Trolley, which featured the band led by saxophonist/composer Ray Pitts and trumpeter Palle Mikkelborg. However, the band's output increased throughout the decade under the leadership of famed trumpeter Thad Jones, who had relocated to Copenhagen. During this period, they delivered such well-regarded albums as 1978's By Jones, I think we've got it, and 1979's A good time was had by all. There were also numerous live performances during the band's first three decades, including dates with such luminaries as Stan Kenton, Dizzy Gillespie, Clark Terry, Jimmy Heath, Freddie Hubbard, and many more.

More albums followed in the '90s and found the band starting to showcase artists like saxophonist and guest conductor Ernie Wilkins (Suite for Jazz Band) and Danish saxophonist Jesper Thilo. They also released albums paying homage to the music of Jones and Duke Ellington. This trend of showcasing an artist and their work continued over the next decade as the band played with such luminaries as Thomas Clausen, Toots Thielemans, Renee Rosnes, Eivor Palsdottir, Jim McNeely, and others.

In 2009, they paired with longtime Wynton Marsalis drummer Jeff "Tain" Watts for Impaler, followed a year later by Chromazone with guitarist Mike Stern. Similarly, trumpeter Randy Brecker was the focus of 2011's The Jazz Ballad Song Book. Also that year, lauded saxophonist Chris Potter joined the group for Transatlantic. More albums followed, including works with Richard Bona, Vincent Nilsson, and the band's own trumpeter Gerard Presencer (Groove Travels). Vocalist Curtis Stigers collaborated with the ensemble for his 2017 Frank Sinatra salute One More for the Road. That same year, they delivered the live album Charlie Watts Meets the Danish Radio Big Band, which showcased a 2010 performance with the iconic Rolling Stones drummer.

Band

Members[1] Trumpet:

Trombone:

Saxophone:

Rhythm group:

Former members

Saxophone:

Trumpet:

Trombone:

Bass:

Drums:

Chief conductors

Discography

As leader/co-leader

As guest

See also

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Engelsk stjernetrompetist i DR Big Bandet. DR. 11 January 2011. https://web.archive.org/web/20110719122546/http://presse.dr.dk/presse/article.asp?articleID=27529. 19 July 2011. dead.
  2. Book: Stil Nu Ind: Danmarks Radio Og Musikken . Iben Have . Charlotte Rordam Larsen . Anja Molle Lindelof . Morten Michelsen . Henrik Smith-Sivertsen . da. . 2018 . 235 .
  3. Web site: 26 October 2021 . The Danish Radio Big Band extends its contract with Chief conductor Miho Hazama . . 24 November 2021.
  4. Web site: Gerard Presencer, Groove Travels . .
  5. Web site: Mathias Heise & The Danish Radio Big Band - The Beast (CD) . Giant Sheep Music.
  6. Web site: Peter Jensen, Morten Büchert & DR Big Band: Light Through Leaves . ILK Music.
  7. Web site: Miho Hazama, Imaginary Visions . Edition Records .
  8. Web site: Marius Neset Tributes - CD . . 16 January 2021 . 16 May 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220516080943/https://www.actmusic.com/en/Artists/Marius-Neset/Tributes/Tributes-CD . dead .

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