WDR Big Band feat. Bill Evans & Dave Weckl live at 30th Leverkusener Jazztage 2009

Bill Evans, Soprano and Tenor Saxophones
Dave Weckl, Drums
Mark Egan, E-Bass
WDR Big Band Köln
Michael Abene, conductor and arranger

recorded live at Forum/ Leverkusen during 30th Leverkusener Jazztage November 2009

1. Small Town Jack
Soloists: Paul Shigihara, gt, Bill Evans, ss
2. Soulbop
Soloists: Ludwig Nuss, tb, Bill Evans, ss
3. Let´s Pretend
Soloists: Frank Chastenier, p; Bill Evans, ss
4. Van´s Joint
Soloists: Heiner Wiberny, as; Frank Chastenier, hammond B3; Bill Evans, ts
5. Sweet Tea
Soloists: Paul Heller, ts; Dave Weckl, dr; Bill Evans, ss
6. Soulgrass
Soloists: Bill Evans, ts; Paul Shigihara, gt; Dave Weckl, dr
7. Introduction of the band by Michael Abene
8. Rattletrap
Soloists: Mark Egan, b; Bill Evans, ts; Paul Heller, ts; Olivier Peters, EWI; Paul Shigihara, gt; Dave Weckl, dr

Throughout his celebrated career, Bill Evans has explored a wide range of musical idioms, from straight ahead jazz to hip-hop, fusion, funk, soul, pop and bluegrass.
But on Vans Joint, he treads into some exciting new territory for the first time.
This triumphant collaboration between the veteran saxophonist-composer-bandleader and the 20-piece WDR Big Band Cologne is a match made in heaven. Recorded live in concert in Germany, this powerhouse offering features Evans with the dream rhythm tandem of electric bassist Mark Egan and drummer extraordinaire Dave Weckl fueling the well-oiled machine that is the WDR Big Band, under the direction of conductor-arranger Michael Abene. The results are exhilarating and even surprising to the saxophonist himself. “For me, to hear my charts with a big band just blew my mind,” says Evans. “Michael did such as great job. It was magical the way he enriched the songs, how he created colors and new harmonies in different sections and just took the music one step further. So it was a real trip to be involved in this project, and a lot of fun too.” Together they released the live album "Van´s Joint" on BHM Music in February 2009.

Mike Stern & WDR Big Band Köln: Mike Stern Selection live 2009

Photo © by George Lange

Mike Stern – g

Tom Kenney – b
Dave Weckl – dr
Michael Abene – ld
WDR Big Band Köln

recorded live at Zeche Zollverein Essen, September 11, 2009

1. Tumble Home
2. KT
3. Wishing Well
4. What Might Have Been
5. Introduction of the Band by Michael Abene
6. Tipatina’s
7. Next Week
8. Avenue B
9. Wing and Prayer
10. Chromazone
11. Upside Downside

In a career that spans three decades and a discography that includes more than a dozen eclectic and innovative recordings, five-time Grammy nominee Mike Stern has established himself as one of the premier jazz and jazz-fusion guitarists and composers of his generation.
In this concert he is featured together with his long time rhythm section consisted of bassist Tom Kennedy and Dave Weckl on drums in a big band setting by the great WDR Big Band in a programme of all Stern originals arranged by Michael Abene.
Don´t miss Mike´s latest Grammy nominated album "Big Neighbourhood" released on HeadsUp in 2009.