Freedom, flexibility and an aversion to boredom: these are the pillars on which the music of pianist and composer Michiel Braam rests. He was awarded with the Podium Prize for young talented musicians in 1988. In 1997 he won the most prestigious Dutch Jazz Award: the Boy Edgar Prize. Now he is one of the most productive and influential bandleaders on The Dutch jazz scene! As a pianist Michiel Braam combines exceptional virtuosity with a playful unpredictability. Important influences are pianists Cecil Taylor, Thelonious Monk and Lennie Tristano, who like Braam moved outside the mainstream while building on the jazz tradition. 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 Michiel Braam attempts to apply his open playing style to bigger ensembles. He is constantly looking for greater musical freedom. His Trio BraamDeJoodeVatcher has little in common with the traditional piano trio. The musicians are totally equal: bass player and drummer have just as much influence on the direction of the improvisations as the pianist. The 13-piece Bik Bent Braam can scarcely be compared with a conventional big band. Braam's compositions can be picked by the band members at will, combined or adjusted. Each concert is improvised yet totally accessible. Musicians such as Duke Ellington and Charles Mingus serve as inspiration for Braam. In his solo performances you get a good insight in his dynamic and percussive style, which he uses to built a bridge between tradition and innovation.