Bik Bent Braam
Jazz orchestra Bik Bent Braam occupies a unique position internationally. Composer and pianist Michiel Braam started the 13 piece band in 1986 and since then it’s become increasingly hard to pin down what’s going to be played during any given performance. Bik Bent Braam is now at the point where it performs without a play list. “I want to play as freely with Bik Bent as with a trio”, says Braam. ”Decisions that I usually make while writing, over solos, orchestration and background, are made by the musicians on the spot.”
Michiel Braam writes his material with his musicians in mind, thus getting the best out of each orchestra member. His love of instrumental boundaries is characteristic. He’ll let the tuba play really high for instance and the trumpet extremely low, giving the orchestra its unique sound.
The program ‘Bik Bent Braam Goes Bonsai’ resulted in ‘the best jazz record of 2002’ according to national newspaper critic Koen Schouten. The 2004 CD ‘Growing Pains’ earned the band praise as ‘the most exciting music machine around’.
The 2008 program 'Extremen' investigates the outer limits of musical possibilities. The typical Bik Bent Braam approach stays the same: no play list, no bandleader, no set tempi; anyone can begin a piece or an improvisation at any time and see if the others will play along. It turns each performance into an adventure.
"If anyone needs proof of the vitality of Dutch jazz, he (or she) needs look no further than Bik Bent Braam."
Steven Loewy, All Music Guide (US)
"There's no doubt that BBB joins Willem Breuker Kollektief and ICP as a must hear and see Dutch musical export. OK?"
Ken Waxman, Jazzword (US)
"Compelling themes, precise ensemble work and open-minded musicians who revel in the music – Bik Bent Braam is currently the most exciting music machine around."
Koen Schouten, Volkskrant (Netherlands)
show native description
Lineup
- Angelo Verploegen
- trumpet
- Bart van der Putten
- alto saxophone
- Carl Ludwig Hübsch
- tuba
- Eric Boeren
- cornet
- Frank Gratkowski
- clarinet, alto saxophone, bass clarinet
- Frans Vermeerssen
- tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone
- Jan Willem van der Ham
- alto saxophone, bassoon
- Michael Vatcher
- drums
- Michiel Braam
- piano
- Peter Haex
- tuba
- Peter van Bergen
- tenor saxophone, clarinet
- Wilbert de Joode
- bass
- Wolter Wierbos
- trombone
Discography
- Title:
- Extremen
- Medium:
- CD
- Released:
- 2008
- Label:
- BBB
- Distributor:
- toondist / subdist
- Distributor code:
- BBB10
- Description:
- Recording of a concert at the Bimhuis, Amsterdam, February 1st, 2008.
- Title:
- Growing Pains
- Medium:
- cd
- Released:
- 2004
- Label:
- BBB
- Distributor:
- Toondist
- Distributor code:
- BBB5&6
- Description:
- 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)
- Title:
- Bik Bent Braam Goes Bonsai
- Medium:
- cd
- Released:
- 2002
- Label:
- BBB
- Distributor:
- Toondist
- Distributor code:
- BBBCD4
- Description:
- the best jazz record of 2002 according to national newspaper critic Koen Schouten (de Volkskrant)
- Title:
- 13
- Medium:
- ceedee
- Released:
- 2000
- Label:
- BVHaast
- Distributor code:
- CD 00xx
- Description:
- 11 pieces from the "Alle 13 Goed" Jubilee Programm. Recorded October 2000 in a studio-session. A.o. Child In Time, Jungle Book, Pink Panther, Lemon Drop, Mood Indigo, Ne Me Quitte Pas and The Man I Love.
- Title:
- Zwart Wit
- Medium:
- double ceedee
- Released:
- 1999
- Label:
- BVHaast
- Distributor code:
- CD 9910-11
- Description:
- One Composition on Two Ceedees.
- Title:
- Het X-Y-Z der Bik Bent Braam
- Medium:
- double ceedee
- Released:
- 1996
- Label:
- BVHaast
- Distributor code:
- CD 9610/11
- Description:
- One Composition for every letter of the Alphabeth. That makes 26.
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modified: Sunday, May 25th 2008
Country
Netherlands
Contact
Danielle Oosteropsend an email
Prinseneiland 97 hs
1013 LN
phone +31 20 6129801
fax +31 20 6129801
Availability
whole year round
Promotional material
Available: Photo's, Posters, Flyers, Media, Reviews
Technical requirements
grand piano (no upright) – band prefers to play acoustically.