Benjamin Herman sax · Thomas Poll bass · Jimmi Hueting drums
For the past 35 years, saxophonist and musical omnivore Benjamin Herman has been one of Holland’s most productive musicians of his generation. After taking part in the prestigious 1991 Thelonious Monk Competition and studying with Dick Oatts in New York, Benjamin has, to date, released over 50 albums as a solo artist and as the frontman of his groove-oriented ensemble, New Cool Collective.
His solo work varies from postmodern interpretations of classic Dutch avant-garde with drum icon Han Bennink and enfant terrible Misha Mengelberg, to collaborations with poets, pop singers, and hip-hop artists. In addition to left-field punk jazz projects like Bughouse and The Itch, his recordings have ventured into lush seventies Creed Taylor-inspired productions (Deal, Project S, True Love’s Flame), as well as understated renditions of classic evergreens (Trouble, Café Solo).
One of Holland’s most visible jazz musicians, Benjamin Herman also writes columns and has hosted a radio show for the past 14 years on NPO Soul & Jazz. He has received numerous musical awards, though he is secretly most proud of being named Best Dressed Dutchman by Esquire magazine… twice.
Beyond his many projects, Benjamin has been performing and recording in a trio format since the 1990s. His latest lineup includes Thomas Pol on bass and Jimmi Hueting on drums, following the release of Nostalgia Blitz in 2024.
Their live set includes tracks from True Love’s Flame and Nostalgia Blitz, compositions by Misha Mengelberg, occasional jazz standards, and spoken-word recordings from iconic poets.
