Benjamin Herman got his first saxophone at the age of twelve. At thirteen he was already playing on the professional club circuit. By the time he was twenty years old he was appearing with different groups around the world and initiating projects of his own. His fame spread beyond jazz circles in the 1990s when he formed the groundbreaking ensemble New Cool Collective. Having made a name as soloist while still a teenager, Benjamin Herman has appeared on over a hundred records with all kinds of artists, from Candy Dulfer to Misha Mengelberg. Herman has also built a career in The Netherlands and abroad as a composer. With New Cool Collective as well as with his smaller bands. He is a well respected craftsman who’s playing is firmly rooted in jazz tradition. His gigs are strongly influenced by dance floor jazz, surf and punk music, free jazz and traditional music from all over the world, attracting adventurous music fans of all genres as well as straight ahead jazz aficionados.
Today Benjamin Herman is one of the most original and productive jazz musicians in the Netherlands exploring influences beyond the confines of the jazz world. After starting his own record label ‘Roach Records’ in 2004 Benjamin Herman produced a string of cd’s, vinyl’s and yes, cassette tapes. He recorded and toured with amongst others Paul Weller, Dr. John, Tony Allen, Stan Tracey, Misha Mengelberg, Han Bennink, Peter Maffay, programmed several festivals, played all over the globe and worked on numerous personal projects. Amongst many awards and prizes are the prestigious VPRO/Boy Edgar Award, four Edisons and ‘Best Dressed man’ by Esquire magazine.
In 2017 New Cool Collective released two new albums (one featuring Senegalese alto saxophonist Thierno Koite of Orchestra Baobab) and Benjamin released a live album on the ICP label with The Quartet NL. An all star Dutch foursome with drummer Han Bennink (74), bassist Ruud Jacobs (78) and pianist Peter Beets.
In 2018 to celebrate his 50th birthday Benjamin released ‘Project S’, a luscious ode to Johan Cruyff’s car of choice the ‘Citroën SM’ and punk-jazz album ‘Bughouse’ with guitar magus Reinier Baas, bassist Peter Peskens (Jungle By Night) and legendary hard core drummer Olav van den Berg (Lärm, Seein’ Red, Marxbros).
2021 will see the release of trio album ‘When Will The Blues Leave’ with 85 year old drum legend John Engels and bassist Joris Teepe. Also coming up in spring ’21 is a compilation of Benjamin’s slower stuff, new material from 2020’s lockdown and a number of albums and bonus tracks from Benjamin’s back catalogue currently unavailable online.
1. Sara, Sunbathing 04:14
2. Anouman (featuring Robin Nolan) 05:07
3. A Slow Hot Wind (featuring Daniël von Piekartz) 04:26
4. Verre et acier 03:28
5. Thierno (featuring New Cool Collective) 04:34
6. Reflections 04:48
7. De Sprong O Romantiek Der Hazen (featuring Ruben Hein) 03:42
8. Mmmmm (featuring Roos Jonker) 04:42
9. Lizard Waltz 01:59
10. Ari (featuring Jules Deelder) 03:54
11. Airhead 03:45
12. Mood Indigo (featuring Stan Tracey, Clark Tracey, Bart van Lier and Andrew Cleyndert) 08:14
13. Lamento (featuring Remco Campert) 02:45
Collection of ballads from Benjamin Herman's back catalogue featuring one new track: 'Anouman' with Robin Nolan.
