Bik Bent Braam from the Netherlands tours the US and Canada 2 - 9 September

Bik Bent Braam performs without a setlist - it employs a strategy known as “bonsai-ing" 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. Pianist/composer Michiel Braam aims to allow his large ensemble to work with the same flexibility and nuances as a trio would. For this program he wrote 13 compositions, one for each band member, inspired by their specific qualities.

Line-up: Angelo Verploegen, trumpet; Eric Boeren, cornet; Wolter Wierbos, Hans Sparla, trombone; Peter Haex, euphonium; Patrick Votrian, tuba; Frank Gratkowski, alto saxophone, clarinet and bass clarinet; Jan Willem van der Ham, alto saxophone and bassoon; Frans Vermeerssen, tenor and baritone saxophone; Bart van der Putten, alto saxophone and clarinet; Michiel Braam, piano; Wilbert de Joode, double bass; Joop van Erven, drums.

Saturday, Sept. 2
6 pm
Chicago Jazz Festival
Petrillo Music Shell at Grant Park
Chicago IL

Tuesday, Sept. 5
7 pm
4th Stage of the National Arts Center
Ottawa ON

Thursday, Sept. 7
8 pm
Guelph Jazz Festival
St. George's Anglican Church
Guelph ON

Friday, Sept. 8
7:30 pm
Flynn Center for the Performing Arts
Burlington VT

Saturday, Sept. 9
8 pm
Lincoln Hall, Portland State University
Portland OR

“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, All Music Guide (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)