Michiel Braam – piano

His various projects include:

Bik Bent Braam - a 13-piece improvising big band, performs without a set list: it employs

a strategy in which the musicians all provide input, calling out tunes in mid-phrase and

deciding tempo and instrumentation, to generate a new musical direction for the ensemble.

Compelling themes, echoing the complete jazz history, and precise ensemble work alternate

with wild, screaming improvisations.

Line-up: Michiel Braam piano, Wilbert de Joode bass, Michael Vatcher drums, Frank Gratkowski altosax, (bass)clarinet, Jan Willem van der Ham altosax, bassoon, Bart van der

Putten altosax, clarinet, Frans Vermeerssen tenor/baritonesax, Peter van Bergen tenorsax,

(bass)clarinet, Peter Haex euphonium, Carl Ludwig Hübsch tuba, Eric Boeren cornet, Angelo

Verploegen trumpet, Wolter Wierbos trombone.

Trio BraamDeJoodeVatcher (with Wilbert de Joode, bass and Michael Vatcher, drums)

comprises three of the Dutch jazz scene’s most idiosyncratic musicians, for whom freedom

and adventure are essential values. They all play an absolutely equal role in the music,

which can go in any which way, depending on decisions made on the spot.

If anyone needs proof of the vitality of Dutch jazz, he (or she) needs look no further than

Bik Bent Braam. For those attracted to adventurous, eclectic arrangements that span the

spectrum from swing to free jazz, performed by extraordinary musicians, this one is a winner.

(Steven Loewy)

contact: Danielle Oosterop / bbbraam@xs4all.nl

+31 (0) 6 26620845 / www.michielbraam.com / www.myspace.com/bikbentbraam