Dutch Jazz Heritage: Benjamin Herman's Tribute to Piet Noordijk

Piet Noordijk

As an alto saxophonist, Benjamin Herman has advocated for the legacy of his great predecessor and idol Piet Noordijk for years. Piet was 'a monument' according to avant-gardist Misha Mengelberg, with whom he performed one of the highlights of Dutch jazz at the Newport Jazz Festival. Noordijk's career spanned no less than five decades, and he developed from a bebop saxophonist into the lead of one of the most important big bands in the Netherlands: the Metropole Orchestra. With the Jazz Orchestra of the Concertgebouw, Benjamin Herman honours Noordijk's musical legacy like no other.

Benjamin Herman

Benjamin Herman is one of the best-known and most popular Dutch jazz musicians. His drive and versatility make him a unifying factor in the music scene. His energetic playing and solid sound are a source of inspiration for generations of young saxophonists. Herman's playing is rooted in the bebop of Charlie Parker, Art Pepper and Jackie McLean but also contains elements that refer to free jazz and rock 'n' roll. In 2010, Benjamin Herman played together with Noordijk in Het Concertgebouw. Herman then told Trouw: 'Piet Noordijk is a phenomenon. He is one of the few altoists in Europe who really stands out. A very musical man, a fluent player.'