Andrej Hermlin: The Swing Revivalist of German Jazz
Andrej Hermlin is a German pianist, bandleader, and vocalist dedicated to reviving the classic swing and big band music of the 1930s and 1940s. Based in Berlin, his main achievement is the long-standing success of his ensemble, the Swing Dance Orchestra, which has become a fixture in the European jazz and swing scene through extensive touring and a prolific discography.
Early career
Born in 1965 in East Berlin, Andrej Hermlin grew up surrounded by music, the son of the noted writer Stefan Heym. His passion for pre-war American jazz and swing developed early, a genre that was often difficult to access in the German Democratic Republic. He began formal piano studies and, after the fall of the Berlin Wall, he seized the opportunity to fully immerse himself in the swing tradition, forming the foundation for his future orchestra.
Breakthrough
Hermlin's breakthrough came with the official formation of his Swing Dance Orchestra in the early 1990s. The ensemble's authentic recreation of the Glenn Miller and Benny Goodman sound quickly garnered a dedicated following. Their energetic live performances at major European jazz festivals and consistent album releases on labels like Buschfunk and Edel established them as the premier German swing revival act.
Key tracks
In the Mood — This Glenn Miller classic became a signature showpiece for the orchestra, showcasing their precise section work and Hermlin's faithful arrangement.
Sing, Sing, Sing — A demanding number that highlights the band's powerful drumming and driving rhythm section, paying direct homage to Benny Goodman's legendary 1938 Carnegie Hall concert.
Chattanooga Choo Choo — A perennial crowd-pleaser in their setlist, demonstrating Hermlin's skill as a vocalist and the band's cohesive ensemble playing.
Moonlight Serenade — Another Miller standard where Hermlin's piano and the orchestra's lush, melodic sound create the quintessential swing ballad atmosphere.
The orchestra's repertoire expanded over the years, including collaborations with guest artists and forays into related genres like tango and film music. Andrej Hermlin also gained recognition for his work as a composer for television and theater, further solidifying his multifaceted career in music. His dedication to historical accuracy extends to using vintage microphones and period-correct arrangements, creating an immersive auditory experience.
Fans of Andrej Hermlin's meticulous swing revivalism may also enjoy the work of Max Raabe, who leads the Palast Orchester with a similar focus on 1920s and 1930s German and American dance music. The sophisticated vocal jazz of Roger Cicero also shares a connection to the classic big band tradition. For a modern take on swing energy, listeners can explore Wise Guys, a German a cappella group that often incorporates swing rhythms into their pop-oriented songs.
Andrej Hermlin and his Swing Dance Orchestra are regularly featured on classic jazz FM stations and specialized online big band radio streams. Their recordings receive consistent airplay on stations dedicated to vintage dance music and historical jazz programming, introducing the timeless sound of swing to new generations of listeners.
The music of Andrej Hermlin can be heard on various radio stations featured on our website. Listeners can discover his classic swing sound by tuning into the jazz and big band radio stations available on onairium.com.
