Artist(s)

The Jazz Orchestra of the Concertgebouw (JOC) – the Netherlands’ best big band with the most swing, according to many – was founded in 1996 by Henk Meutgeert and others as the New Concert Big Band. Since 1999, on the initiative of then-Concertgebouw managing director Martijn Sanders, it was proudly given the name of Het Koninklijk Concertgebouw ['The Royal Concert Hall'].

The JOC performs worldwide with jazz greats such as the likes of Benny Golson and Oleta Adams and talented young blood, with José James and Christian Scott among the pool. The JOC connects with its audiences, whether in large or smaller settings and makes jazz, in the broadest sense of the word, accessible to audiences of all ages and expectations. Through its shows abroad, the JOC manages to bring Dutch jazz far afield and to the stages of famous concert halls. Approximately 35,000 visitors are drawn to the JOC's concerts each year.

Principal conductor Dennis Mackrel
As of November 2015, the JOC is led by principal conductor Dennis Mackrel (1962). Mackrel started his professional career at the age of ten and at twenty became the Count Basie band’s youngest ever drummer. Mackrel played with orchestras such as The Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, The Carla Bley Very Large Band and the Dizzy Gillespie All Star Big Band. He grew from sideman to band leader in his many partnerships with European orchestras such as the UMO big band from Helsinki (Finland) and the WDR big band from Cologne (Germany). In 2010 he returned to the Count Basie Orchestra as bandleader, where he remained until 2013.
The partnership with the Jazz Orchestra of the Concertgebouw dates back to 2004, when he made several appearances as a drummer. Starting in 2014, Mackrel conducted the orchestra on numerous occasions, including in the historical main hall of the Concertgebouw.

Talent development
As pioneers in the Dutch jazz scene, the JOC has initiated two projects for top talent in (jazz) music: Rhythm Changes and the Arrangers project. Over the course of these projects, young talent got given the opportunity to experience large(r) stages in a professional environment. These projects bring new life and new music to the big band genre and build bridges between the generations on stage as well as reach out to audiences.

Composer(s)

Press

For friends of good big band music, the cooperation of the JOC with Jim McNeely is a must!
Jazz'n More, 16-11-2022

Among big band fans, the Jazz Orchestra Of The Concertgebouw (JOC) enjoys an excellent reputation... For the latest project Juan Martinez was able to win Jim McNeely, one of the most distinguished composers and arrangers...
Fono Forum, 10-11-2022

... The common sound dominates the musical events here in arrangements written by a competent hand...
Jazzpodium, 01-12-2022

On the program, eight compositions by McNeely, including this “Threnody” dedicated to the victims of the Covid and the war in Ukraine. Added to this is the classic and leaping "My Foolish Heart". This Concertgebouw orchestra presents itself as a big band with well-marked sections (sax, trumpets, trombones) but benefits from a wide sound palette (cl, fl, bcl) which generates a wide range of soloists.
Jazzmania, 01-11-2022

... Stylistically, the music is based more on classic big band sound, although many modern elements have found their way in. The result is very refreshing and rousing.  
Musikansich, 18-10-2022

... Tasty flavors are woven into the impressionistic imagery for you to enjoy.
jazzfun