No.73 - ‘Ballroom Stories’ by Waldeck (2007)

“ Why do I feel so black and blue; When all I did was loving you; Why on earth, can't stand the pain; Why did you do that thing again…”

I originally discovered the downtempo/triphop sounds of Klaus Waldeck when listening to an electro-swing playlist on Spotify, which included his song ‘Memories’. But it was a few years later that my other half bought the full album and since then, it has been a regular go-to album in the car.

I should mention that Downtempo is a laid back electro style of music, and triphop is an experimental fusion of hiphop and electronica which can be joined with almost any genre of music, with notable emphasis on the bass drum…mix these to swing, jazz, dub and a strong 1920s influence and we have something quite wonderful in ‘Ballroom Stories’.

Any Jazz and swing fan should enjoy this album, especially if you are looking for something more relaxed but varied in energy. ‘Why Did You Fire That Gun’ contains a piano riff throughout not unlike that in Jeff Brubeck’s ‘Take Five’. Dub fans may enjoy ‘Addicted’, a cover of ‘Our Day Will Come’ and ‘Get Up…’. We also reach into laid back electro swing but i must mention my favourite track ‘So Black & Blue’. A strange swing ragtime lament with a brilliant brass dirge and especially fantastic trumpets playing throughout. Just so wonderfully twisted, unique and excellent. Also, a big thumbs up to another electro album that doesn't rely on using samples but superb live musicians.

Waldeck grew up in Vienna, Austria and worked as a Copyright Lawyer. Having played piano from the age of 6, he paused his life of music, until a particular case was filed - George Harrison getting sued for copying an old Motown track. After hooking up with fellow vocalists in London, he returned to Vienna, releasing his debut full length album in 1998. Ballroom Stories never charted, but was released on vinyl, which resides in my collection.

Favourite songs -  So Black & Blue, Memories, Make My Day, Bei Mir Bist du Schön

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