Wim Baeck: violin, viola, mandolin, Jew’s harp, compositions, Tristan Driessens: oud, compositions.
“A strong project by two great musicians and a great album to include in any acoustic folk collection.”
Folk World
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 major 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).
“The Balacordes Duo is a Belgian duo on ud and violin and they bring original compositions. Violinist Wim Baeck plays his self-build violins and Tristan Driessens accompanies him on the strings of the ud. This results into a more than interesting mixture of sounds. Their compositions are influenced by traditions form many corners of Europe and with their delicate play, both musicians easily bewitch the listener. Interesting how they create a North/West- European sound with this nice ‘exotic’ twist created by the warm sound of the ud. A strong project by two great musicians and a great album to include in any acoustic folk collection.” Folk World
“Balacordes intertwines Scandinavian music traditions with middle eastern makam music using only fretless string instruments: violin, oud and double bass. An unusual combination which brings about a set of original, attractive and mesmerizing dance tunes containing subtle improvisations and strong grooves. In these tunes, all written by Wim Baeck and Tristan Driessens, the oud and the violin enter into a dialogue carried by the double bass and percussion creating a musical story inspiring both dancer and listener. The dancers are at the centre of the music at all times and are treated to a wide variety of traditional folk dances.” Christine Dyer
