Bik Bent Braam

Extremen

Label: BBB Country: The Netherlands

"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 itÕs become increasingly hard to pin down whatÕs going to be played during any given performance. Bik Bent Braam is now at the point where it performs without a play list. ÒI want to play as freely with Bik Bent as with a trioÓ, says Braam. ÓDecisions that I usually make while writing, over solos, orchestration and background, are made by the musicians on the spot.Ó

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. HeÕll let the tuba play really high for instance and the trumpet extremely low, giving the orchestra its unique sound.

The program ÔBik Bent Braam Goes BonsaiÕ resulted in Ôthe best jazz record of 2002Õ according to national newspaper critic Koen Schouten. The 2004 CD ÔGrowing PainsÕ earned the band praise as Ôthe most exciting music machine aroundÕ.

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."-Jazzserver.org