Get ready for a fantastic evening of soul, funk and jazz! Aretha Franklin was dubbed the Queen of Soul because of her outstanding significance for soul music. Her exceptional musical career and her social commitment made her one of the most important figures in 20th century music history.
Reason enough to pay tribute to this giant with a concert! Who better to do so than Denice Brooks, one of the most amazing American singers currently living in Europe. In 2010 she had the privilege of singing for Aretha in the background and is now fulfilling a long-cherished wish of being able to create an authentic evening with the songs of the soul diva. And with a complete soul band consisting of up-and-coming Berlin musicians! Book your tickets now before this fantastic show is sold out!
Denice Brooks is one of the most amazing American singers currently living in Europe. Her incredible vocal versatility has made her one of the busiest artists in her field.
The fact that she is the only singer Prince gave his blessing to record a cover version of Purple Rain speaks volumes. She has toured Germany, the rest of Europe, the Middle East and South Africa, where she sang for Nelson Mandela. She excels as a musical singer as well as a solo artist on stage, in the studio and on television. She has worked with Tina Turner, Roy Ayers, David Bowie, Nancy Wilson, Natalie Cole and many others.
Meet Denice and her fellow musicians
Leander Neidig, MD
Piano/Keys
Leander Neidig is a jazz pianist from Berlin. Over the years, he has gained extensive musical experience, including regular performances with various combos and big bands.
Known for his virtuosic piano playing, Leander brings precision, groove, and deep musicality to every performance. On stage, he blends joyful energy with a striking sense of professionalism — a combination that makes his presence as compelling as his sound. Since 2023, Leander Neidig has served as Music Director and keyboardist for the American singer Denice Brooks.
Samuel Dietze
Drums
Samuel Dietze is a boundary-pushing German drummer, improviser, and composer. Known for his polyrhythmic finesse and innovative use of live electronics, he is one of the most distinct voices of a new generation. He has performed across Europe, South Africa, and China, appearing at major venues like Muziekgebouw Amsterdam and ZigZag Jazzclub Berlin.
Mentored by Michael Griener and Günter “Baby” Sommer, and artistically influenced by Christian Lillinger, he bridges avant-garde jazz, New Music, and hip-hop. He composes music for his own projects and has performed works in the context of contemporary classical music. Since 2023, he is the drummer for THEE Aretha Franklin Tribute Band, led by the American soul singer Denice Brooks.
Johannes Schwarting
Saxophone/Flute
Johannes Schwarting is a rising saxophonist whose versatile style spans jazz, funk, R’n’B, and pop. Born in Mainz, he completed masterclasses with renowned musicians such as Chris Potter and Bob Reynolds.
He has performed alongside artists like “Wolfgang Haffner,” “Shacke One,” and “Joshua Milo,” as well as bands like “A Song for You” and “Funky Times.” Even Dick Oatts praised his assertive and distinctive saxophone sound.
In 2024, Johannes appeared at the XJAZZ! Festival Berlin and and is active as a studio musician and producer in addition to performing live.
Since 2022, he has been studying at the renowned Jazz Institute Berlin under Prof. Peter Weniger.
Humberto “Tito” Lopez
Trombone
The trombone player Humberto „Tito“ Lopez was born and raised in Berlin where he is also currently studying jazz trombone at the Jazz Institute Berlin.
He started taking trombone lessons at the age of 10 as part of a school program after which he quickly joined the school’s big band where he learned the basics about jazz and improvisation.
Now his focus is primarily on jazz and improvised music but also other styles such as funk, pop and latin music.
Donat Kubrinski
Trumpet
Berlin trumpeter Donat Kubrinski plays in many different jazz, soul, Afrogroove, funk and Latin projects, from combo to big band.
He studied with Prof. Daniel Schenker at the Hochschule für Musik und Theater in Zurich and with Prof. Gerard Presencer and Prof. Malte Burba at the Hochschule für Musik “Hanns Eisler” Berlin.
His many concert experiences and crossover projects at home and abroad over the last 25 years have made him an open minded and sought-after musician, a trumpeter who tests musical boundaries with many different influences.
Paul Polster
Bass
