The Hamburg Swing Sensation!

Ben Hansen’s Kings of swing will carry you back to the musical world of the 30s and 40s - when swing was king! Bandleader Ben Hansen is undoubtedly one of the best European jazz clarinet players in the style of Benny Goodman. His powerful, virtuoso and melodic clarinet playing is shaping the quintet’s sound.


This band with clarinet and guitar as lead instruments brings back the sound of the small bands of Benny Goodman and Charlie Christian from the late 30s.

When he was eleven years of age Ben Hansen started to play the clarinet. He studied with the american saxophonist Herb Geller. In his early 20s Hansen already performed at concerts and radio shows with the NDR-Bigband.

Their repertoire includes swing hits like „Sing, Sing, Sing“, „Don’t Be That Way“ and „Stompin’ At The Savoy“ as well as fast blues numbers and well known titles that make you tap your feet and feel good.

A north german newspaper said: „One of the last clarinet virtuosos who is able to play the Swing á la Benny Goodman.“

The rhythm section distinguishes it's self with sparkling runs by Boris Netsvetaev one of the greatest piano virtuosos in northern Germany. Some earthy and bluesy notes together with constant rhythm is provided by guitarist Philipp Straske. The beating heart of the rhythm section consists of bass player Oliver Karstens and drummer Stefan Dahm. Nobody can escape from this attention grabbing Swing!