Vince Mendoza // WDR Big Band Köln

Vince Mendoza ‘Blauklang’

The idea of Blauklang originates from a painting by the famous German artist Ernst Wilhelm Nay (1902–1968). In close cooperation with WDR (West German Radio) the idea of this project became reality. The name of the painting ‘Blauklang’ (‘Bluesound’) already refers to the synaesthetic relationship between music and fine art. Grounded in the impact of colour, Nay’s abstract works have now taken on board the master of ‘tone painting’ Vince Mendoza. Mixtures of tonal colours and coloured tonest hat overlay a variety of harmonic and melodic voices shape a large part of his compositions. Mendoza rules over this sovereign play of light and shadow, brightness and darkness. Compositions and suites – and he is as much enamoured by the details as he treasures large arcing structures.

Once again Mendoza is able to find the balance between aspirations and expectations. His ability to satisfy the sophisticated listener with a popular first touch has made him one of the most sought-after arrangers and a giant in both jazz and pop (Björk, Sheryl Crow, Joni Mitchell, Ute Lemper, Elvis Costello, Dianne Reeves, the Yellowjackets, Michael and Randy Brecker, Jens Winther, Joe Zawinul). The composer-arranger who experienced his breakthrough with the Jazzpaña project works with some of the most prestigious musical organisations, bei it the WDR Big Band, orchestras in London, Paris and Berlin or as principal guest director of the Dutch Metropole Orchestra.

WDR Big Band Köln ‘A Tribute to Ray Charles’

Famous first words: “We play 99 % funk and 1 % jazz” – this introductory remark is 100% Maceo Parker who will be fronting the curiously successful WDR Big Band from Cologne. Former James Brown main man and funkateer of renown, broad-minded Parker has branched out into the big band market with the Tribute to Ray Charles, putting his vocal chords into effective use and paying homage with his alto to legendary Hank Crawford. The artist roster of the “Newport 58” jazz festival included Ray Charles, whose band included Hank Crawford on alto. Another (hidden) link to Jazz on a Summer’s Day.

The WDR Big Band Cologne serves as a group of musical ambassadors. Grammy awards in 2006 and 2007 and numerous Grammy nominations over the years reflect the band’s international acclaim, which continually evolves and strengthens. WDR Big Band Cologne develops and performs new programs in many styles. This concept – linking different cultures through music – plays an integral role in the selection of the band’s projects. The WDR Big Band’s unique ensemble sound stems from each musician’s distinct personality as a soloist. Whether working with their principal conductor Michael Abene, or with various guest conductors, composers, arrangers and guest soloists, the WDR Big Band Cologne embraces the world of jazz and jazz-related music – including Latin jazz, world music, fusion and cross-over. The band is a vivid example for putting public funding (via their WDR home radio & tv station) into prestigious use.

Michael Abene has been the principal conductor of the WDR Big Band in Cologne, Germany since 2004. He has written music for varied commissioned productions which reflect his deep musical knowledge and inspiration. In several jazz-blogs Michael Abene is sometimes found to be compared to “a chameleon”. He has an astonishing adaptability for composing and arranging in very different styles. Michael’s far reaching tasks such as Professor of jazz composition at Manhattan School of Music.