"Freedom, flexibility and an aversion to boredom: these are the pillars on which the music of pianist and composer Michiel Braam rests. As a kid he listened to the hardrock of guitarist Eddie Van Halen. He is now one of the most productive band leaders on the Dutch jazz scene. His mission: make his role as leader as inconspicuous as possible. As a pianist Braam combines exceptional virtuosity with a playful unpredictability. Braam's infectious dynamic and percussive style is strictly his own. His unexpected, sometimes comic meanderings are never abstract or obtuse, but always rooted in the material. Braam takes you on a wild and surprising journey, but makes sure that you don't get lost. In his role as composer and bandleader Braam attempts to apply his open playing style to bigger ensembles. He is constantly looking for greater musical freedom. The 13 piece Bik Bent Braam can scarcely be compared with a conventional big band. Braam's material can be introduced by the band members at will, combined or adjusted, totally improvised yet totally accessible. Musicians such as Duke Ellington and Charles Mingus serve as inspiration in Braam's striving for an homogenous and personal orchestral sound. Braam graduated from the College for the Arts in Arnhem in 1987. He is now head of the Jazz Department there. Together with Frans Vermeerssen he leads the sextet All Ears, featuring Trio BraamDeJoodeVatcher, Frank Gratowski and Herb Robertson. Braam was awarded the Podiumprize for young talented musicians in 1988. In 1997 he received the Netherlands' most important jazz prize: the Boy Edgar Prize. Braam has played all over the world, including tours throughout Europe, Japan, Indonesia, Africa, USA, Canada.
www.michielbraam.com (english)
Latest record (dutch only):
 
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