Hans Dulfer

Saxophonist Hans Dulfer is celebrating his 85th birthday in 2025 with a special anniversary tour. And of course, he’s not doing it alone — he’s bringing his all-star band Dulfer! Total Response along for the ride. With over 60 years of stage experience, Hans Dulfer’s saxophone playing is instantly recognizable: powerful, spontaneous, and full of life. As one of the founding figures of the Dutch jazz scene, he has collaborated with countless renowned artists. Expect an explosive mix of jazz, funk, dance, Latin, and rock ’n’ roll — rhythm-driven, high-energy music that hits you right away.

Beyond the music, Dulfer has worn many hats over the years — radio host, writer, even car salesman — but music has always been his greatest love.

The band joining him on tour is nothing short of stellar. Guitarist Jerôme Hol is known for his electrifying improvisations. Drummer Hans Eijkenaar is a household name both in the Netherlands and abroad, and was once again voted Best Fusion/World Drummer by readers of Slagwerkkrant this year. Bassist Ishaq van Niel is a true sensation on stage, with a performance style that’s as physical as it is musical. And baritone saxophonist Koen Schouten brings a deep groove that ties it all together.

2025 will also mark a special release: Dulfer’s successful albums Big Boy, Dig!, and Skin Deep will be available on vinyl for the first time — in a limited edition. It’s also the 25th anniversary of Big Boy going platinum in the Netherlands and gold in Japan. At the end of 2024, Dulfer released a new album with Han Bennink: The New New Acoustic Swing Duo. In early 2025, he’ll be a guest on the TV show De Geknipte Gast with Eus, and an in-depth interview with him will appear in De Telegraaf.

Hans Dulfer isn’t just a musician with a rich history — he’s very much a man of the moment. His shows are energetic, unpredictable, and full of joy. Dulfer continues to surprise, always evolving and always looking ahead.