CREATIVITY OF THE WDR BIG BAND ORCHESTRAL UNDER THE DIRECTION OF BOB MINSER

Abstract

The orchestra of Ted Jones and Mel Lewis became a living example of a big band that performed virtuoso works for half a century, inviting professional performers who decorated their works with their improvisations and a concept based on a "small group in a big band". This allowed many first-class jazz soloists to increase the number of squares of improvisation and play much longer than before in large orchestras. This approach has significantly increased the level of compositions and gained recognition among listeners. In the swing era, band leaders were often performers and arrangers. They could best create a repertoire for their bands, taking into account all their strengths and weaknesses. This trend is relevant today. An example of this is the WDR Orchestra under the direction of the eminent saxophonist, composer-arranger Bob Minser. He is a shining example of a band leader, who in one person is a conductor, composer-arranger and a brilliant soloist-improviser. In his arrangements the influence of the compositions of the big band of Ted Jones and Mel Lewis can be traced. The stylistic palette of the repertoire is very diverse. Among the works are compositions in the styles of swing, bebop, funk, fusion, bovanova, samba, blues, Afro-Cuban jazz. The high professional level of the orchestra is maintained by multi-instrumental musicians who not only perform parts, but also are able to improvise in different styles of jazz music. The organization of rehearsals and concert performances of WDR Big Band is clearly planned, thought out to the smallest detail. It is aimed at a rationally organized collective process in time and at the same time encourages each of the participants to be creative. The leadership of the band takes care of the accessibility of the orchestra's musical activities for the largest possible audience: you can listen to the band's performance live or watch a video.