WDR Big Band feat. Simon Oslender | WDR Jazzpreis 2025

WDR Big Band feat. Simon Oslender | WDR Jazzpreis 2025

For over 20 years, the WDR Jazz Prize has been awarded to musicians based in North Rhine-Westphalia. The WDR Big Band reliably performs the winning compositions. This year, they're touring NRW with the latest winner, Cologne musician Simon Oslender. The pianist, organist, keyboard player, and composer impressed the jury with his exceptional artistic development, international stage presence, and significance for NRW's jazz scene. His innovative, open Hammond organ sound has earned him special recognition, reaching a broad audience. Oslender collaborated with jazz giants like Bill Evans and Wolfgang Haffner, and frequently with the WDR Big Band, early in his career.

WDR Big Band feat. Simon Oslender | WDR Jazzpreis 2025 + Livestream

For over 20 years, the WDR Jazz Prize has been awarded to musicians based in North Rhine-Westphalia. The WDR Big Band partners with the winners, performing their compositions. This year, they're touring with Cologne musician Simon Oslender. The pianist, organist, keyboardist, and composer impressed the jury with his artistic development, international presence, and importance to the NRW jazz scene, particularly his innovative and open Hammond organ sound.

WDR Big Band feat. Kurt Elling

Kurt Elling, a renowned jazz vocalist, sees himself in the tradition of classic jazz, aiming to "keep the ball in the air." A multilingual singer, poet, and "instrument imitator," Elling brings a unique vocal artistry to his collaborations with the WDR Big Band, led by Bob Mintzer.

WDR Big Band feat. Chris Potter

Chris Potter, known for his energetic and intuitive saxophone playing, is a prominent figure in the American jazz scene. Also a skilled composer and arranger, the Chicago-born musician started professionally at 13, playing with greats like Charles Mingus and Red Rodney by his early 20s. Now, jazz giants seek him out, as evidenced by his latest CD featuring Brad Mehldau and others.

WDR Big Band feat. Chris Potter

Chris Potter, known for his energetic and intuitive saxophone playing, is a prominent figure in the American jazz scene. Also a skilled composer and arranger, the Chicago-born musician played his first professional concert at 13. In his early 20s, he performed with greats like Charles Mingus. Now, jazz giants seek him out, as evidenced by his latest CD featuring Brad Mehldau and other renowned musicians, with Mike Holober leading the project.

John & Joey - WDR Big Band feat. Joey Alexander

John & Joey – WDR Big Band feat. Joey Alexander

Joey Alexander, a highly gifted jazz musician born in Bali in 2003, started playing Thelonious Monk’s music by ear at kindergarten age. Now 21, he leads his own band, possesses a unique voice in jazz, and is praised by renowned musician and arranger John Clayton for his musical depth. Alexander will premiere with the WDR Big Band, led by Clayton.

Plans & Drawers - WDR Big Band feat. Florian Ross

When Florian Ross was awarded the WDR Jazz Prize in 2006, the jury praised him as a "bridge builder between the widely ramified history of jazz and the multi-stylistic avant-garde." Now, five years after the release of the first CD "Front & Center," Ross and the WDR Big Band reunite for "Plans & Drawers." This time, Ross revisits previously unreleased material, plans that had been confined to his drawers. Together with the WDR Big Band, these works are now brought to (new) life at the Cologne University of Music and Dance, where Ross teaches Big Band arrangement.

Cyclic Journey - WDR Big Band feat. Marshall Gilkes + Livestream

WDR Big Band feat. Gerald & John Clayton - Father & Son

Wenn es so etwas wie ein Jazz-Gen gibt, dann ist es in der Familie Clayton deutlich hörbar. Als gewandter und vielseitiger Virtuose auf dem Kontrabass ist John Clayton in der Klassik- und der Jazzwelt gleichermaßen zuhause. Seit den achtziger Jahren feierten er und Bruder Jeff mit dem 'Clayton Brothers Jazz Quintet' und dem 'Clayton Hamilton Jazz Orchestra' große Erfolge. Längst ist auch die nächste Generation international bekannt: John Claytons Sohn Gerald, 1984 in den Niederlanden geboren und in Los Angeles aufgewachsen, gilt als einer der wichtigsten Jazzpianisten der jüngeren Generation. Zusammen kommen Vater und Sohn nun zur WDR Big Band.