Benjamin Herman – Jazz Saxophonist, Composer and Bandleader talks Studio 150 and As is Now…

In this episode, Dutch jazz icon Benjamin Herman shares how his lifelong journey in music – and his creative outlook as a musician and bandleader – was profoundly shaped by working with Paul Weller. From contributing horns and arrangements on Weller’s Studio 150 and As Is Now albums to joining his touring band, Benjamin describes how these collaborations and time spent on the road deeply influenced his own approach to making music.

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Early Weller Fandom: Benjamin’s first connection with Paul Weller came as a child in the Netherlands, following his older brothers into punk and attending a Jam concert at Amsterdam’s Paradiso at age 11 – an unforgettable, formative experience. He later caught The Style Council live as well, with the band’s use of horns and jazz sensibilities directly inspiring Benjamin’s interest in saxophone.

Studio 150 Sessions: Benjamin’s path crossed directly with Paul in the early 2000s, when Weller came to Amsterdam to record the covers album Studio 150. Contacted for horn arrangements (thanks to Candy Dulfer’s recommendation), Benjamin joined a circle of Dutch musicians and UK regulars in marathon sessions at the now-legendary Studio 150. The relaxed yet efficient recording process – Weller diving in, trying ideas on the spot, and quickly deciding what stayed – was revelatory for Benjamin, and created a buzz across the local Amsterdam scene.

Touring with Paul Weller: Benjamin went on to join Weller’s band for the As Is Now era, contributing horn parts and joining UK and European tours. He witnessed Paul constantly writing, evolving songs on the road, and collaborating intensely with his bandmates.

Blue Sky Blond Collaboration: Paul Weller returned the favor, collaborating on Benjamin’s project Blue Sky Blond (2010), co-writing ‘Indian Hay’ and playing an impressive range of instruments across the album -including guitar, mellotron, piano, and various vintage organs on both ‘Indian Hay’ and ‘Sunday Blossom,’ as well as guitar on ‘Black Mote’ and ‘Lowryder.’

Paul’s hands-on involvement was a testament to his creative generosity and genuine investment in others’ projects. For Benjamin, this collaboration not only elevated the album, but also reinforced the values of musical risk-taking, generosity, and artistic community that continue to shape his own approach.

Dancing Through the Fire

Benjamin Herman is one of over 250 contributors to my Sunday Times Bestselling book, Paul Weller: Dancing Through the Fire, which is available now.
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2026 – The Tokyo Sessions – Benjamin Herman