Illinois Jacquet Big Band – Live in Berlin, 1987

A spectacular document of one of jazz’s great big bands, Big Band Live in Berlin, 1987 captures legendary tenor saxophonist Illinois Jacquet leading his powerhouse orchestra in a thrilling concert recorded November 4, 1987, at Philharmonic Hall in Berlin, Germany.

In 1981, Jacquet fulfilled a lifelong ambition by assembling his own big band in the tradition of his early mentors, Count Basie and Lionel Hampton. Drawing upon decades of experience as a celebrated soloist and bandleader, he created an ensemble combining seasoned jazz masters with an outstanding generation of younger musicians.

Although the Illinois Jacquet Big Band recorded the acclaimed studio album Jacquet’s Got It for Atlantic Records in 1987, recordings of the orchestra performing live during this period remain especially valuable. This historic Berlin concert captures the band’s tremendous power, spontaneous excitement, and irresistible swing before an enthusiastic European audience.

Jacquet is surrounded by a remarkable lineup featuring veteran musicians Eddie Barefield, Rudy Rutherford, Irvin Stokes, Johnny Grimes, Arthur “Babe” Clarke, and pianist Richard Wyands, alongside rising talents including Joey “G-Clef” Cavaseno, Jesse Davis, Frank “Kuumba” Lacy, and Henry Scott.

The orchestra performs electrifying arrangements by Eddie Barefield, Wild Bill Davis, Phil Wilson, Jimmy Mundy, and others, bringing fresh energy to Jacquet classics and swing-era favorites.

Across 11 performances, including “Robbin’s Nest,” “Smooth Sailing,” “Stompin’ at the Savoy,” “Blues From Louisiana,” “Perdido,” “Three Buckets of Jive,” and the legendary “Flying Home,” Jacquet demonstrates the explosive tenor saxophone playing, deep blues feeling, and commanding musical personality that made him one of jazz’s most influential instrumentalists.

Big Band Live in Berlin, 1987 is an essential archival recording celebrating the enduring legacy of Illinois Jacquet and the magnificent big band tradition he helped carry into the modern era.

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1. Robbin’s Nest (3:33)

2. Jacquet’s Got It (4:44)

3. Smooth Sailing (7:21)

4. Old Man River (4:31)

5. More Than You Know (5:47)

6. Stompin’ at the Savoy (4:37)

7. Blues From Louisiana (5:36)

8. Perdido (10:22)

9. On the Sunny Side of the Street (6:19)

10. Three Buckets of Jive (6:45)

11. Flying Home (3:49)

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ecorded live November 4th, 1987

Philharmonic Hall, Berlin, Germany

Illinois Jacquet: tenor sax, alto sax, vocals

trumpets: Henry Scott, David Zalud, Irvin Stokes, Johnny Grimes

trombones: Matt Haviland, Frank ”Kuumba” Lacy, Fred Joyner

alto sax, clarinet: Joey “G-Clef” Cavaseno

alto sax: Jesse Davis

tenor sax, clarinet: Arthur “Babe” Clarke

tenor sax: Eddie Barefield

baritone sax, clarinet: Rudy Rutherford

piano: Richard Wyands

bass: Fred Hunter

drums: Eric Allen

Arrangers: Wild Bill Davis, Eddie Barefield, Phil Wilson, Jimmy Mundy, others.