John Goldsby Retiring From WDR Big Band, Auditions Announced

After three decades at the helm of the WDR Big Band, John Goldsby has announced he’s retiring from the group. The jazz bassist, educator, and author will be seeing the year through before stepping down.

“It’s with a heavy heart that I announced that after 30 years with this incredible ensemble, I’m retiring from the WDR Big Band beginning in January, 2025,” he shared. “I’m not ‘retiring’ from music and bass playing by any means, but my work with the WDR Big Band will conclude to make way for a new bassist to take over the position. It’s a great job, and it’s meant the world to me to be able to work with this world-class big band for the past three decades. I offer my love and respect for all the great musicians, conductors, arrangers, composers, guest soloists, and WDR staff (management and recording crew) that have shared this journey with me. When I first started playing bass in the ’70s, my dream job was ‘studio jazz bassist’ – and that’s what I’ve had with the WDR Big Band since 1994.”

The WDR Big Band is based in Cologne, Germany and is one of the world’s leading jazz ensembles. With Goldsby’s departure, the group has opened applications for the bass position. Responsibilities include performing a daily concert in the Cologne area and participating in music education programs. The gig requires upright bass playing with a strong understanding of jazz, experience in big band performance, sight-reading proficiency, and versatility.

Applications are open now via the WDR website.

Congratulations to John Goldsby on his time with the WDR Big Band!