WDR Big Band, John Goldsby, Bob Mintzer | Big Band Bass | November 7, 2025
In a landmark moment for one of Europe’s most celebrated large ensembles, Big Band Bass – out November 7, 2025 on Bass Lion Publishing – sees American bassist John Goldsby step into the spotlight as composer and featured soloist with the Grammy-winning WDR Big Band.
Marking his 30th anniversary as a member of the Cologne-based group, the album showcases eight original compositions arranged by long-time collaborators Bob Mintzer, Michael Abene, Dave Horler, and Vince Mendoza.
From swinging hard bop and lyrical ballads to Brazilian grooves and brassy dance-party climaxes, Big Band Bass pushes the tradition forward while staying rooted in decades of shared musical history. At the core of this recording lies John Goldsby’s unmistakable tone and lyrical sensibility—qualities seldom heard from a big band bassist, and rarer still as the defining voice of an entire album.
Mintzer’s arrangements form the core of the album, alongside a standout contribution by Mendoza – Sonatinita – which pairs Goldsby’s deep-toned lyricism with airy woodwind textures and a Latin rhythmic edge. Other highlights include Blue Balloon, a soulful hard bop tribute to Goldsby’s early days in New York, and the playful You Can Call Him Maestro, which blends funky acoustic bass with CTI-era flair.
The full WDR Big Band is in formidable form, with standout solos from Karolina Strassmayer, Ludwig Nuss, Johan Hörlén, Ruud Breuls, and Mintzer himself, whose saxophone fires up the driving closer The Baron’s Dilemma.
Goldsby, a former mainstay of the New York jazz scene, joined the WDR Big Band in 1994 and has since collaborated with Maria Schneider, Joe Lovano, McCoy Tyner and Roy Hargrove. Big Band Bass is his most personal project to date.
“Working with the WDR Big Band for 30 years has been a joy—and showcasing my original music on this album is a dream come true,” says Goldsby. “With Bob [Mintzer] arranging and playing sax, and contributions from Vince Mendoza and other longtime friends, it felt like a family project.”
Line up
WDR Big Band:
Bob Mintzer (Principal Conductor)
Saxophone: Johan Hörlén (1st as), Karolina Strassmayer (2nd as), Paul Heller (2nd ts), Ben Fitzpatrick (1st ts), Jens Neufang (bs)
Trumpet: Andy Haderer, Rob Bruynen, Wim Both, Ruud Breuls
Trombone: Ludwig Nuss (1st tb), Mattis Cederberg (bass tbn), Raphael Klemm, Andy Hunter
Rhythm Section: Billy Test (piano), Hans Dekker (drums), Paul Shigihara (guitar, track 8), John Goldsby (double bass)
Guests:
Xavi Torres (piano, track 8)
Stefan Pfeifer-Galilea (1st alto sax, track 8)
Jonathan Böbel (trombone, tracks 3-7)
Phillip Hayduk (trombone, tracks 3-7)
Track Listing
Sonatinita
In the Hills
Blue Balloon
Kléopatre’s Secret
You Can Call Him Maestro
Blue Dahlia
The Baron’s Dilemma
Sergio
PR Quotes
Downbeat (USA)
“Goldsby’s engaging bass solos prove to be the cement that holds it all together, the solos interspersed in natural, unobtrusive ways, proving the album’s title’s not just hyperbole“
Jazzism (NL)
“The maestro hasn’t shot all his arrows yet, but with Big Band Bass, he has certainly left a lasting legacy”
Jazzflits (NL)
“What is striking is the music’s readability and flexibility, which are extremely high”
Jazz.in (JP)
“This long-awaited album reveals Goldsby as not only an outstanding bassist but also a composer of remarkable talent.”
Jazz’n’more (CH)
“Big Band Bass’ bursts with energy and places the bassist firmly at the center as the defining rhythmic and tonal force.”
Jazz Podium (DE)
“But what would a big band really be without the bass? A toothless tiger, trudging along wearily.”
Jazzwise (UK)
“playing is of a consistently high standard, the bass is flexible and fluent, and it shows the professionalism of one of the continent’s best big bands”
The Jazz Man (UK)
“A classy piece of work that demonstrates Goldsby’s gifts as both a player and a writer”
Concerto Magazine (AT)
“one can enjoy Goldsby’s extraordinary bass playing”
Jazzthing (DE)
“Goldsby’s songs cover a wide musical palette—from lyrical ballads and hard bop to Brazilian sounds and dance-floor grooves.”
Bebop Spoken Here (USA)
“An exemplary recording for bassists and big band fans alike”
Stereo Magazine (DE)
“The decades of shared history come fully into bloom on this richly faceted album.”
Era Jazzu (PL)
“showcase of John Goldsby’s unique musical artistry, leaving his mark on music with unique melodies that combine joy, beauty and wonderful sounds.”
Jazz Weekly (US)
“A wide and colorful palatte”
Cuttings
