Along with mouthwatering vocalist Vera Westera, Penguins Too is currently working on their own version of the legendary Pink Floyd album "Wish You Were Here" for concerts to be performed 2023-2024. The three meet regularly in Beek to explore what could be a great rendition of this wonderful music. Rehearsals are in development, keep an eye on our calendar!
Flex Bent Braam
Flex Bent Braam, Michiel Braam's 2013 ensemble, is a continuation of Bik Bent Braam. While Bik Bent Braam consists of thirteen permanent musicians, the septet Flex Bent Braam is flexible: every year some new members will join Flex Bent Braam while others will leave the ensemble. The 'old' members function like a sourdough starter: they safeguard experience and continuity. The new members, among which young talented musicians and musicians from different musical backgrounds, bring in fresh ideas and new dynamics.
Within Flex Bent Braam, Michiel Braam further explores the transitions between composition and improvisation. Again the musicians will have total freedom. Flex Bent Braam performs without a set-list, it employs a strategy in which the musicians all provide input. They can call out tunes in mid-phrase and decide tempo and instrumentation to generate a new musical direction for the ensemble. Compelling themes echoing the complete jazz history and precise ensemble work alternate with wild, screaming improvisations.
In 2013 Flex Bent Braam did present the program 'Lucebert'. When Simon Vinkenoog in 1965 asked eleven fellow writers to comment on “De beweging van de vijftigers” Lucebert, a jazz lover, replied writing a telegram with a listing of jazz standards: Hot House, Dizzy Atmosphere (Misty), When Your Lover Has Gone (Get Out Of Town), Straight No Chaser, I May Be Wrong (So What), Let's Cool One, Better Git It In Your Soul and Stratus Seekers. For the 'Lucebert' program Michiel Braam will arrange these jazz standards and write new compositions, inspired by Lucebert's Japanese epigrams. While performing, Braam's compositions can be picked by the band members at will, combined or adjusted. Each concert is improvised yet totally accessible.
Musicians
Michiel Braam piano/compositions, Oleg Hollmann baritone saxophone, Joost Lijbaart drums, Tony Overwater double bass, Bart van der Putten alto saxophone, Angelo Verploegen trumpet, Wolter Wierbos trombone