This relatively early effort by Dutch pianist
Michiel Braam leads to bold and stunning results. A quartet of trombone and rhythm may not sound terribly unusual, and in most hands the music produced might sound somewhat ordinary. But with
Braam's wild arrangements and the superb musicianship, the two lengthy suites written by the pianist are pure delight.
Braam is a true original, his jagged style reminiscent of
Monk, though perhaps turned up a notch and incorporating more recent advances in jazz harmony. Trombonist
Peter Haex (who also doubles on tenor tuba) sputters attractively in the lower register, overcoming a somewhat limited technique to produce fascinating sounds. Add earthy acoustic bassist Ton van Erp and Bennink-influenced percussionist
Fred van Duynhoven, and you cannot help but smile at the incendiary charms.