A Jones for all seasons

On 6th March, the “Brucklyn Big Band” invited guests to the premiere of their new programme “Best of Quincy Jones” at the Brucker Stadttheater. They impressively paid tribute to a musician of the last century who, with 28 Grammys, was a companion and forefather to global stars such as Michael Jackson. – But who thinks of a jazz trumpeter when they think of Frank Sinatra or Michael Jackson?

Quincy Jones was such a trumpeter, performing with Count Basie, Sarah Vaughan, Duke Ellington and Gene Krupa before his health took a turn and he subsequently made a name for himself as a producer.

Jones became particularly known for his work as a producer for Michael Jackson, whom he met in the late 1970s and for whom he produced some of his most successful albums, namely Off the Wall, Thriller and Bad.

For me, the “Brucklyn Big Band” programme was a little too pop-heavy. I would have liked a bit more jazz. But I also enjoyed this tribute to Quincy Jones. Peter Windholz was a surprisingly great interpreter of Michael Jackson’s hit “Billie Jean” for me, and Susanne Hell was also excellent on “Thriller”.

The arrangements of the songs were refreshing, with sometimes quirky trombones, surprising trumpet interjections, and remarkable saxophone solos. A quality criterion: the rhythm section led by drummer Jaro Gregorovich. The group with Peter Windholz on the combos really delivers! I love big band sound. The “Brucklyn Big Band” comes pretty close to the ideal.

Location and Service

Since it’s pointless to write about the disaster of Brucker event venues (see previous reviews), a final word on the leader of the “Brucklyn Big Band”, Christian Sutrich: his charming and witty moderation is an additional + for this evening.