The Danish Radio Big Band
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 Broadcast 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.
© Matt Collar /TiVo
Discography
17 album(s) • Sorted by Bestseller
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Charlie Watts Meets The Danish Radio Big Band : Live At Danish Radio Concert Hall, Copenhagen / 2010 (Live At Danish Radio Concert Hall, Copenhagen / 2010)
The Danish Radio Big Band, Charlie Watts
Jazz - Released by Universal Music Division Decca Records France on 21 apr. 2017
24-Bit 48.0 kHz - Stereo -
One More For The Road (Live)
Curtis Stigers, The Danish Radio Big Band
Vocale jazz - Released by Concord Jazz on 6 jan. 2017
24-Bit 48.0 kHz - Stereo -
We've Just Begun
Sinne Eeg, The Danish Radio Big Band
Jazz - Released by Stunt Records on 21 feb. 2020
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Lady Be Good
Etta Cameron, The Danish Radio Big Band
Pop - Released by MBO - The Music Business Organisation A - S on 1 jan. 2003
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Tale of Time
Annisette, The Danish Radio Big Band
Alternative en Indie - Released by South Harbour Records on 17 jun. 2022
24-Bit 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
At The Heart Of A Selkie
Eivør, Peter Jensen, The Danish Radio Big Band, The Danish National Vocal Ensemble
Alternative en Indie - Released by Tutl on 27 jan. 2016
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
It's a Man's Man's Man's World
Annisette, The Danish Radio Big Band
Alternative en Indie - Released by South Harbour Records on 20 mei 2022
24-Bit 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Charlie Watts Meets The Danish Radio Big Band : Live At Danish Radio Concert Hall, Copenhagen / 2010 (Live At Danish Radio Concert Hall, Copenhagen / 2010)
The Danish Radio Big Band, Charlie Watts
Jazz - Released by Universal Music Division Decca Records France on 21 apr. 2017
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
(Satis) Faction (Live At Danish Radio Concert Hall, Copenhagen / 2010)
The Danish Radio Big Band, Charlie Watts
Jazz - Released by Universal Music Division Decca Records France on 24 mrt. 2017
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
One More For The Road (Live)
Curtis Stigers, The Danish Radio Big Band
Jazz - Released by Concord Jazz on 6 jan. 2017
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
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Talking to Myself
Sinne Eeg, The Danish Radio Big Band
Vocale jazz - Released by Stunt Records on 10 jan. 2020
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Stan Kenton With The Danish Radio Big Band
Stan Kenton, The Danish Radio Big Band
Jazz - Released by Storyville on 20 sep. 2002
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Fusion Symphony (New Digital Remaster 2013)
John Sund, The Danish Radio Big Band
Jazz - Released by Gateway Music on 3 jul. 2013
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Elvin Suite (Pt. 2 / Live At Danish Radio Concert Hall, Copenhagen / 2010)
The Danish Radio Big Band, Charlie Watts
Jazz - Released by Universal Music Division Decca Records France on 7 apr. 2017
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Welcome to Burlesque
Danish National Symphony Orchestra, The Danish Radio Big Band, Miho Hazama, Emma Smith
Klassiek - Released by EuroArts Music International on 8 dec. 2023
24-Bit 48.0 kHz - Stereo -
Masters of War
Annisette, The Danish Radio Big Band
Alternative en Indie - Released by South Harbour Records on 22 apr. 2022
24-Bit 44.1 kHz - Stereo