The art of the trio
Jeff Herr Corporation – A New Breath for 2025
After an artistic hiatus, the Jeff Herr Corporation is reborn with a fresh lineup and a forward-looking vision. Led by drummer Jeff Herr, this new trio brings together two major figures of the Luxembourgish and European jazz scene: Maxime Bender on saxophone and Pol Belardi on electric bass and synthesizers.
With this new configuration, the group pushes the boundaries of jazz, blending improvisation, electronic textures, and striking grooves. The acoustic dynamics of the previous trio give way to a more modern and daring approach, where the interaction between musicians creates a space for free and intense expression.
The Jeff Herr Corporation 2025 sound is both powerful and subtle, marked by soaring saxophone lines, deep bass grooves, and drumming that is both organic and energetic. This new musical direction, inspired by contemporary jazz currents and the electro-jazz scene, promises an electrifying return to the stage and a new album set for release at the end of 2025.
A sonic journey to follow closely, where innovation and spontaneity will be at the heart of every performance.
Jeff Herr Corporation has evolved through four distinct albums, each showcasing its unique approach to contemporary jazz.
Modern Times (2004)
The debut album of the Jeff Herr Corporation marked the beginning of the band’s exploration of modern jazz, blending improvisation, groove, and rhythmic complexity. Featuring a mix of original compositions, this album showcased Herr's evolving style as a bandleader. Modern Times was well-received for its energetic performance and dynamic interplay between the band members, laying the foundation for the group’s distinctive sound, which combines acoustic jazz with experimental and contemporary influences.
Conspiracy (2007)
Following Modern Times, Conspiracy continued the band's development in both composition and sound. The album pushed further into complex rhythms and expansive improvisation, incorporating a wider range of influences, including electronic textures and experimental jazz techniques. With a more mature sound, Conspiracy showed the band's ability to blend tight, structured compositions with free improvisation, exploring the boundaries of modern jazz. The album gained attention for its innovative approach and showcased the group’s adaptability, including some guest appearances that enhanced the band's sound.
Layer Cake (2014)
In Layer Cake, the trio shifted to a linear setup without a harmonic instrument, featuring Maxime Bender (saxophone) and Laurent Payfert (bass) alongside Jeff Herr. The album blends well-arranged compositions and wild improvisation, including jazz covers of pop songs by David Bowie and Jimi Hendrix. This record emphasizes the groove and tight rhythm of the trio, bringing a fresh, energetic approach to modern jazz.
Released under IGLOO Records, Layer Cake received critical acclaim and was distributed across Europe and Japan.
Manifesto (2017)
Manifesto continues the band’s exploration of structured compositions and free improvisations, while introducing a new sound with the addition of American guitarist Adam Rogers. The album, featuring seven original tracks and a cover of Randy Newman’s "Same Girl", blends acoustic jazz elements with modern interpretations, expanding the trio’s sound and creating a unique, engaging listening experience. Rogers’ influence brought a distinctive guitar-driven aspect to the band's evolving sound.
This progression through four albums shows the Jeff Herr Corporation's dynamic journey from improvisational roots to a bold fusion of modern jazz with new elements, including pop influences and unique collaborations. Each album represents a chapter in the band's development, adding complexity and depth to their musical language.
