On Stage: Bughouse @ Willem Twee

Dutch jazz saxophonist Benjamin Herman isn't someone to sit down and relax. He's always playing in different combinations with a variety of artists, including some of the greats but also new talent. To celebrate his 50th birthday this year, Herman is releasing three albums, next to the XXV album by New Cool Collective to celebrate the 25th anniversary of that band. One of those albums is Project S, an ode to the Citroen SM, with mellow music inspired by Fausto Papetti and Serge Gainsbourg. A second one will be a record with young talents and should come out any time now. The third one is a punkjazz album, inspired by his eighties heroes Xero Slingsby, John Lurie and James Chance. This is the music he will be playing tonight.

Benjamin Herman's Bughouse at Willem Twee 's-Hertogenbosch, November 8 2018

For this project Herman gathered young musicians Reinier Baas on guitar and bassist Peter Peskens, who you may now from Jungle By Night and The Mysterons. Legendary punk and hardcore drummer Olav van den Berg is behind the drum kit, which turns out to be a very good choice. Van den Berg adds just the right amount of power and speed to give the music that raw punk edge. It may be a combination that raises an eyebrow here and there, but jazz and punk go quite well together.

Somehow throwing a saxophone into the mix, immediately gives it a an eighties feel, the time Herman draws his inspiration from for this project. It sounds incredible and it looks like the four are having a great time playing their energetic songs. Reinier Baas has no trouble adding some dirty and distorted riffs and screaming solos, while Reinier Baas is playing heavy grooves on his bass. Van den Berg's loud, powerful and lightning fast drum grooves are the solid foundation for these hyperactive songs.

Herman looks just as comfortable in this combination as he does in any jazz group he has played in. He has developed a sax sound of his own, that is recognizable in any kind of music, including in these punk songs. The alt sax is a great fit for punk and Herman's parts and solos are spot on, giving the songs that rushing and raw feel. And of course he plays it with the same enthusiasm that we're used of him. It proves again what a versatile artist he is, with a stunning career.



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On Stage: Jazz in Duketown

The beautiful city of 's-Hertogenbosch hosts a free jazz festival annually with a great variety of artists including some big names. Since we have friends living there it was about high time to visit it. This year the line-up included some of my favourite musicians Joshua Redman, Benjamin Herman and Han Bennink, so we definitely couldn't skip this year's edition.

Jazz in Duketown 's-Hertogenbosch June 4+5

We are already very lucky with this line-up but to make things even better the sun also joined us. The festival takes place on several stages around the city centre. We head down to one of the smaller stages and warm up with a cold beer and some bebop jazz by Bop This, which is quite a good way to start the day. After that we slowly make our way to the market square for the first highlight of the day.

The Quartet NL
The market square has a big stage and no one less than sax player Benjamin Herman, drummer Han Bennink, pianist Peter Beets and bassist Ernst Glerum, simply called The Quartet NL, are taking the stage. I've seen this band play before although today bassist Ernst Glerum fills in for Ruud Jacobs, so I kind of know what to expect. They are playing compositions by famous pianist and composer Misha Mengelberg, who sadly died only a few months ago. You can leave it up to this group to do him justice and honour him in the way he deserves.

Herman's sax sound only seems to grow every time I see him. With his energy and enthusiasm it is always a delight watching him. The ever cheerful Peter Beets adds more energy and the legendary and colourful Han Bennink spices things up. Glerum is watching things approvingly while plucking his bass and making sure the other lads don't lose each other. Bennink turned 75 earlier this year but still looks like a naughty school boy who is always looking for trouble. He comes to the front of the stage a few times to play on the floor like we've seen him do many times. He's moved to tears when a fan brings him a violin as a present.

All of the musicians get plenty of room to play some fine solos and we get treated to top notch jazz music here. It's sparkling, exciting and we can only watch in awe. This quartet will go on tour after summer so be sure to catch them when you can. I know I will!

Sons of Kemet
This band has a few The Comet Is Coming members in it, who are playing later on. Now they are playing with two drummers, a sax and a tuba. It's quite a spectacular combination although the formula is identical for every song. The tuba and drummers lay down a groove where Shabaka Hutchings is playing his solos on top of. I liked it in the beginning but they need a bit more variation to keep it interesting all the way through.

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Kris Berry
Today is Kris Berry's birthday and she's celebrating it over here on the biggest stage of the festival. Her voice is nice and very suitable for the soulful pop songs. Her back-up band is doing a fine job but are also quite unnoted. It is alright for a Sunday night while the sun is setting, but it is all very safe and not really exciting.

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We pass by a small stage where things are a lot more exciting and a latin band called La Descarga Cinco are stirring things up. With a lot of heart the combo is playing a wide variety of latin tunes, inspired by the likes of New Cool Collective. Quite a nice intermezzo for the evening if you ask me.

Room Eleven
Back at the biggest stage, Room Eleven have already started playing. The band around Dutch singer Janne Schra was quite successful a few years ago and is doing a reunion tour at the moment. Today is the last show of that tour and the band will seize to exist again. Schra has a wonderful voice, something I already knew of course, and with her charming appearance can wrap any crowd around her finger. The rest of the band are all very skilled musicians, that can play the light jazzy pop songs seemingly with great ease. During solo's or instrumental parts Schra is watching them with a smile on her face. I guess it means it's a good end for the band, at least one that ends in style.



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The Comet Is Coming
Shabaka Hutchings has caught his breath and is now playing with The Comet Is Coming, a band that is gradually making a name. Their music is very original, a mix of jazz and electronic music. Some people are calling it a jazz version of techno, which works for me except is cutting them a bit short. Since they also incorporate psychedelic elements and are taking you to a place where comets actually are flying. I like their danceable sound a lot with the groovy music and the spacey electronics. The stars at the back of the stage are blending with the stars of the nightly sky which makes it a perfect setting for this exciting band.

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Cubanismo
Despite the cooling night, things are about to heat up at the market square with Cubanismo. It's not hard to guess what kind of music this huge band is playing. It's all about Cuba of course and we get treated to a swinging Cuban style party. It's quite remarkable how disciplined the musicians are playing so things don't end up in a mess. Even without a sound check things sound great and the lovely Cuban music easily finds its way to the hips of the people watching. On stage the musicians are breaking a sweat and are showing their salsa moves. I wish the same could go for me, but my stiff moves won't make much of an impression. For a moment though I am back in Cuba where I spent two holidays in the past.



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Vuma Levin Quintet
The last day of the festival is a short one so we head back to the city centre to see some of the last performances. Vuma Levin's name is buzzing around the jazz scene as one of the upcoming young artists. The guitarist is playing with his own quintet. Mostly with his eyes closed he's treating us to some of his own wonderful compositions. These are very creative, complex and full of exciting and inventive musical pieces.

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Joshua Redman Trio
It's been quite a long time since I heard and saw Joshua Redman for the first time. He simply blew me away and I think he is one of the most exciting jazz musicians of the moment. On this sunny afternoon it is wonderful seeing him again with this amazing trio that also consists of bassist Reuben Rogers and drummer Gregory Hutchinson. Once again he blows me away with his incredible sound and dazzling solo's. He's lacing up the notes so easily and makes them flow together. He can go around the whole spectrum seemingly without an effort and plays high and low notes back to back. Rogers and Hutchinson are an incredible rhythm section that give the songs exactly what they need.

The performance is full of musical highs. It simply can't get much better than this. Jazz standards and Redman's own compositions all are simply of the highest level. Led Zeppelin's 'The Ocean' gets an almost unrecognizable arrangement with out of this world drumming by Hutchinson that would make John Bonham proud. With this incredible performance we leave the festival on a high.



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With so many wonderful and exciting performances this festival is a true gem. It's easy to navigate between the stages and even with this lovely weather it is not over crowded. I will definitely be back next year.

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On Stage: Beets, Bennink, Herman, Jacobs @ Tivoli Vredenburg

A friend of mine asked me if I wanted to join him to go see a jazz concert with pianist Peter Beets, drummer Han Bennink, sax player Benjamin Herman and bassist Ruud Jacobs. Well if you line up these giants of course I want to see that!

Beets, Bennink, Herman, Jacobs at Tivoli Vredenburg, April 24 2016

These four musicians really don't need any introduction, all of them top notch musicians and the best jazz has to offer. Benjamin Herman of course is one of my favourite musicians and Han Bennink simply is a legendary drummer you can't see often enough. Beets explains they did a one time show once and got requests to play in this line up more often and here they are. If you put extraordinary musicians, together this doesn't always mean you automatically will get more than the sum of their parts, but in this case you get a lot more, at this Sunday afternoon concert which is a rare one for me.

Of course they have played together in some way or the other but not in this line-up with all four of them on one stage. It's a delight to watch these musicians work one another, challenge each other and have so much fun. Beets' piano play is sparkling and clear, with notes tumbling over each other. Jacobs' contrabass is groovy and glues everything together wonderfully. Herman's alto saxophone play sounds lush as always, with that classic sound and Bennink simply is out of this world with powerful and dynamic play, getting the most out of his drum kit and surroundings. He proves that the drum kit isn't the instrument, but the drummer is.

Most of all this is all that music should be about: having fun on stage and projecting that energy and pleasure on the audience. The quartet plays many compositions by Misha Mengelberg and a few other standards, sometimes discussing on stage what album it was originally on or what the actual name is. This only underlines the relaxed and unconstrained atmosphere they create today, where they seem to thrive on and everything is grooving with a lot of swing. In the end this was a great way to spend this Sunday afternoon and hopefully we can see this quartet play a lot more in the future.

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Benjamin Herman Finds Talent Instead Of Trouble

Besides being a very good musician, Benjamin Herman apparently also has a keen nose for talent. He asked the young talented piano player Daniel Piekartz to record an album with his trio and persuaded him to sing as well. It resulted in the wonderful album Trouble earlier this year, with songs that remind of Chet Baker and other jazz singers of the past. The quartet is now doing a short tour in support of the album.

Benjamin Herman Trio & Daniel Von Piekartz at Bimhuis Amsterdam, November 9 2014



You would think that maybe Von Piekartz is too impressed by the other three experienced musicians, but either that is not the case or he's good at hiding it. The young pianist looks quite relaxed and is even joking around with the others. Benjamin Herman is announcing the songs they are playing most of the times, but sometimes Von Piekartz is doing it instead, in a loose and enthusiastic way. It turns the performance into a lot of fun, combined with some great music of course.



Because in the end, these are four very skilled musicians that make it look so easy. Even though this is a jazz show, we get to hear a bluesy J.J. Cale song 'You Got Me On So Bad' and a funky and soulful Sly Stone composition 'Wishful Thinkin'', one of Von Piekartz inspritations. Another song, 'Walking In Jesus Name', that Sly Stone performed at the age of nine, gets a bit of a make-over into 'Walking In My Baby's Name' with lots of gospel. It show cases the versatile voice of Von Piekartz, who also gives a fitting and beautiful performance of 'Lilac Wine' that is full of tension.



The other three are looking at him and each other in a content way. It has to be a pleasure to work with a talent like that, maybe reminding them of when they were that age, for the first time performing at the legendary Bimhuis. As Herman notes, they are past the danger zone themselves now, with all its pitfalls. They have made it, which is clearly showing tonight with inspiring solos, tight playing and virtuosity. I can only watch in awe at Herman's dazzling sax playing, Joost Patočka's smashing drumming and Ernst Glerum's groovy bass. Von Piekartz is a lucky guy that he is able to work with this trio.



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Exciting Jazz With Benjamin Herman Quartet

Last year Benjamin Herman showed that you can make old jazz standards sound fresh by playing them with respect and lots of excitement. His album Café Solo has some old jazz favourites that have been done many times, but his trio play them like they are brand new. Now he is releasing a live album with a quartet and is playing a small tour in support of it.

Benjamin Herman Quartet at Bimhuis Amsterdam, January 25 2014



The trio consisting of drummer Joost Patočka and bass player Ernst Glerum has been extended into a quartet with piano player Miguel Rodriguez. It adds another dimension to the music. Herman's recognizable alto sax sound colours nicely with Rodriguez' sparkling piano play. Herman regularly steps away from the spot light to let the rest shine. Glerum and Patočka are getting the best out of each other while occasionally exchanging naughty smiles like school boys. Herman sometimes needs to bring them back in line. In solos the musicians are challenging each other and even manage to surprise the other band members now and then.



It only shows how much these musicians enjoy playing their music. The crowd notices this as well and are getting more and more excited with each song. Herman is using the same enthusiasm when he's talking about the songs in between. His small tongue-in-cheek speeches make it a light performance. Nothing heavy, just a bunch of very talented musicians and a hungry crowd. He introduces Henry Macini's 'Lujon' by referring to "The Dude's" trip in 'The Big Lebowski' where the song was used.



Although playing a few songs from Café Solo like 'Summertime' and 'Yakhal’ Inkomo', he's not only sticking to songs from that record. Instead the four are also playing songs from several other albums and jazz standards like 'You Must Believe In Spring'. In the end this band shows where the fun is in jazz and music in general. They could even put a smile on the face of the most grumpy person.




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Reliving Golden Jazz Era With Benjamin Herman Trio

Alto saxophone player Benjamin Herman is a musical carnivore. He's one of those musicians that has an open mind to all kinds of genres. You can easily find him in a small jazz club, playing old standards, while the day after he's playing a club with a hip-hop band. He has so much talent and so many musical ideas, that music seems to spring from every pore in his body. That makes him one of the most versatile musicians in our country. With so many projects you can imagine that it results in several album releases every year. On his latest album Cafe Solo as the Benjamin Herman Trio, with Ernst Glerum on bass and Joost Patočka on drums, they are going back to the old jazz standards. The songs are compositions by great legends like Thelonious Monk, Cole Porter and Dexter Gordon. It turns out to be a great album, with the feel of the old days when jazz cats were rock stars, but at the same time it sounds fresh and up-to-date. I had to go to 's-Hertogenbosch to see them play. Since one of my best friends is living there, it was a good excuse to experience some great music and end it with a few beers.

Benjamin Herman Trio at De Toonzaal 's-Hertogenbosch, May 24 2013



The place to be is an old synagogue called De Toonzaal in the centre of this pleasant town in the south of The Netherlands. It has a beautiful room with a small stage that has good natural acoustics. All three musicians are sitting down, like they did during the recording sessions of Cafe Solo. It is characteristic for the whole performance, which turns out to be a relaxed and very entertaining one. Herman is chatting in between songs, giving some background information on them or treating us to a small anecdote. The only thing missing from this picture is someone serving drinks.



We get to hear many songs of the new album complemented with other standards. The musicians are in a good mood and are playing in the same relaxed way. This may result in a drum stick flying around or other imperfections, but it only adds to the great loose atmosphere. At the same time they are reinventing the songs again. I love a trio setup, since it gives every instrument a lot of freedom. With such skilled musicians this is a delight. Herman is showing why he is considered one of the best Dutch jazz musicians. He has a great sax sound, playing the notes dynamically and he knows when to let the music breath. Patočka and Glerum are a reliable rhythm section. Patočka is a creative player, constantly trying to widen the spectrum of the drum kit. This also goes for Glerum who now and then uses a bow on his bass. Even Patočka is using one on his cymbals at one point.



When you close your eyes for a moment it is almost like you're in one of those famous New York jazz clubs from over 60 years ago. Even a cliché standard like 'Summertime' sounds fresh again, despite or maybe because of the fact that they are following the original Gershwin composition. Once again Herman has impressed me with his talent and skills, not to mention his contagious enthusiasm and approach to music in general.



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Top 10 Albums 2012

Throughout the year I keep a list of records that potentially can make my top ten year list, that I have to make for ROAR E-Zine every year. I extract the final list from it, which will change several times before I'm happy with it. It's a hell of a job that causes me many headaches.

01. Tame Impala - Lonerism
This year's top position was clear right after playing Tame Impala's record a few times. Lonerism is a master piece, a great trip from start to finish.
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02. Shaking Godspeed - Hoera
Quite a few Dutch productions made it into my concept list. But Shaking Godspeed had to end high. These guys have so much power and Hoera is a delicious rock album.
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03. Jack White - Blunderbuss
With Blunderbuss Jack White is showing that he can make great music all by himself as well and is proving once more to be a musical genius.
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04. Deftones - Koi No Yokan
Suddenly Deftones came up with a terrific album. Just in time to make it into this list. Koi No Yokan is one of the best albums in their impressive catalogue and may even challenge White Pony.
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05. Alabama Shakes - Boys & Girls
Out of nowhere came Alabama Shakes with their mix of blues, soul and rock. They were the talk of the town and with this record showed this was completely justified.
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06. Toy - Toy
This London band debuted with their eponymous record full of great, eighties inspired psychedelic shoegaze songs.
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07. Benjamin Herman - Deal
Saxophone player Benjamin Herman took care of the soundtrack for the Dutch movie Deal and did a brilliant job. It resulted in beautiful movie music, proving once more that he's one of the best musicians in this country.
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08. The Horse Company - Calypso
Also from The Netherlands, this band from Zwolle surprised with a gorgeous album filled with atmospheric rock songs.
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09. Michael Kiwanuka - Home Again
British soul man Michael Kiwanuka released a beautiful album. Home Again may not always be consistent, but it's a great recording nevertheless and Kiwanuka's voice and songs are just lush.
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10. Blaudzun - Heavy Flowers
Dutch musician Blaudzun established himself as one of the most remarkable and most talented artists in our country.
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There you have it, ten beauties. There were so many more great albums, which makes it so hard and a bit unfair to only name ten. Time for some aspirin now and bring up 2013! Happy New Year!

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