Benjamin Herman Trio ft. BIGYUKI

The Tokyo Sessions was recorded in April 2025 at the iconic Studio Dede in Tokyo, under the direction of engineer Akihito Yoshikawa. For these sessions, Herman invited some of Japan’s most respected musicians, including noise legend Otomo Yoshihide on guitar, tenor saxophonist Tomoaki Baba, and trumpeter Shinpei Ruike. The album also features traditional Japanese wind instruments performed by Akihito Obama (shakuhachi) and Ko Ishikawa (sho).

Back in the Netherlands, Herman developed the Tokyo recordings into a full-fledged album. Together with producer Jimmi Jo Hueting, he delivers a blend of jazz, no wave and improvisation. A tribute to Japan’s multifaceted musical culture, from underground jazz clubs to anime soundtracks and Japanese salon music.

For the tour surrounding the new album, the trio will be joined by Japanese keyboardist BIGYUKI. This remarkable musician and producer is known for his futuristic crossover of jazz, hip-hop, soul and electronic music. His sound is entirely his own: a unique fusion of his Japanese roots and the vibrant New York scene in which he lives and works.

BIGYUKI’s distinctive sound has caught the attention of icons such as Mark Guiliana, Meshell Ndegeocello, Marcus Strickland, Q-Tip, Bilal and Talib Kweli. He also left his mark on legendary productions including We Got It From Here… Thank You 4 Your Service by A Tribe Called Quest and 4 Your Eyez Only by J. Cole.