New Cool Collective

New Cool Collective (NCC) is a cornerstone of the Dutch jazz scene, founded in 1993 by saxophonist Benjamin Herman and his collaborators. Emerging from the Amsterdam club circuit, the group successfully bridged the gap between traditional jazz appreciation and the burgeoning dance music culture of the 1990s.

Their sound identity is built on a foundation of hard-bop jazz, heavily infused with Afro-Cuban rhythms, soul-jazz, and Afrobeat, the latter reinforced by high-profile collaborations with legends like Tony Allen. NCC operates in two distinct modes: a highly mobile eight-piece octet and a massive 19-piece big band. This flexibility has allowed them to headline both intimate jazz clubs and massive international festivals. Critically, they are lauded for revitalizing the big band format, stripping away its formalist baggage to focus on danceability and groove. Their career is marked by prestigious accolades, including multiple Edison Jazz Awards and a Golden Calf for film scoring. They occupy a unique cultural position as a 'working band' that maintains a prolific release schedule while serving as a hub for the Netherlands' most elite jazz instrumentalists.