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Hermine Deurloo

Harmonica Player: Chromatic

About Me

The chromatic harmonica is still rarely heard in jazz, but Hermine Deurloo acquits herself fully as one of the better-known performers on this instrument. With her warm and virtuous playing she easily conquers the audience. As a soloist she has performed with the Metropole Orchestra, The Jazz Orchestra of the Concertgebouw, the Orchestra Jazz Siciliana, Tony Scherr, Han Bennink, Jesse van Ruller, Candy Dulfer, and Al Jarreau. She toured in America, China, Japan, Indonesia and Europe. Hermine has recorded several cd’s on harmonica: Welling (2015 - Tin Wood Records), Glass Fish (2012 - Challenge Records), Soundbite (2006) and Crazy Clock (Brooklyn 2005) with guitarist/bassist Tony Scherr.Hermine recorded film-music composed for her by Bafta winning and Grammy nominated composer Austin Wintory. Here latest album Riverbeast includes drummer Steve Gadd, pianist Kevin Hays, bassplayer Tony Scherr and singer Alan Clark.

Press Quotes: Michael Point in Round Rock Leader (2008): ‘The chromatic harmonica has had very few viruoso performers, especially ones with a creative streak, in its history. Amsterdam’s chromatic harmonica heroine Hermine Deurloo definitely belongs on the small and select list of such artist.’ Rudie Kagie, Vrij Nederland, november 2012: ”The world should be grateful to the diva for her decision to exchange the alt sax for the chromatic harmonica.” “With this album, Hermine Deurloo shows that the harmonica is a fullblown jazz instrument.” Scott Yanow: (2013) It is obvious throughout this disc that she ranks among the top jazz harmonica players of the past decade. While she is not a bop-oriented player like Toots Thielemans, she has her own gentle and lyrical voice on the harmonica along with impressive fluency. She also knows how to let a melody speak for itself.

My Jazz Story

I was first exposed to jazz when I was 8 years old and found the record of Mingus; Better get hit in your soul. I loved it instantly! The first jazz record I bought was The Bridge of Sonny Rollins after I saw the documentory about it. Later I bought lots of records of Toots Thielemans, Coltrane, Miles Davis, Joe Levano & Bill Frisell.