Ralf Hesse (*1972 in Stuttgart) studied trumpet in Cologne and composition/arrangement in Mannheim. He has played in the big bands of WDR Cologne, HR Frankfurt, NDR Hamburg, RIAS Berlin and SWR Stuttgart, in Bob Brookmeyers New Art Orchestra, Peter Herbolzheimers Rhythm Combination & Brass, the Frankfurt Jazz Big Band, the Paul Kuhn Orchestra and with Albert Mangelsdorffs German-French Jazz Ensemble. Since 2006, he has been a member of the Pepe Lienhard Orchestra and toured regularly with Udo Jürgens until 2014.

As a composer, arranger or musical director, he regularly works for the big bands of the German broadcasting corporations as well as for the Pepe Lienhard Orchestra and makes guest appearances with big bands and orchestras throughout Europe. Ralf Hesse has been the musical director of the Saxony-Anhalt State Youth Big Band since 2022.

Jazz podium: “… Ralf Hesse knows how to perfectly stack the wind sections together and against each other in Basie style, how to set effective accents with precise kicks and tuttis, how to skillfully adjust dynamics and how to weave brass timbres together elegantly and powerfully. A powerful piece of Big Band made in Germany…”

Sammy Nestico: “Ralf, what a pleasure! All the right notes in the right places! Like myself, you make melody a prime important element… and of course, it has to swing. Along with your excellent writing, the musicianship of the orchestra was beautiful. Thanks again my gifted friend!“