by Steven LoewyThe prize-winning pianist and big-band leader Michiel Braam has largely escaped notice in the States, but in Holland he is a major figure who leads an outstanding band that he calls Bik Bent Braam and that has made considerable waves; and he is an original jazz pianist, too. Having performed with many leading European jazz improvisers, Braam has forged an innovative approach as a composer and arranger, and he infuses his group writing with an Ellingtonian aura that absorbs a large slice of 20th century popular music, from Sousa marches to swing to the most modern free and avant-garde elements. There is a remarkable attention to detail in his large scale works that manifests itself in highly inventive, twisted melodies, and complex harmonies, not to mention humor, with which he creates new ways of interpreting a venerable tradition. His piano playing, too, combines a healthy respect for the past with forays into modern abstraction. Braam has appeared often on Dutch, Belgian, and German television and radio, and his big band has been the subject of a television documentary. He is the recipient of two major Dutch awards: the Podium Prize (1988), an award that he describes as "the most important Dutch encouragement award," and the Boy Edgar Prize (1996-1997), which he calls "the oldest and most important jazz award in the Netherlands." Braam's big band and solo piano work are reasonably well documented on disc, but can be difficult to find as they are generally available only on small Dutch labels. Braam's recorded works are well worth seeking out, though, as he has produced some outstanding and even unusual compositions for large ensemble that incorporate a myriad of influences.