BIK BENT BRAAM GROWING PAINS
Michiel Braam-piano, Wilbert de Joode-double bass, Joop van Erven-drums, Frans Vermeerssen-tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone, Frank Gratkowski-alto saxophone, clarinets, Jan Willem van der Ham-alto saxophone, bassoon, Bart van der Putten-alto saxophone, clarinet, Peter Haex-tenor tuba, Patrick Votrian-bass tuba, Eric Boeren-cornet, Angelo Verploegen-trumpet, Wolter Wierbos-trombone, Hans Sparla-trombone
For the program Bik Bent Braam goes Bonsai, last year, Michiel Braam wrote two miniatures for each one of his bandmembers. They became responsible for the course of the concert; there was no bandleader, no set list, no prescribed style or tempo, improvisation ruled. ‘The musicians created a mutual enigmatic atmosphere. Bik Bent Braam has a unique, characteristic sound that refers to the best jazz orchestras of the first half of the last century. ‘Bik Bent Braam goes Bonsai’ is the best jazz record of the year 2002′. (De Volkskrant) For the sequel, Growing Pains, Braam wrote two new pieces for everyone, bearing in mind the style and personality of the musicians but not with the intention to make it easy for them.