Two stars of international jazz, an amazing orchestra, a truly fresh repertoire and outstanding arrangements developed for a unique event to take place: the meeting of Antonio Sanchez on drums, Vince Mendoza as conductor and arranger and the WDR Big Band. Two invaluable CDs packed with everything you may dream)when you are about to listen to such a stellar Big Band that is conducted by a genius like Mendoza and plays music by an undisputed giant like Sanchez.

The WDR Big Band consists of 17 soloists who usually develop an extraordinary sound together in studio and concert productions. In this new series we present the individual musicians in small formations called "WDR BIG BAND - SMALL GROUP SESSIONS": their own compositions are played in duos, trios or quartets. Karolina Strassmayer (alto saxophone, composition) and Billy Test (piano) play the piece "Quiet Fortitude". Karolina says of her composition: "Quiet Bravery is a recognition of the people who consistently work to make their part of the world a little brighter and better, to give the rest of us a soft landing when we need it. You know who is meant."

End of August of 2020 the international world of jazz was celebrating “100 Years Charlie Parker”. Even those who had not noticed it before now realized that a great musician was being commemorated. Despite the COVID 19 pandemic his work and life were honoured with several projects: these included exclusive LP-editions, books and – obviously – concerts.