Baptiste Herbin, a borderless jazz saxophonist

Written on 29 July 2025 - 205 views

Jazz is a music of transmission, passion, and encounters. Few artists embody this philosophy as well as Baptiste Herbin, a French alto saxophonist with an already impressive career. At the crossroads of groove and innovation, he is now one of the key figures of contemporary jazz, in France and beyond.

Early beginnings, an exceptional journey

Born in 1987 in Chartres, Baptiste Herbin grew up in a family environment conducive to art. He started learning music very early, with classical piano at the age of 4. At 11, he discovered the saxophone thanks to the famous pedagogical work Piccolo & Saxo—a revelation that would shape his entire life.

Passionate and determined, he pursued his studies at the Conservatoire national supérieur de musique de Paris (CNSM), where he learned from great musicians such as Julien Lourau, Jean-Charles Richard, and Riccardo Del Fra. There, he developed a fluid, expressive style and a deep understanding of harmony, inherited from his early years on the piano.

A launchpad at Duc des Lombards

In 2010, Baptiste Herbin obtained a residency at the Duc des Lombards, the renowned Paris jazz club. There, he met drummer André Ceccarelli, who quickly recognized his talent and encouraged him to record his first album.

The result was Brother Stoon, released in 2012, featuring top musicians like Jean Toussaint, Pierre de Bethmann, and Sylvain Romano. The album received critical acclaim and earned him a nomination at the Victoires du Jazz 2013 in the “Newcomer of the Year” category. He then shared the stage with Dionne Warwick at the Olympia—a pivotal moment in his young career.

A bold and eclectic discography

Since Brother Stoon, Baptiste Herbin has continued to surprise and expand his musical universe. He has released several acclaimed albums noted for their inventiveness:

• Interférences (2015), an album exploring rhythmic complexity and musical interplay.
• Dreams and Connections (2018), inviting renowned musicians to join in energetic, modern jazz.
• Vista Chinesa (2020), a vibrant tribute to Brazilian music, recorded in Rio de Janeiro with local artists.
• On Air (2023), a duo project with guitarist Richard Manetti, revealing a more intimate side of his playing.
• Django ! (2024), his latest project, a daring homage to Django Reinhardt, in a trio with André Ceccarelli and Sylvain Romano.

Vista Chinesa, a meeting with Brazil

With Vista Chinesa, Baptiste Herbin takes a new step: blending jazz, samba, bossa nova, frevo, and touches of soul. This project reflects his passion for the Brazilian scene and his constant desire to engage with other musical cultures. He collaborates with artists such as Arthur Motta, Thaís Motta, Ademir Junior, and Idriss Boudrioua, in a spirit of sharing and exchange.

An international career

Baptiste Herbin is a true jazz globetrotter. He performs on stages all over the world: United States, Brazil, Russia, Madagascar, Thailand, Europe… He plays in both intimate clubs and major festivals.

Throughout his career, he has shared the stage with legends such as:

• Roy Hargrove
• Archie Shepp
• Stefano Di Battista
• Billy Hart
• Marcus Gilmore
• Ed Motta
• And even Charles Aznavour, with whom he toured in 2014.

His style is fueled by a wide range of influences: from Charlie Parker to Cannonball Adderley, Maceo Parker, Ornette Coleman, and even Bach, Debussy, and Ravel. This richness comes through in his playing: powerful, precise, and always inspired.

He also contributes actively to instrumental development. He collaborated with Henri Selmer Paris to design the “Supreme” saxophone, and with Vandoren for the “V16S+” mouthpiece, helping to advance instrumental craftsmanship.

Projects in 2025 and beyond

Baptiste Herbin’s schedule remains busy. In 2025, he will tour with his Django ! project, notably passing through the Poitou-Charentes region. He also continues to develop educational projects and new compositions.

On his official website and social media, he regularly shares exclusive videos, live concerts, and solo transcriptions—always with the aim of uplifting the musical community.

A musician of his time

Baptiste Herbin is more than a virtuoso saxophonist: he’s a musical explorer, a knowledge sharer, and a constantly evolving artist. He perfectly embodies this new generation of jazz musicians who embrace tradition while reinventing it.

Through technical mastery, artistic curiosity, and generosity, he continues his journey with talent. For audiences, it’s the promise of vibrant, surprising, and living music.

Following Baptiste Herbin means diving into a borderless jazz, rich in nuance and emotion. A sonic adventure not to be missed.

See you soon, here or elsewhere !

Chrys