New Cool Collective has been a phenomenon on the Dutch jazz scene for years. Led by saxophonist Benjamin Herman, the band has blended the tradition of jazz with influences from funk, soul, Latin and even afrobeat. With the Big Band XL version, they put that energy one step stronger: extra horns, more rhythm section and a sound that fills the Grote Zaal from floor to balcony.
On Oct. 1, the group will take over the Concertgebouw with a program that includes both recognizable classics and new compositions. The band is known for its tight arrangements, but also for the freedom musicians are given to unleash their solos. This creates a dynamic that rarely bores: from subdued moments to explosions of sound in which brass and percussion challenge each other.
The Great Hall may be better known for symphonic music and classical repertoire, but jazz feels surprisingly right at home here. The acoustics let the horns shine and give the groove that extra weight. The audience can count on an evening that feels more like a party than a traditional concert: there will be laughter, movement and probably clapping along.
What sets New Cool Collective apart is their ability to break boundaries. They play just as easily in a club as at a festival, as well as in a concert hall where the audience usually stays quiet. As a result, their shows attract a wide audience: jazz lovers, the curious and anyone who wants an energetic evening of music. The XL lineup lifts all that even higher, as the combination of twenty musicians on one stage has an irresistible power.
"New Cool Collective proves that jazz is not only art, but also party."
Benjamin Herman is the hub around which the group revolves. His alto sax leads, but he also knows how to give space to the others. This keeps the band democratic in energy and expression: everyone contributes to the groove, no one stands still. In a time when jazz often seems niche, New Cool Collective shows that the genre is alive and kicking and can also be a party.
The evening at the Concertgebouw starts early: the doors open well before the start, allowing the audience to flow in quietly. Tickets can be found through the Concertgebouw's website. For anyone who wants to experience jazz with a charge of adrenaline, this is an opportunity not to be missed.