The Herbaliser

The Herbaliser

The Herbaliser is an English jazz hip hop group from London, active since 1993. The group centres on Andy Ross, Ollie Teeba and Jake Wherry. It works across electronic, electronica, hip hop, instrumental, instrumental hip hop and jazz.

Background

The Herbaliser forms in London and operates as a hip hop band with a strong instrumental side. Its early history places the project in the city’s independent electronic and hip hop scene, and it becomes closely associated with Ninja Tune, one of the label’s better-known acts.

Releases and style

The group releases eight LPs and also records a DJ mix for Ninja Tune’s Solid Steel series. Its tracks often feature guest vocalists, including Jean Grae, Roots Manuva, Seaming To, Rakaa-Iriscience, Blade, Phi Life Cypher, Bahamadia, Katerine, Dream Warriors and MF DOOM. Alongside the studio albums, the act also issues one Herbaliser Band album, which differs from the usual releases by emphasising a live-band feel and a horn-led arrangement, even though it remains a studio recording.

Live work

For touring, the core pairing expands into an eight-piece live band. This touring setup is separate from the studio project and helps define the group’s broader sound in performance.