Herman was born in Rotterdam (the Netherlands) he began playing piano at the age of 6, had some lessons but preferred from the start to work his music out his own way. As a young adult he became known as the “Errol Garner of Rotterdam” , and is a true autodidact. At the age of 16 Herman had already his own side men and was playing gigs on the jazz circuit of Rotterdam. The young Herman got asked to play in Paris, but his father thought he was still to young to go so far away from home.
Beside Errol Garner he was also inspired by Oscar Peterson, Less Mc. Cann, Ramsey Lewis, Gene Harris and Monty Alexander.This has resulted in a style where special swing, grooves and blue notes are central. Jack van Poll, a well known Jazz pianist and personal friend has been a big musical inspiration to Herman.
He has performed at Jazz concerts in Holland and in Jazz Clubs in e.g Rotterdam, Loosdrecht, Utrecht and South Africa. And on invitation at special private functions in Tanzania and Borneo and Kenya. Herman has played with e.g. Hans Dulfer, Ben Webster, Johnny Griffin, Thijs van Leer, Coen van Nassau and many other fine musicians from all part of the world.
Herman moved to South Africa in 1992 and since then has had time to fully explore his music. His first performance in Cape Town was for KLM airlines when their first flight arrived in the mother city from Amsterdam. Later he played every Sunday at the Table Bay Hotel with South African musician such as, Charles Lazar, Alvin Dyers,..... as well as lots of other "gigs" with Basil Moses, Wesley Rustin, Kevin Gibson etc, etc.
Wherever there is a piano Herman will spontaneously play and one immediately feels his enthusiasm through the music which creates an instant warm vibe and great atmosphere .