Han Bennink

Han Bennink was born in 1942 in Zaandam. He is a visual artist as well as drummer par excellence. Often the two talents converge, when he performs at his exhibitions. His first percussion instrument was a kitchen chair, and as of late he has returned to the simple instruments and often performs only on a snare drum. His curiosity with regard to sound has led him to engage in successively more exciting explorations with wood and wind instruments and collaborations with other musicians, expanding the jazz context in the direction of European improvised music. Today more than ever before, Bennink understands how to swing in the traditional way and to master the free jazz sound, as well as to generate collective gusto for playing with his musical partners. Along with Misha Mengelberg, Willem Breuker and Peter Brötzmann he has played a vital role in the genesis of European free jazz and his Han Bennink Trio has produced surprising insights into the jazz experience and improvised music.