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Molto Abene

Michael AbeneChief Conductor, Composer, Arranger

WDR Big Band CologneJanuary 2004 – July 2014

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Imprint:

© 2014 LAG Musik-VerlagAll Rights ReservedPrinted in GermanyISBN 987-3-9810730-6-5

Conception, Realization, Editor: Michael Brüning, LAG Musik NRWPhotos/Photo Credits: ©WDR/Ines Kaiser, all photos anything except:©WDR (p. 6 and 9), MFKJKS NRW (p. 7), US Embassy (p. 8), Eastman School of Music, Rochester (p. 11), Matthias Muff (p. 14), Andreas Krebs (p. 16), Volker Beushausen (p. 38 and 46), Markus Braun (p. 38 below), machreich-artists (p. 60), Catherine Slusher (p. 63), Devin De Haven (p. 70) Layout Design: artwork, Wolfgang BialekPrint Production: Limberg Druck, Die Buchwerkstatt

Extra Credits: Philine Lissner, Ines Kaiser,Lucas Schmid, Manager and Producer, WDR Big Band Cologne

Cooperation Partner: Westdeutscher Rundfunk Köln

This Book contains material protected under International and Federal Copy Right, Laws and Treaties. Any unauthorized reprint or use of this material is prohibited. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, digital or mechanical, including printing/photocopying, recording or by any information storage and retrieval system without written permission from the publisher.

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Abene‘s Personal Selektion .................................................................................................................5

Official and Personal Notes and more ........................................................................................... 6

Members of the WDR Big Band Cologne and colleagues ....................................................18

More Personal Statements ................................................................................................................23

More Facts about Michael Abene .................................................................................................. 74

Projects and Concerts ..........................................................................................................................77

CD Productions ..................................................................................................................................... 83

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Abene’s Personal SelectionFreitag, 27. Juni 201420.00 UhrStadtgarten Köln

Programm:

Tomorrow Is Just Another Tomorrow*The Nuss is Loose*Memories of Lives Past*Summer in Central ParkA Change Will ComeTutuInfant EyesA Folk Song For Friendly Folks*Two Of One*The Fifth Degree*OleoGreen Dolphin Street

*composed by Michael AbeneArrangement: Michael Abene

WDR Big Band Köln

Johan Hörlen, 1. asKarolina Strassmayer, 2. asOlivier Peters, 1. tsPaul Heller, 2. tsJens Neufang, bs

Wim Both, 1.tpRob Bruynen, 2.tpAndy Haderer, 3. tpRuud Breuls 4. tpJohn Marshall, 5.tp

Ludwig Nuß, 1.tbShannon Barnett, 2.tbAndy Hunter, 3. tbMattis Cederberg, b-tb

Frank Chastenier,pPaul Shigihara, gitJohn Goldsby, bHans Dekker, dr

Produktion: Lucas M.SchmidKoordination: Annette Hauber

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Dear Michael Abene,

thank you for a decade of creative arrangements and exciting music.

Your input and energy have propelled the musicianship and musical standard of the WDR Big Band to a higher level.

And: Dear Gretchen Hoffmann Abene, thank you for your reliable support.

Warmest regards, yours

Wolfgang Schmitz

Westdeutscher RundfunkDirector of Radio Operations

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For ten years, Michael Abene has created a musical furor with the WDR Big Band. It has been heard far beyond North Rhine-Westphalia. The WDR Big Band Cologne has always been playing contemporary jazz and influenced style, even by opening musical borders. Michael Abene‘s great musical sense and his ability to arrange has shaped the WDR Big Band Cologne as a dynamic and sometimes even explosive ensemble. As one of the few jazz radio orchestras in Germany,the Big Band has always been supporting young talents. Michael Abene has prepared the band for the future and he leaves a lasting impression. I would like to express my sincere thanks and my best wishes for his musical future!

Ute Schäfer

Minister for Family, Children, Youth, Culture and Sportof the State of North Rhine-Westphalia

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As the Musical Director (Chefdirigent) of the WDR Big Band in Cologne since 2004, Michael Abene has brought the joy of music, and the special exuberance of American jazz arrangements in particular, to audiences throughout Germany. His deep family connections to music mirror my own family’s lifelong engagement with music and the arts. His profound influence in the field of jazz arrangement for some of the great names in contemporary jazz reflect the role he has played as a “jazz Ambassador” for America. Mr. Abene’s book on “Jazz Composition and Arranging in the Digital Age”, (with Richard Sussman) underscores his innovative spirit and his passion for an art form that is as American as it is universally loved. I wish Mr. Abene continued success as he embarks on a new chapter in life, and hope he will continue to delight, entertain, and enrich all of us with his impressive musical talents.

John B. Emerson

U.S. Ambassador to the Federal Republic of Germany

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No matter if it is a piece of swing music, bebop, hard bop, soul or funk, Michael Abene‘s arrangement of the material is always imaginative, colorful and characte-ristic for his great style. It is also admirable how fast Abene is able to work: in my neighboring office, I often experienced how he rearranged whole programs for the WDR Big Band within a few days.

Christoph Stahl

Westdeutscher RundfunkGeneral Manager Orchestras & Choir

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Dear Gretchen,

Managing Michael‘s business affairs is a challenge and a task with high responsibility. Knowing where to draw the line between the world of art, the world of the family and partnership and the world of business requires extreme sensitivity and skill. We have all profited from your advice, your care and support. Thank you for this.

Dear Michael,

When I first entered your music room, I was amazed by the way you work on your arrangements: two or three different scores were placed within reach, so that you could switch from one to another whenever inspiration struck you. This method allow you to write several arrangements at the same time and be extraordinarily productive. The results are fresh, demanding, multi-faceted, creative, timeless.

In the big band studio, I have always seen you ready for a friendly chat with the musicians before the recording session started. But of course you are also highly professional and always on time.

With the same ability for switching from one score to another, you can easily switch from one time zone to another. You are fully present in the here and now, and it seems that the more challenges you are faced with, the more energy you radiate.

This talent is infectious and inspiring, I thank you for this.

Lucas Schmid

Westdeutscher Rundfunk, Manager and ProducerWDR Big Band Cologne

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I always admired Michael Abene‘s writing and piano playing since I heard the recordings he did with Maynard Ferguson‘s band in the early 1960‘s when I was finishing public school and starting my studies at Kent State University. I met him for the first time while I was living in Cologne. My wife and I were at Anaheim, California, in mid January at the IAJE Conference and he recognized me while we were having breakfast in a restaurant. We had a nice conversation and, by interesting coincidence, he had many questions about the WDR Big Band.

I heard several projects that Michael did with the band during his tenure as principal director, and I loved everything he did. I‘m very happy that he was chosen as my successor, and I wish him all the very best in his future activities.

Bill Dobbins

Chief Conductor, WDR Big Band Cologne September 1994 – December 2003

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New York, January 10, 1998: WDR Big Band on stage in the concert hall of the Marriott hotel ready to start a jazz concert to be broadcasted direct to WDR in Cologne/Germany. We are live on air and everybody waits for the band leader Bill Dobbins to join the band.

He doesn’t turn up and Heiner Müller-Adolphi, then musical boss of WDR, has to talk… and talk…about New York, about Jazz and the world. Outside they eventually find Bill completely caught up in conversation with Michael Abene whom he met by surprise on his way to the stage. Conversation stops, the concert can start, a live broadcast from the conference of the International Association of Jazz Educators in New York.

For me it was the first time I met Michael Abene and Gretchen, his wife, in person. It was the beginning of a very successful cooperation of Michael with the Cologne-based WDR Big Band at the radio.

In my position as person responsible and producer of the WDR Big Band at that time I invited him for a concert – ‘America’ on March 11, 2000 in Colognes Philharmonic Hall – what made him as well candidate for the job as chief leader after Jerry van Rooyen and Bill Dobbins.

The audience in Cologne was enthusiastic about this concert in March 2000 that showed already the broad musical talent Michael Abene later regularly proved during his contractual time from 2004 until today as leader and arranger for WDR Big Band. One of the most competent jazz musicians, a pianist, composer, arranger and producer in the center of jazz entertainment in New York was brought to Cologne and the radio Westdeutscher Rundfunk.Programme work for the radio, the diversity of musical styles in the different productions mean an enormous challenge for the band leader. Michael can cope with it by means of big musical knowledge, ideas, vitality and pleasure in music.

I wish him luck and energy for a new creative period in his life that will hopefully bring him back to Cologne some time. I am looking forward to it.

Wolfgang Hirschmann

WDR Big Band Cologne Music Production and Management1986- January 2002

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Dear Michael,

It has always been a great pleasure working with you on WDR BIG BAND projects ! We developed some wonderful productions including the Maceo Parker albums, the Bill Evans and Mike Stern projects as well as the work with Chuck Loeb and Mitch Forman of Metro. I love your style of discussing the projects and your art of writing. We will do some more work together! You are the Greatest. And beside the music we share another important thing: good food and good wine! ALL THE BEST TO YOU!

Joachim Becker

Producer

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I really admire Michael Abene‘s work. He has achieved amazing things for jazz music, not only as the conductor and arranger of the WDR Big Band. His concerts with the WDR Big Band always create a very special atmosphere in the Philharmonic Hall of Cologne. Sometimes Jazz is supposed to be an outmoded genre, but with Abene‘s approach of “anything goes”, he keeps creating surprisingly up-to-date results. Since his debut in 2000, he has conducted about 30 concerts in the Philharmonic Hall and has shaped our institution and the musical landscape of Cologne like few others. Thank you very much!

Louwrens Langevoort

Kölner Philharmonie / KölnMusik GmbHExecutive and artistic director

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Michael Abene, this wonderful musician and charismatic bandleader, is leaving the WDR Big Band? Not without our most sincere thanks! We at the Klavier-Festival Ruhr owe him amazing concerts which he arranged and conducted in a very inspirational way – our concert with Simon Nabatov and Arkady Shilkloper in 2010 for example, or the one with Raphael Gualazzi in May 2012. Michael Abene‘s concerts not only leave the audience impressed, also the musicians are enthusiastic by his great empathy and verve. This year in June, we will say farewell together with Jacky Terrasson and the WDR Big Band at the Klavier-Festival Ruhr. Michael Abene is, and always will be, a master of his craft. We will miss him very much at the Festival! Or maybe we will have the chance to work with him again, because it seems impossible to imagine him as a retiree. Ad multos annos!

Prof. Franz Xaver Ohnesorg

Director of the Klavier-Festival Ruhr

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What the symphony orchestra was for the 19th century, the Jazz big band is for the 20th century. However, both ensembles need a conductor who knows how to merge a bunch of individualists into one unit and yet retain the characteristic sound of every single musician.

Michael Abene is one of the persons who has achieved this on the very best. His concert series “Very Personal”, regularly presented in our concert hall, was a beautiful example of his abilities as a conductor. Michael‘s time as the musical director of the WDR Big Band has been a great joy for all fans of big band music. We hope to see him many times again in the future.

Reiner Michalke & Matthias von Welck

Stadtgarten Cologne

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I see him before me, animated, animating, swinging to the music. With Michael, the music never stops, it circulates inside him, is born and created. You can see the music in his body, you can tell from his face how the music makes him free.

I see him before me, in his open and attentive manner, inspiring, inspirational, brightening up his surroundings. Sometimes I wish I could hear the music with his ears, because I know how deeply he listens inside the arrangements. I can tell from his face that what he hears is always a gift to him.

I see him before me, a bandleader so friendly and self-effacing, who shows empathy for all different personalities and has the gift of connecting well with all of them. A man in possession of essential characteristics for dealing with the fresh spirit of jazz music: a radical approach, spiritedness, sensuousness, humor, a strong inner life. It is impossible to love jazz and not love Michael Abene for how he embodies it.

Roger Willemsen

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Dear Michael,

The musicians of the WDR Big Band extend our deepest thanks to you for many great years of music, hard work, hard play, and beautiful friendship. You are one swinging cat, and we’ve grown enormously through our work with you – on the bandstand, in the studio, and on the road. We know and recognize the amount of blood and sweat you put into your music, and we appreciate every note you’ve written for us. It’s been an honor and a pleasure to call you our Chief Conductor, and we look forward to your many happy returns as a guest conductor.

The WDR Big Band

What a privilege to have worked with one of the true greats of Jazz for so many inspiring years!

Thank you Michael, for your music and friendship.

yours, Paul

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Every single arrangement from your pen,no matter in what style of music,has been nothing less than a true honour and joy to play.You even made me become somewhat of a master at switching between my doubles really fast...

Every time you sit down and play the piano is a humbling lesson in jazz and musical communication.Thank you for having suggested and brought in some of the heaviest cats in jazz as guests with the WDR Big Band.

I promise to always have a smiling saxophone reed ready whenever you come back to work with us-the sooner the better,the more the merrier!

A big fat THANK YOU and cheers from Johan Hörlen

Maestro Michael Abene!

The most creative and complete musicianI know and a wonderful human being and friend.

Ludwig Nuss

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A musician who puts his art above all else, Michael Abene believes in the power of swing, groove, melody, and emotion-driven harmonies. But more than anything, Michael believes in challenging and empowering the musicians under his sway to step out and take chances. Whether he’s sitting at a piano conjuring new paths through a standard tune, standing in front of the WDR Big Band goading us to „shake everything we got,“ or hanging out on the band bus coming back from a late-night concert, Michael always displays his inimitable charm, personal style, and happy disposition.

Thanks to Michael for many great years of beautiful compositions, stunning arrangements, and musical friendship.

John Goldsby

Dear Chief,

I would like to express how much I enjoyed working with You.Especially being able to play your wonderful writings for all these Years was a real treat. May I also say that you left a lot of space for me to create my own interpretations and this is something I‘m really thankful for and I think shows a real outstanding Arranger.You‘re also an amazing Guy ,and getting to know you personally was a lot of fun and I cherish all the good times we had and spend together.

All the best, I‘ll miss You, Love and a big Hug from Boomer !

Hans Dekker

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MICHAEL ABENE is truly one of the most brilliant Arrangers I‘ve had the pleasure to work withduring my 22 years with the great WDR Big Band Cologne . Thank you Michael !!All the best to you and „ Gretchen“.

Rolf Römer

„Mike Abene is a truly wonderful musician.It has been a great honour for me to know him, work with him and become a great friend.He was truly an inspiration to me and also gave me many opportunities to express my music by asking me to write arrangements for the band. It was a sad day when I retired from the band for many reasons, but a great part of it was not working with Mike every day and playing his wonderful arrangements and compositions. (Not to forget drinking the occasional glass of wine together!)I wish Mike every success, enjoyment and happiness in his future projects and in his future life.He will be sorely missed by all, but thank heavens it will be the German or French version of goodbye, namely Auf Wiedersehen or Au Revoir!!.

„To the re-see“!!!! See you soon Mike and God bless.

Dave Horler

Dear Michael, it was a beautiful time to have you as our Chief Conductor. I always loved the sounds of your arrangements, especially when it came to „wooden“ woodwinds in combination with flugelhorns, euphoniums and tuba. Thank you very very much for that.

I wish you and Gretchen all the best for many years!

Best wishes from Klaus and Margie.

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„ Michael Abene is one of the nicest, most cultured, most competend and most creative bandleaders/arrangers I‘ve met in my life.“

Heiner Wiberny

Mike,It was a privilege to work with you and play your great arrangements these past few years. You are a true master and inspiration. Thank you for the great memories and I hope to see you in NY sometime.

Marshall Gilkes

Michael Abene ... the man with the best haircut !

Bernt Laukamp

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Michael Abene seems to me like somebody who still thoroughly enjoys music, somebody who stays young making music. There is not any bored second, no moment of listlessness, just always 100 % of music and 100 % of good mood.

Götz Alsmann

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Collaborating with Michael Abene on three projects with the amazing WDR Big Band has been one of the great joys of my career as an artist.

Michael‘s adventurous approach to arranging great songs from the Gershwins and Duke Ellington challenged me to take my vocal game to the next level. I enjoyed every minute of it. And what a great bonus it was to win a Grammy in the process as the fruits of our labor !

I wish Michael all the best in his new ventures and look forward to working with him whenever he needs me.“

Patti Austin

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Michael Abene is simply one of my favorite arrangers and orchestrators, his charts have a ‚New York Hipness‘ about them that gives them unmistakable style. Just returned from playing in the big band on the Jazz Cruise and whenever we hit an Abene chart whether it was behind a Kurt Elling or just an Abene chart in the book, the level of the music jumped up a few notches!

Randy Brecker

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Dear Michael, Since I first worked with you on a recording project some 30 years ago, and on other occasions in the years that followed, I have considered you one of those rare, amazingly-talented writers, who I can count on one hand. Collaborate with you on not one, but two, major projects with the WDR band was a career highlight for me during the past few years. Congratulations on your decade of awesome leadership of the WDR band, and may you continue for many more years.

Gary Burton

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Mr. Abene is one of the greatest arrangers I‘ve ever known and worked with. I had the privilege to share the stage with him in Germany a couple of times and I remember those evenings as some of the most important experiences with a jazz big band in my career.

In his music you can find the tradition, but there is always a modern and contemporary approach in his writing.

That‘s the same point of view as mine. That‘s why I like his way of arranging for big bands.

Francesco Cafiso

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... Michael, you are leaving your position as chief conductor way before i have had the opportunity to enjoy playing with you…

Ron Carter

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Michael is the greatest arranger walking on the planet! He is the master of lines, colors and rhythm – he let’s you sound like a million dollar, both as an arranger and a pianist! I’m so grateful to have the chance working with him so often! Thank you, Michael, and here’s to many more Big Band projects and Duo concerts!

Love,

Fay Claassen

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Dear Michael,

This project was an outstanding achievement of the talents of Mike, Toninho, myself and the WDR Band......Mike and I go back as far as 1959 in a band called The Newport Youth Band that had all the best players from the Tri-state area with guys like Andy Marsala, Larry Rosen, Eddie Gomez, Harry Hall, Herbie Mickman, just to name a few... and within this band we formed a 4 horn group with some excellent writing by Mike also just so we could play more hard bop tunes...

That was also extremely important for me and the other guys, so we could get to play in a small ensemble too! The concert at Philharmonie Koln was very special for me with Toninho and Mike‘s wonderful writing and adaptations of Toninho Horta‘s songs.

It was a highlight of my career to play alongside of Toninho in this WDR presentation and hope to do many more concerts with Mike and Toninho!!!

Ronnie Cuber

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Mike and I go back a long way since the Newport Youth Band ... 1957? He is one of the most creative musicians I know ... and he has truly blossomed like fine wine ... through the years.

I thoroughly loved my WDR project we did about 3 years ago. He is a composer, who adds composition, IE original material ... although related to the music he is crafting ... and I would call him a kind of designer, re-designer, producer, and a co-composer in the final setting ... IE performance.

He will deny this, because I‘ve expressed it to him ....he‘s a humble guy ... who has extended the fine craft of jazz and the big band/orchestra and given it his OWN special voice.

He‘s also a great person and very funny.What else to say ... I could go on...All the best,

Eddie Daniels

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It was with the wonderful WDR Big Band that I had the chance to work for the first time with Michael Abene; so I guess I should thank my dear friend trombonist-producer Lucas Schmidt for putting me in touch with a musical director with so much talent, professionalism, imagination and sense of humor. I love working with artists like Michael Abene.Sincerely:

Paquito D’Rivera

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When it comes to recalling successful short-term musical collaborations, my times with Mike and the WDR come to mind as among my favorites. The band, of course, is most excellent. But Mike had a way of writing for them that was Ellington-like... in that he knew the individual players well, and wrote for them personally. He wrote to their strengths as individuals and to the strengths of the band as a unit. Moreover, there was always a spirit of what the Germans call „Gemütlichkeit“ to the experience. Everybody was there to experience and create goodness – and the music came first... It‘s a way to make friends for life.

Kurt Elling

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Mike Abene brings incredible energy, passion and excitement to every piece of music he touches. His time with the WDR Big Band has been marked by the very best of Mike’s New York-based swing feel and ensemble direction. I’ve been a fan of his music since his days as an arranger for the likes of Maynard Ferguson and Gary McFarland, and truly enjoyed our collaboration last year playing the music of Cannonball Adderly. I wish him well in the future, and thank him for the great contributions he has made to my favorite big band in the world, the WDR Big Band.

Peter Erskine

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Mike Abene is able to look at the world through the eyes of child, with wonder and amusement. Music is much like this for those that still have that gift of innocence.

Mike is able to arrange someone‘s music and look at it in a different way that adds so much color to the notes but still retain the personality of the original artist who wrote it. On top of this, he can take it somewhere it has never been before, and the place he takes it too is where we would all like the music to be in the first place!

Mike is able to write for the WDR like an artist paints on a canvas. The WDR is a group of amazing musicians, so the symmetry between guest artist, Mike and the band is something that becomes a very special musical situation for everyone including the audience.

Mike is able to get so much life out of the music he writes and arranges that it really is a humbling experience.

Best!

Bill Evans

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Mike Abene is one of my favorite musicians and is one of my favorite people.

I always enjoy playing his music. His writing is like a combination of Duke Ellington,Billy Strayhorn and Gil Evans, full of beautiful colors and swing. God Bless Mike Abene, or as I call him, Molto Abene!

Jon Faddis

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It was a great pleasure to work with Michael Abene. He has the ability to honor the compositions while imprinting his own unique personal stamp on the arrangements. Michael was also very supportive when I brought in one of my own arrangements. A first class musician and friend.

Mitchel Forman

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Cologne shall miss Michael Abene! He is a gifted composer and arranger, as well as a warm person.

Christina Fuchs

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I got asked to play with Michael and the WDR Big Band doing a tribute to the late Hiram Bullock, with whom I played for many years, both in college and professionally. I had known of Michael from his reputation as a composer and arranger in New York. I was curious how he was going to treat Hiram‘s music, as his compositions exhibited both a hard edge and sensitivity. I was very pleasantly surprised when I heard how he had arranged Hiram‘s songs. Each one remained true to the spirit of Hiram‘s writing, as well as exhibiting Michael‘s amazing talent as an arranger.

Every song we played was a gem. Michael treated all of us as professionals which inspired us to give him the best we had in us. I personally wish Michael the best of luck in his future endeavors, and hope the very best for him.

All the best. Take care.

Frank Gravis

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Collaborating with Michael Abene was an outstanding experience for me.

The arrangements he did on my songs have been simply incredible and I felt so honored to meet him and to work with him.

A great pianist, arranger and Big Band conductor. A great honor for me.

Raphael Gualazzi

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Mike is a great composer, arranger and pianist. I really enjoy working with him. I had a great time playing his masterful arrangements of my compositions for the WDR Big Band. I look forward to playing with him again!

Tom Harrell

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In the past 30 years, I have been playing with a lot of big bands around the world. Some highlights were provided by the WDR Big Band under the direction of the Great Michael Abene. Michael has a keen sense of arrangements for big bands. His arrangements have a warm and full sound and always treat the original composition respectfully while still bearing his signature. In addition, he has a very relaxed style of leading a band and communicating with the audience. To me, Michael Abene is a true master of his craft, a great musician and an amazing person!

Wolfgang Haffner

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Generosity, openness, warmth, sociability and the fact that they created jazz music: these are the characteristics we Europeans love and admire the Americans for. These are also the characteristics which immediately crossed my mind as I thought of Michael while writing these lines. In this light, Michael Abene is his country‘s best ambassador in Cologne. We all know he is an amazing artist, arranger, composer, pianist and conductor, additionally – and I always admired this – he is always creating something new. He writes, thinks and breathes music, jazz. There is nothing artificial about Michael or his music, everything is easy, laid-back and of highest quality. That‘s great! Thank you, Michael, for setting this good example, thank you for the music!

Mike Herting

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Dear Michael,

Working with you was a great experience for me. Your enthusiasm and commitment to the music is highly inspirational. I‘m looking forward to our next encounter. Cologne will miss you!!

All the very best,

Pablo Held

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Michael Abene is one of the best musicians and arrangers that I have met in my life. The colors of his musical expression and the beautiful way he is conducting the orchestra are magical, seems that the sound grows from his arms and body, totally integrated with the spirit and protection of divine God!

Toninho Horta

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Michael Abene‘s mastery of arranging amazes me time and again. My personal highlight is for sure his arrangement of “Duke Ellington‘s Sound of Love” for the “Symphonica” project with Joe Lovano, the WDR Radio Orchestra and the WDR Big Band, which I also experienced live at the Philharmonic Hall in Cologne. So easy, so intricate, so amazingly beautiful.

Niels Klein

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I‘ve been lucky to work in all kinds of situations with Mike Abene – everything from trio to jingles to records to big bands. He‘s the best there is at making music, whether as a player or as arranger. His ultra-hip and relaxed sense of lifestyle, both as a person and musician, makes his music ebb and flow with whatever situation he‘s in. Always full of life and humor, which is what we all need more of! Mike-A, we love you!

Will Lee

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Michael is one of the most experienced big arrangers/composers around. He is familiar with all styles past and present with a deep knowledge as to what makes a band sound good. Also….a beautiful human being with Gretchen, his wonderful wife, always by his side.

Dave Liebman

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Mike Abene is one of the most complete musicians I know. His grasp of all the elements of music as an arranger, composer, and pianist is what sets him apart as one of the greats.

Most recently our experience recording and performing his arrangements for the WDR Big Band was just a prime example of this. He took some very challenging music and shaped it into a beautiful program and led the band perfectly.

Chuck Loeb

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Working with and knowing The Grand Maestro Michael Abene through the years has been one of the most rewarding musical collaborations of my life ... We have a brotherly personal relationship which I treasure as well, and is a gift ... As a conductor, arranger and pianist Michael is full of ideas and executes them freely and spontaneously with Love & Passion ... It has truly been a joy to work with Michael, Gretchen and the WDR Big Band and Orchestra through the years... I‘m very proud of the work we‘ve done together, especially my Grammy Nominated Blue Note release „Symphonica“... Maestro Abene in performance live at Koln‘s Philharmonic Hall conducted the WDR Symphony Orchestra and Big Band of his orchestrations of my tunes with power and grace!!! I feel quite humbled and honored to be a part of his brilliant career and look forward to future dinners and performances ... Complemente!!!

Joe Lovano

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There is not much that I can say that has not already been said about Michael.

I know this because every time I run into someone who has just finished working with him, they talk about him because they are always very happy, animated and charged with good and positive energy that they undoubtedly received from him!

In fact, they say so many good things that I know that whatever good things I could possibly say about him, it‘s all been said before!

So I won‘t tell you what I‘m sure you already know. Like how he‘s one of the greatest arrangers on this planet or any other one!

Or how his energy, creativity and generosity seem to be limitless!

What I will say is that I am very grateful for the love and kindness both he and his wife, Gretchen Hoffman-Abene, have shown me over the many years that I‘ve known them and that I wish them as many good and positive things in the future as they have given to me and everyone else who‘ve had the pleasure of their company!

Sincerely,

Dennis Mackrel

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Michael Abene has always been a musician I‘ve had the greatest respect for. I love his playing, his arranging, his compositional skills and his personality. A great guy.

Christian McBride

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What an honor to work with Michael Abene! We were lucky enough to have him produce our very first album way back in the good old days, and are fortunate to consider him one of our supporters for the last 26 years. His endless creativity and energy have been inspiring to us all – his work is timeless, unique, and legendary. He is certainly one of the icons of arranging – the king of his domain! Looking forward to his next chapter.

DarmonNew York Voices

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Dear Michael,

I mostly got to admire your amazing talents as a listener, and that was already spectacular... I am so thankful and proud that a few years back we got to work together, and you arranged my music with such skill and musical love... I can only try to imagine the whole scope of your immense imprint on the musical life in Cologne and elsewhere. Now that you leave Cologne, I can only say: lucky any and all places you‘ll call in the future home or working base. Wishing you all the best thankfully Simon Nabatov

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I‘ve always been a fan of Mike. A wonderful cat, who is multifaceted, as a pianist, arranger, producer & composer.

WOW!

There is such a broad scope in his abilities. He has the knack to really get into the music and always seem to bring an extra something special. It‘s a pleasure to have made music with him. Thank you (-:

Adam Nussbaum

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Michael,

Your spirit, experience, and talent on so many levels made both of my visits with the WDR Big Band spectacular and life long memories. It is truly an honor to play your compositions and arrangements. It is why I practiced so hard as a kid. You made my dreams of playing great music come true. Some of my happiest moments was listening to you play solo piano.

Thanks for making me a better musician. All my respect, love and appreciation,

Dick Oatts

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I performed with the WDR Big Band for the first time in 2009, a tribute concert to the late great Hiram Bullock. There was a star ensemble that included some of my musical heroes and Mr. Abene wrote typically amazing arrangements and conducted the show with effortless mastery.

My excitement however, was tinged with nervous anticipation. It was the first time I‘d ever worked with a big band. However, In an act of generosity and sensitivity often rare in the biz, Mr. Abene made great effort to ensure I felt safe and at ease in what he rightly guessed was a pressured environment for me. Soon I felt like I‘d been fronting a big band all my life and the show is one of the highlights of my career thus far. Mr. Abene, I offer sincere thanks and my best wishes for your continued success in all your future endeavors.

Ola Onabule

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„I‘ve had many many highspots in my career and I consider one of the highest when I got to work with Michael Abene.

He‘s the top of the list of arrangers and conductors and I marvel at his technique for handling Big Bands.So I feel really really comfortable when I‘m involved in a project that he‘s part of because of how how great he is at managing Big Bands. Michael makes me feel really special because of who he is!“

Maceo Parker

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Working with Mike Abene with the WDR Band was a real privilege and inspiration for me, he‘s a total master. It‘s very seldom in any walk of life to find someone with as much skill, devotion, good humor, and attention to detail as Mike has, so I feel very lucky to know him and work with him.

Chris Potter

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The concert with Michael Abene on the occasion of my 50th birthday was one of the most beautiful in the past years! He had a friendly and highly professional manner conducting this concert, which will remain unforgettable to me. I wish him contentment and happiness and a merry active retirement!

With kind regards,

Prof. Thomas Quasthoff

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It was not until the WDR put us together that I finally had the chance of working with Michael Abene. While his reputation precedes him – and this from musicians I‘ve long admired – I had no idea if we would be a good fit. Well, not only were the arrangements pure magic, but Michael‘s a beautiful person – an open spirit who is so much fun – and a terrific storyteller. In short, Michael is an absolute delight and it‘s so nice to be able to join the chorus of those singing his praises.

Dianne Reeves

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Dear Michael,

You are a true master of arranging. Each of your arrangements expresses your very own (Sicilian?) aesthetics of sound. Some of them are a thrill – for example the arrangement with five soprano saxophones – and your boldness is very inspiring to me! You always leave room for solos, for JAZZ. And on top of this, you have an abundance of positive energy, which is infectious to everyone and every big band you work with. Thank you for this, Michael, and thank you for arranging some of my pieces – I feel truly honored!

We had a few rehearsals in your study, an arranger‘s paradise: a plain little room containing a grand piano, a small table with a coffeemaker always full of filtered coffee and a desk with king-size score paper and a pencil.

You look at music in its entirety, in arranging as well as in playing: I can hear a complete orchestra in your piano, polyphonic themes which are high and gentle seem to be flutes and clarinets, I can hear trombones, baritone saxophones and quite a few piano solos. But you never waste a single note!

It would be wonderful to play some further duos with you, preferably in Sicily! Take care and rock on!

Matthias Schriefl

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Michael Abene is an outstanding composer and arranger. Since my time with him as a student at Manhattan School of Music, listening to his work has been and still is a true and great inspiration.

Stefan Schultze

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Dear Mike

Congratulations on your great run at the WDR. It was such a rewarding experience working with you and the big band. You‘ve written so many wonderful charts. Your orchestration abilities are unparalleled, it‘s magic!!! (and you play a mean piano too!) You‘ve really helped the band to grow and given so much to the music. Thanks Mike, I hope to see you soon, old friend.

John Scofield

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Michael Abene is a great arranger, performer and band leader who embraces tradition while utilizing his creative spirit to always serve his fellow musicians. Having the opportunity to work with such a jazz master is an experience I will always cherish.

Terell Stafford

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Michael Abene is a great writer, incredible arranger and a beautiful musician. On a personal level, it was a pleasure to be with Michael. My experience playing with the WDR and Michaels arrangements was so much fun. I had a great time.

Mike Stern

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An idol is probably someone who, like Michael Abene, has remained a humorous, warmhearted and modest person, despite of being one of the best musicians and arrangers in jazz history. In creating music, Michael is a master of structure, composition and color, guaranteeing sophisticated reharmonizations and fresh basslines. He is a musical seducer with a great intellect and a whole lot of “soul”!

I especially love another of his exceptional skills: his creative and soulful way to write arrangements for large formations in combination with solo singers or vocal groups. Only few people in the world can master this challenge like Michael does! It is a privilege to know him personally, as well as it is to experience how caring he is with people and how passionate about music. I wish him all the best for the future!

Ansgar Striepens

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I knew Mike Abene, but not well, in the early 1960s, when we joined a hopeful, optimistic generation of young jazz musicians determined to „make it“ in New York, pretty much the only place for a young player or writer to be in those days. We‘ve worked hard, each in his way, since then, and it‘s hard work that wins in the end. Our music demands constant application, year after year, and steadfast devotion. That‘s what Mike has achieved, and he ain‘t done yet.

It was incredibly enriching to reconnect with Mike, and to work with him, at the WDR in 2013. He shaped the music of We3 (Dave Liebman, Adam Nussbaum and me) into something bigger and better than it had been. He saw things in the music we hadn‘t known ourselves, and he caused us to bring things out of the music we couldn‘t have imagined without his prompting. What more can one ask of an „arranger“? Of course, what Mike did was more than that inadequate word describes: he entered into the music, reshaped it, redefined it, made it more expressive. I‘m most fortunate to have worked with him.

Steve Swallow

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Take 6‘s experience working with Michael Abene was nothing short of awesome! To hear our arrangements come to even more life with the backing of one of the most amazing big bands in the world, the WDR Big Band Cologne, was completely exhilarating! Michael‘s big-band arrangements are second to none! And our personal experience working alongside him in rehearsals and performance was and will be totally unforgettable! This man has a huge heart, and it comes through in every note played and sung in his arrangements. Take 6 salutes you Mr. Abene!Much Success Always!

Mark Kibble on behalf of Take 6

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See, I have never met Michael Abene. We only spoke on the phone a few times. So all I can say is that he seems like a really nice guy and he is a pleasure to work with, very astute yet very relaxed. I have now received a few arrangements for concert we are preparing in June. Michael has done a great job rearranging my music for the big band. I am really excited to start rehearsals.

Jacky Terrasson

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Ce fût un plaisir immense et délicieux de rencontrer Michael Abene et de travailler avec lui. Pianiste extraordinaire, il a su tout de suite me mettre à l’aise lorsque nous nous sommes rencontrés pour sélectionner les morceaux à arranger. Avec une grande générosité, il a écouté mes timides propositions et les a pour certaines en partie inclues dans ses arrangements. Sa connaissance du jazz, son goût exquis et son savoir ont fait de chaque morceau arrangé par lui un voyage excitant. Me poussant parfois à la limite de mes possibilités il m’a, sans doute sans s’en être rendu compte, beaucoup appris et je suis reconnaissante d’avoir pu travailler avec ce Grand Monsieur. Merci Michael!!

Cécil Verny

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Thanks, Michael, for inviting me to play the music of Charles Mingus with the wonderful WDR Band. I had a great time with you, as I always have, from the GRP Big Band to now. It‘s always a very enlightening musical experience for me to play your great arrangements and compositions. Thank you so much also for the beautiful arrangements of my tunes, “For Michael” and “To The Point”. It‘s always so much fun making music with you; you always bring so much joy to our musical environment. Many blessings to you and Gretchen, now and in the future.

Love,

Ernie Watts

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Mike is an incredible arranger that I‘ve had the pleasure to work with on many occasions with many big bands. The time spent with him on the projects I did with the WDR were wonderful and very memorable. All the best Mike!

Dave Weckl

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More Facts about Michael Abene

From New York, Michael Abene answered some questions posed by Michael Brüning about his extensive musical activities. He commented on a number of projects, explained some musical and biographical milestones, and gave an insight into the personal and creative outlook he shares with his wife Gretchen.

You have been very active in New York‘s music business as well as internationally. When did you first learn about the WDR Big Band?I‘m not sure exactly but it was at least 25 years ago, I remember Brookmeyer and Mel Lewis telling me about the band.

You made your debut with the Big Band in the Kölner Philharmonie 14 years ago. Do you remember the evening? Patti Austin was in on it as well.I believe Wolfgang Hirschmann originally approached me about doing a tribute to Maynard Ferguson. I spoke to Maynard and he was agreeable but there was a problem with his manager at the time so that project did not happen. Patti Austin was contacted by Hirschmann and she arrived in Koeln with some charts. I remember her not being happy with some of the endings so I wrote some endings she was happy with. I also just finished a project with Chick Corea with the Carnegie Hall Jazz Band and asked Wolfgang if I could bring some of those charts which also had French horns and Tuba I believe. At the same time I had brought my arrangement of „America“ from the GRP recording of West Side Story which Patti had sung live. She sounded wonderful and it was a very inspiring concert.

What do you think is unique about her?Patti, like all great singers, has a wonderful sense of rhythm, pitch and responds to what you write for her. She is also comfortable in many styles of music.

When you became musical director of the WDR Big Band, you already were a renown composer, arranger, bandleader and professor for Jazz music. Which where your expectations and personal hopes coming to Cologne? And looking back, did everything come up to your expectations or were they even exceeded? Maybe there were positive developments you had not thought of at the beginning?My reason for coming to Koeln was wanting to be associated specifically with the WDR Big Band and not just any band. I like to leave feeling I wrote some very good music and made some invaluable friendships along the way.

Of course we want to know about your favorite concerts and productions with the Big Band. Are there outstanding pieces or memories you like to think of?That‘s a very difficult question to answer so then I‘ll just say I loved everyone.

Are there any projects which you have not been able to carry out?I would like to have done more projects with orchestra.

Coming back to your professional history, is it correct you grew up in a very musical environment in the Italian community in Brooklyn?My father played guitar and his father played string instruments and there was a lot of music in the house.

How was it that your interest in Jazz, Rhythm and Blues and other genres was sparked?When I started to be involved in doing studio work as a keyboardist and arranger for recording sessions and for commercials for television and radio. It was a paid education.

You belonged to a talented Youth Band which performed at the Newport Jazz Festival and other

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venues. How do you explain that so many members of this ensemble became successful musicians, just like you?I feel it had greatly to do with the people who were mentoring us. Marshall Brown, who was the organizer of the Youth Band. John LaPorta and Lou Mucci who made us so aware of the music around us.

Your debut at the WDR Big Band Cologne in June 2000 was opened by your arrangement of Sonny Rollins‘ „Airegin“, a tribute to your first arrangements for Maynard Ferguson. How did it come about that you played with Ferguson and became responsible for arranging?I was playing with trumpeter Don Ellis who was close to pianist Jaki Byard, who was the pianist on Maynard‘s band at the time and one of the most original pianists and Arranger/Composers. He was leaving the band and asked if I was interested in joining the band, of course I said yes. I had some nonet arrangements I had written for a group I had in the Youth Band and just re-scored them for Maynard. I joined the band in 1961 and immediately started writing. I had my own approach for the band and Maynard started liking my writing and it just progressed from there. The version of „Airegin“ that you mentioned was for the GRP All-Star Big Band.

As you have shown in your compositions, like for the collaboration of the WDR Big Band Cologne with the WDR Radio Orchestra Cologne, there are always new facets of orchestral Jazz to be discovered. In this context, what is appealing about the album version of the concert „Big Music“? The recording you are speaking about is the Grammy nominated „Symphonica“ featuring Joe Lovano and the WDR Big Band and Rundfunk Orchestra. What is exciting for me is the combination of big band and symphony, something that should be done more often. I have been speaking to Ed Partyka, head of the Jazz Department at KUG in Graz about the possibility of such a course for Composition students. I was instrumental, along with the late Manny Albam, of creating such a course at Manhattan School of Music, the official title being „Jazz Composition and Arranging For the Studio Orchestra“.

With your compositions and arrangements, you have enriched the repertoire not only of the WDR Big Band Cologne, but also of orchestral Jazz in general. We would like to spotlight some facets of the variety of projects you have worked on.

Jazz classics you have dealt with include the Great American Songbook, an homage to Benny Goodman with Paquito D‘Rivera and the WDR Big Band, or explorations of Charles Mingus‘ repertoire with guest soloist Ernie Watts. From your experience, how can the tradition of big band Jazz be revived to provide new potential for soloists and orchestras?It is entirely up to the creativity of the arranger.

As for funk, fusion and soul, I remember productions like „Funkhouse“, „Roots & Grooves“ with Maceo Parker, Bill Evans‘ „Vans Joint“ or the homage to Hiram Bullock with Dean Brown et al. In these projects, you transferred compositions for small ensembles to a big band format. What is the best way to unfold the energetic potential of electronic Jazz genres in a big band?Starting with having the right material and right rhythm section that best plays that groove, it then becomes again the creativity of the arranger.

You have directed musical encounters between the WDR Big Band and outstanding personalities like Lee Konitz, Tom Harrell, Gary Burton, Joe Lovano, John Scofield, Peter Erskine, Eddie Daniels, Randy Brecker or Chris Potter. What makes such encounters special and unforgettable?The level of the players and the level of the material.

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Let‘s talk about you as a pianist. In the concert „Cannonball“ you directed, you played the piano publicly for the first time. Why did it take so long? It always surprises the audience when you take off your shoes first, do you need to be in direct touch with the piano pedals?I have no idea why it took me so long to play an entire project with the band. As far as my playing with my shoes off it‘s just a matter of comfort.

You studied at the Manhattan School of Music and later rejoined the school as a professor for Jazz yourself. You have also taught in Germany and several other European countries. Concerning the approaches and conceptions of the music academies, do American and German Jazz departments differ a lot?I am self taught but went to Manhattan School of Music for one year writing a string quartet and a piano/clarinet piece to gain entrance. Jazz education at that time was not what it is today.

You have been working at the University of Music and Performing Arts in Graz for some time now. Which priorities do you set in your teaching?In working with Composition students that they are aware of the great composers and arrangers in Jazz

such as Fletcher Henderson and Benny Carter for example and all the way up to Maria Schneider. Not to write like any of them but to know and understand the evolution of the music.

It is not like you to rest on your laurels, so what are your plans for the future?To keep composing music everyday. There is no such thing to me as resting on one‘s laurels.

Many people know the composer, arranger and conductor Michael Abene. Your wife Gretchen is less known, although she plays an important part in your manifold activities. You could tell us more about her part, if you like to. The two of you are truly a dream team.Gretchen is the business person of the family. She studied music as a child, has a great ear and knows the music and lyrics to many songs. She was also a music copyist for many years when music copying was done by hand. She also co-produced and was responsible for the budgets and contracts for all the projects I produced for GRP Records. Last but not least Gretchen is an extremely talented painter and has worked in different mediums.

Mr Abene, thank you very much for the interview!

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Projects and Concerts

AmericaKölner PhilharmonieMar - 11 - 2000

The Sicilian Essen: Schloss Borbeck, Köln: Stadtgarten Nov-12 – 21 2002

Songs of Spring Münster: Studiofest, Hilden: Jazztage May-10 + May-30 – 31 2003

Michael Abene Project Zweibrücken Sep-11 – 14 2003

Very Personal 2004 Lüdenscheid, Düsseldorf, Köln, Siegen, Marl, Bonn Jan-12 – 31 2004

Tribute to Billie Holiday Essen: Zeche Zollverein, Kölner Philharmonie, Herne Mar-15 – 28 2004

Rick + Rolf Venlo, Köln: Stadtgarten, MönchengladbachJun-01 – 12 2004

Kölner Lichter Köln: RheinschiffJul-10 2004

Very Personal 2004 Essen: Zeche Zollverein, Meinerzhagen, Dortmund, Willich Sep-20 – 24 2004

Billie Holiday Leverkusen Leverkusen Sep-04 – 09 2004

Take6 and more Kölner Philharmonie, Bad Ems Nov-29 – Dec-12 2004

Very Personal 2005 Düsseldorf, Köln: Stadtgarten, Bonn, Siegen Jan-10 – Feb-02 2005

Now‘s The Time Köln: Stadtgarten, Wuppertal Mar-01 – 12 2005

FunkHouse Cologne Lüdenscheid, Essen: Zeche Zollverein, Kölner PhilharmonieApr-04 – 16 2005

Thoughts and Visions Dortmund, Kölner PhilharmonieJun-27 – Jul-09 2005

Djangology Kölner Philharmonie, Essen: Zeche Zollverein Aug-31 – Sep-16 2005

Big Music/ Joe Lovano Project Mechenich, Kölner PhilharmonieNov-14 – 26 2005

Italian Movie Music Köln: Stadtgarten, Remscheid, Dortmund Nov-29 – Dec-10 2005

USA 2006 New York Jan-03 – 16 2006

Very Personal 2006 Essen, Siegen, Bonn, Düsseldorf Mar-02 – 18 2006

The Gershwin Night Kölner Philharmonie Mar-20 – 31 2006

Young Generation Dortmund, Köln: WDR Funkhaus Klaus von Bismarck-Saal Apr-03 – 07 2006

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Gershwin Songbook Dortmund: Westfalenpark Aug-21 – 26 2006

WDR 50- Die amtliche Geburtstagsshow Köln, Essen, Münster, Aachen, Bielefeld, Düsseldorf, Dortmund, Siegen, WuppertalAug-28 – Sep-10 2006

WDR Jazzpreis Köln: WDR Funkhaus Klaus von Bismarck-Saal Oct-23 – 27 2006

Take6 and more 2006 Leverkusen: Jazztage, Kölner PhilharmonieNov-02 – 18 2006

Djangology Paris: Lionel Hampton Jazzclub Jan-09 – 14 2007

Roots & Grooves Tour Heidelberg: Stadthalle, Rüsselsheim: Stadttheater, Luzern: KKL, Paris: Le Grand Rex, Barcelona: Palau de la Música Catalana, Madrid: Palacio Municipal de CongresosJan-26 – Feb-03 2007

Roots & Grooves Essen: Zeche Zollverein, Kölner PhilharmonieJan-16 – 25 2007

Leander - Holiday Studio production Feb-26 – Mar-02 2007

Improvise One Kölner Philharmonie Apr-23 – May-06 2007

Very Personal 2007 Iserlohn, Dülmen, Bonn, Köln May-29 – Jun-16 2007

Dizzy‘s Atmosphere Mülheim an der Ruhr Aug-3 – 25 2007

WDR Jazzpreis Essen, Köln: WDR Funkhaus Klaus von Bismarck-Saal Oct-22 – 26 2007

Hargrove Grooves Leverkusener Jazztage Oct-29 – Nov-07 2007

Christmas Revisited Bonn: Harmonie, Düsseldorf: Jazzschmiede, Köln: Stadtgarten Dec-10 – 21 2007

Very Personal 2008 Iserlohn, Dortmund, Köln: UniversitätJan-28 – Feb-15 2008

Presenting Bill Evans Siegen: LYZ Kulturzentrum, Düsseldorf: Jazz-Schmiede, Köln: Stadtgarten Feb-18 – 29 2008

Ballads And Soft Music Köln: WDR Funkhaus Klaus von Bismarck-SaalMar-03 – 13 2008

New York Voices Duisburg: Landschaftspark, Gebläsehalle, Kölner PhilharmonieMay-06 – 17 2008

Dave‘s Musical DiaryBonn: Harmonie, Köln: WDR Funkhaus Klaus von Bismarck-Saal May-19 – 30 2008

Maceo Parker in NRW Düsseldorf: Hofgarten Jul-11+12 2008

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Maceo Parker, Sommertour 2008 Rotterdam, Differdange, Hamburg, Jena, Villingen, Alicante, Nizza, San Sebastian, Madrid, Barcelona, Köln, Wiesbaden Jul-12 – 31 2008

Gary Burton Special Köln: Stadtgarten, Dortmund: Opernhaus Sep-01 – 14 2008

Remembering Hiram Bullock Essen: Zeche Zollverein, Kölner PhilharmonieSep-16 – 25 2008

Jazz Greetings from Germany Riga, Donezk, Kiew Sep-26 – Oct-04 2008

Tribute to Ray Charles Leverkusener Jazztage, Berlin: Jazzfest Nov-03 – 06 2008

Ellington Songs Essen: Zeche Zollverein, Iserlohn: Stadthalle, Kölner Philharmonie Nov-24 – Dec-06 2008

Very Personal 2009 Wipperfürth, Düsseldorf, Siegen, Köln, Aachen, Siegburg Feb-16 – Mar-13 2009

Hard Boppin‘ Lüdenscheid, Dortmund Apr-21 – 30 2009

Cafiso Plays Parker Bonn, Hilden May-11 – 23 2009

Benny Goodman Revisited Münster, Detmold, Kölner Philharmonie May-26 – Jun-06 2009

Heiner‘s Music Köln: Stadtgarten Aug-24 – 28 2009

Mike Stern Selection Köln: WDR Funkhaus Klaus von Bismarck-Saal mittendrin!-Ein Tag mit den WDR Klangkörpern Sep-06 2009

Mike Stern Selection Köln: Stadtgarten, Essen: Zeche Zollverein Aug-31 – Sep-11 2009

Celebrating Billie Holiday- Tour Dillingen: Lokschuppen, Echternach (LU):Philharmonie, Zweibrücken: Festival EUROKLASSIK Sep-14 – 21 2009

Celebrating Billie Holiday- NRW Viersen: Jazzfestival, Kölner Philharmonie Jun-18/21 2009

Celebrating Händel Wuppertal: Unihalle, Mechernich: Tonfabrik Zikkurat Oct-05 – 09 / Oct-26 – Nov-01 2009

Bill Evans‘ Special Dudelange: Opderschmelz, Neckarsulm: Audi Forum, Leverkusen: Forum, Leverkusener Jazztage Nov-04 – 12 2009

Studio production Fay Claassen Dec-07 – 11 2009

Very Personal 2010 Essen: Schloss Borbeck, Lüdenscheid: Kulturhaus Marnach (LU): Cube 521, Greven: Ballenlager, Düsseldorf: Jazzschmiede Jan-11 – Feb-10 2010

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Calypso Night Ennepetal: Haus Ennepetal, Kölner Philharmonie Jan-27 – Feb-06 2010

A Russian Play Hamm: Klavier-Festival Ruhr, Alfred-Fischer-Halle May-03 – 11 2010

Bombella Leverkusen: Bayer Kulturzentrum May-17 – 22 2010

Südafrika Kapstadt, Port Elisabeth, Johannesburg May-29 – Jun-05 2010

Welcome Kurt Elling Gütersloh: Theater Gütersloh, Kölner Philharmonie Jun-14 – 26 2010

Jazztango Essen: Zeche Zollverein, Düsseldorf: Robert-Schumann-Saal Aug-23 – Sep-03 2010

Unterwegs mit Roger WillemsenEssen: Zeche ZollvereinDüsseldorf: Robert-Schumann-SaalJun-28 – Jul-02 2010

Mittendrin! Fernsehstudio B Rechtschule Sep-07 – 12 2010

WDR Big Band Plays Mingus Viersen: Internationales Jazzfestival Sep-15 – 24 2010

Billie Holiday 2010 Ratingen: Stadttheater, Baden-Baden: Festspielhaus Nov-02 – 21 2010

A Legend In Jazz - Charles Mingus Essen: Zeche Zollverein, Kölner Philharmonie Nov-23 – 04 2010

Quasthoff Gala Essen: PhilharmonieDec-13 – 18 2010

Very Personal 2011 Leverkusen: Bayer Kulturhaus, Essen: Schloss Borbeck, Lüdenscheid: Kulturhaus, Marnach: LU, CUBE 521 Jan-10 – 22 2011

New Stuff Köln: Stadtgarten, Potsdam: Nikolaisaal Feb-08 – 18 2011

Bernie‘s Tunes Köln: StadtgartenMar-28 – Apr-01 2011

Antiche Danze Köln: WDR Funkhaus Klaus von Bismarck-Saal Apr-04 – 14 2011

Scofield Special Essen: Zeche Zollverein, Kölner Philharmonie May-10 – 21 2011

Northsea Jazzfestival 2011 – Fay ClaassenRotterdam: The AhoyJun-27/Jul-05/Jul-10 2011

Arte Film ARTE broadcast 2nd quarter 2012 Sep-05 – 07 2011

Mittendrin 2011 Köln: WDR Funkhaus Klaus von Bismarck-Saal Aug-31 – Sep-04 2011

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Eddie Daniels - One of a Kind Kölner Philharmonie, Viersen: Stadthalle Sep-12 – 24 2011

Fay Claassen „Sing“ Unna, Amsterdam: Bimhuis, Rotterdam: De Doelen Oct-04 – 08 2011

Soul Classics - Leverkusener Jazztage Leverkusen Oct-31 / Nov-07/10 2011

Soul Classics - Herbsttour 2011 Backnang, Zürich: Volkshaus Nov-08 – 09 2011

Bone Breakers Mönchengladbach: Das Rote Krokodil, Wuppertal: Café Ada Nov-28 – Dec-10 2011

Maribor 2012 WBB plays Mingus Greven: Kulturzentrum Ballenlager, Maribor Jan-24 – 29 2012

Lee Konitz – A Jazz LifeDüsseldorf: Robert-Schumann-SaalSiegen: LYZ KulturzentrumFeb-27 –Mar-09 2012

In The Idiom Gronau: Jazzfestival, Kölner PhilharmonieApr-12 – 16 / Apr-24 – 28 2012

Tribute to Ray Charles Mailand: Teatro alla ScalaApr-17 – 23 2012

Greeting Gualazzi Bonn: Telekomforum, Bochum: Klavier-Festival Ruhr,Jahrhunderthalle May-02 – 12 2012

Remarkable Music- Tom Harrell Duisburg: Steinhof, Köln: StadtgartenJun-04 – 15 2012

Mittendrin 2012 Köln: WDR Funkhaus Klaus von Bismarck-SaalAug-27 – Sep-02 2012

BuJazzo Heek: LandesmusikakademieSep-03 – 07 2012

Cannonball Viersen: Jazzfestival, Köln: Philharmonie Sep-10 – 22 2012

New York Voices- CD Release Mönchengladbach: Das Rote Krokodil, Dillingen: Lokschuppen, Aachen: Universität AulaOct-08 – 12 2012

Welcome Back Kurt Elling Essen: Philharmonie, Kölner Philharmonie Nov-26 – Dec-07 2012

Christmas Revisited 2012 Wuppertal: Café Ada, Paderborn: Audimax der Universität Dec-11 – 19 2012

Horace Silver Köln: WDR Funkhaus, Studio 4: Studio production Mar-18 – 22 2013

WBB Plays Horace Silver Hilden: Hildener Jazztage, Kölner Philharmonie May-27 – Jun-01 2013

We3 - WE All Essen: Zeche Zollverein, Kölner PhilharmonieJun-16 – 21 2013

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The Harvest Köln: Stadtgarten, Hattingen: Heinrichshütte Jun-25 – Jul-05 2013

Mittendrin! Music of Horace Silver Köln: WDR Funkhaus Klaus von Bismarck-Saal, Vreden: Kulturzentrum Sep-05 – 08 2013

Metro Meets WDR Big BandEssen: Zeche Zollverein, Kölner Philharmonie Sep-14 – 20 2013

My Songbook Kölner Philharmonie, Essen: Philharmonie Nov-20 – 29 2013

A night in Brazil Borken: Aula Gymnasium Remigianum, Kölner Philharmonie Feb-03 – 15 2014

Deep ImpressionsHattingen, Klavier-Festival Ruhr, LWL Industriemuseum24.6.2014

Abene’s Personal SelectionKöln, Stadtgarten27.6.2014

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CD Productions

DjangologyBiréli Lagrène, gWDR Big Band CologneConductor, Arranger: Michael AbeneDreyfus Jazz CD FDM 46050366962

avant gershwinPatti Austin, vocWDR Big Band CologneConductor, Arranger: Michael AbeneRendezvous CD ren 51232 * GRAMMY AWARD

Marceo Parker - Roots & GroovesMarceo Parker, saxDennis Chambers, drRodney „Skeet“ Curtis, bWDR Big Band CologneConductor, Arranger: Michael AbeneIntuition CD INT 34132

Bill Evans Vans JointBill Evans, ts,ssDave Weckl, drMark Egan, e-bWDR Big Band CologneConductor, Arranger: Michael AbeneBHM 2009 /The WDR The Cologne Broadcasts 2008BHM 1038 2 Bill EvansSoulgrass

SymphonicaJoe Lovano, tsWDR Rundfunkorchester CologneWDR Big Band CologneConductor, Arranger: Michael Abene * GRAMMY NOMINATION* GRAMMY NOMINATION for Michael Abene’s Arrangement Charles Mingus Duke Ellington’s Sound of Love

Celebrating Billie HolidayCécile Verny, vocStrings of WDR Rundfunkorchester CologneWDR Big Band CologneConductor, Arranger: Michael AbeneCMO Jazz/WDR 2008

Sing!Fay Claassen, vocWDR Rundfunkorchester CologneWDR Big Band CologneConductor, Arranger: Michael AbeneChallenge 50117 390

maceo parker / soul classicsmaceo parker: vocals & alto saxchristian mcbride: basscora coleman-dunham: drumswdr big band cologneConductor, Arranger: Michael AbeneMoosicus Records M 1201-1

Live with the WDR Big Band CologneNew York VoicesWDR Big Band CologneConductor, Arranger: Michael AbenePalmetto Records 2013/PM 2160

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