Dutch saxophonist Benjamin Herman hands Herd their SENA Best Group award
Finnish jazz trio 'Herd' won the SENA Best Group award at the European Jazz Competition, in Rotterdam, last Saturday (July 9, 2011). Pianist Thierry Castel, from Dutch outfit the Castel van Damme Quartet, took the NORMA Best Soloist award.
After a night of inspired performances by the young international jazz musicians, jury chairman Benjamin Herman heaped praise on Herd, describing the three piece as a "very original group, with great individual musicians, that captures the Scandinavian jazz vibe".
In summing up winning soloist Thierry Castel, the jury said he was "a dynamic piano player and a great storyteller". Piano legend Barry Harris, who was also on the jury at the competition, expressed particular admiration of Castel's talent.
New York tenor player Tony Malaby, Swedish radio jazz producer Janne Lindvall and Slovenian chairman of the EBU Jazz Producers Group, Hugo Sekoranja, made up the rest of the jury.
Pianist Thierry Castel wins the Best Soloist award