Big City Blues – 2023
WDR Big Band
A swinging blues
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Although there have been several songs called “Big City Blues,” going back to 1929 when singer Annette Hanshaw recorded a tune by that name, the best-known “Big City Blues” was composed by valve trombonist Bob Brookmeyer and first recorded by George Russell in 1959
Gerry Mulligan’s Concert Jazz Band recorded the song in 1961 and it was revived for a tribute to the Concert Jazz Band performed by the 16-piece WDR Big Band from Germany.
Utilizing a similar arrangement as Brookmeyer’s, the WDR Big Band (under the direction of Jorg Achim Keller) swings the blues in a performance that features solos by pianist Billy Test, clarinetist Ben Fitzpatrick, trombonist Raphael Klemm, and trumpeter Rob Bruynen.
Throughout this rendition, the WDR Big Band shows why it is considered one of the top big bands of the past half-century.
-Scott Yanow
