Benjamin Herman (London, 1968) is a Dutch alto saxophonist and composer whose fifty-plus albums range from bebop and Afrobeat to punk-jazz and film scores. He founded New Cool Collective in 1993, a band that has toured stages from North Sea Jazz to Lowlands, and in 2024 he received the Edison Jazz Oeuvre Award for his body of work. Alongside the band he runs projects such as the avant-garde Bughouse ensemble and the Tokyo Sessions trio, and he teaches at the conservatory in The Hague.
Herman released The Tokyo Sessions on 27 March 2026, recorded in Studio Dede in Tokyo with Japanese musicians including guitarist Otomo Yoshihide.
In October 2025 Herman presented the sixth edition of the European Alto Festival in Rotterdam, with guest saxophonists Erena Terakubo (Japan) and Miru Han (South Korea).
Herman performed in September 2025 at the Concertgebouw with the New Cool Collective Big Band and guest vocalists Nana Adjoa and Kymara.
In July 2025 Herman performed at North Sea Jazz in Rotterdam for a special performance and conversation with trumpeter Adam O'Farrill.
Herman received the Edison Jazz Oeuvreprijs in 2024 for his entire body of work.
Dutch jazz ensemble New Cool Collective blends jazz, Latin, afrobeat and dance with live improvisation and grooves.
Benjamin Herman celebrates the alto saxophone with the European Alto Festival, a tribute to Piet Noordijk.
A reunion of four legendary Dutch jazz musicians - Han Bennink, Ernst Glerum, Benjamin Herman and Oscar Jan Hoogland - performing together for a limited run.
Saxophonist Benjamin Herman performs with his trio and guest musician Tomoaki Baba at Doornroosje.
Amsterdam's New Cool Collective, an eight-piece ensemble blending jazz, dance, Latin and afrobeat, tests new material on this club tour.
New Cool Collective, the legendary Amsterdam jazz band led by saxophonist Benjamin Herman, plays at So What! in Gouda. An evening of innovative horn arrangements and orchestral influences.
New Cool Collective, the legendary eight-piece live band led by saxophonist Benjamin Herman, delivers an energetic blend of jazz, afrobeat, Latin and funk.
New Cool Collective brings 30 years of danceable jazz, soul and afrobeat with their eight-piece lineup at MEZZ Breda.
New Cool Collective, the Amsterdam collective of Benjamin Herman and DJ Graham B, brings an evening of jazz, funk and danceable grooves with their signature horn arrangements and orchestral influences.
Jazz quartet EHBO featuring Han Bennink, Benjamin Herman, Ernst Glerum and Oscar Jan Hoogland performs new material at Bimhuis.
New Cool Collective's 8-piece band fuses jazz, funk, Latin and afrobeat with tight grooves and plenty of improvisation. A high-energy show built for dancing.
New Cool Collective, the Amsterdam jazz ensemble led by saxophonist Benjamin Herman, plays at De Spot. An energetic band that has performed worldwide since 1993 and collaborated with top musicians.
