Back in November, we were bowled over with excitement when Benjamin Herman shared the wildly euphoric and groovy ‘Sugii’, in anticipation of his new album, The Tokyo Sessions. The upcoming album captures the Dutch alto-sax legend exploring the city with open ears and an open mind, immersed in Tokyo’s underground scenes and creative corners, letting its pace, colour, and atmosphere steer the music.

Recorded in Tokyo’s legendary Studio Dede last year, The Tokyo Sessions came to life with the help of double-bassist Thomas Pol and drummer Jimmi Jo Hueting, who make up his Benjamin Herman Trio. The album also features an inspiring cast of incredible and celebrated names in Japanese music, including renowned composer, producer, guitarist, and turntablist Otomo Yoshihide, tenor sax maverick Tomoaki Baba, trompetist, composer, and band leader Shinpei Ruike, and two masters of traditional Japanese woodwinds, Akihito Obama on shakuhachi (Bamboo flute) and Ko Ishikawa on sho (mouthorgan).

Ahead of the album’s release date on March 27th through P-Vine Records (Japan) and Roach Records / Dox Records, Herman has shared a spellbinding new single, ‘Kazegafuku’ (“the wind blows”). Take a listen below.

Get ready for the absolute banger that is ‘Sugii’, the new single from Dutch alto sax virtuoso Benjamin Herman, that pays homage to the legendary Japanese composer, accordionist, bandleader and jazz pioneer Koichi Sugii. A daring track, oozing energy and groove, ‘Sugii’ blends the raw and underground energy of Tokyo’s jazz scene with futuristic sounds. Recorded in Tokyo’s legendary Studio Dede last April, ‘Sugii’ is the first taste of The Tokyo Sessions, Herman’s forthcoming album, set for release in March 2026 through P-Vine Records (Japan) and Roach Records / Dox Records. Whilst we wait for more details to emerge, here’s ‘Sugii’. Play it loud!