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.
Yonatan Harari
Bass
Yonatan Harari is a Berlin-based producer, bass player, and composer known for his groovy, collaborative sound. He studied music at the Tel Aviv Conservatory of Music and the Thelma Yellin High School of the Arts, and a bachelor’s degree in composition from the Jerusalem Academy of Music and Dance.
Produces and performs with artists across a wide range of genres and styles. In recent years, he has performed throughout Germany with established artists such as Ronis Goliath and K.ZIA, alongside collaborations with indie projects and jazz ensembles including Noa Mei , LOBA and Bulletz Trio.
In addition to his performance and Studio work, he composed music for a dance piece created in collaboration with the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris, and was selected as one of the winning arrangers for Chorfest 2025 Nürnberg.
Colin Richard Lloyd
Trombone
Colin Richard Lloyd is a Canadian-born Berlin-based trombonist. Rooted in the jazz tradition he studied at McGill University, he expands his voice across a wide variety of genres. Having performed across North America and Europe supporting notable artists such as Gene Simmons, CeeLo Green, and David Foster, Colin blends technical mastery with soulful expression.
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.
Johann Giesecke
Trombone
Johann Giesecke is a Berlin-based jazz trombonist. He grew up in Dresden where attended the Landesgymnasium für Musik. There he received a broad and solid musical education from an early age. Since 2019, he has been studying at the renowned Jazz Institute Berlin.
As a versatile musician, Johann is active in various ensembles, including the genre-crossing band collective Searching for Home, the big band Felizibilidad, and the trombone quartet Bone Voyage. His playing ranges from gentle, airy tones to high-energy funk. In his music, he moves effortlessly between many styles, from classical to jazz and soul to pop.
Artur Rutkevich
Saxophone
