“A strong project by two great musicians and a great album to include in any acoustic folk collection.” (FolkWorld)
Balacordes is a Belgian folk music duet founded in Brussels by fiddler Wim Baeck and lutenist Tristan Driessens. They developed a much celebrated style that bears witness of both profound knowledge of the ancient Flemish traditions and a strong sense of innovation. Balacordes is one of those few groups that represent the Belgian folk revival and its undeniable relation to the rich folkloric heritage of its surrounding countries, most notably Ireland, Sweden and France. Using only fretless string instruments, Wim Baeck and Tristan Driessens composed a set of original and mesmerizing folk tunes containing subtle dialogues and strong grooves. Their first album Balacordes Duo (Appel Rekords) was recorded and released in Belgium in 2012, presenting the melodic power and undeniably complementary skills of this duet.
Balacordes performed on numerous important folk festivals and venues around Europe, including Gooikoorts (Belgium), Folkwoods (Netherlands), Grand Bal de l’Europe (France), Boombalfestival (Belgium), SOAS Folk Music Society (London) and Muziekpublique (Brussels).
Wim Baeck (violin, mandolin) and Tristan Driessens (lutes)