Kreisler Anderson ao Portrait: A Retro Whirlwind of Charm and Wit
If you’re the kind of person who loves music that feels like a warm cup of tea on a rainy day, Kreisler Anderson ao Portrait by Capriccio Salon Ensemble might just become your new favorite album. Released in 1992 under the Dutch label Canal Grande, this quirky gem blends pop, jazz, stage & screen vibes with styles ranging from parody to barbershop and music hall. It’s like stepping into a vintage cabaret where everyone’s having way too much fun.
The album is packed with tracks that are both playful and nostalgic, but two stand out for me: "The Typewriter" and "Sleigh Ride."
Let’s start with "The Typewriter." This one hooks you right away because—well, it sounds exactly like its title suggests. The clacking rhythm mimics an old-school typewriter so convincingly that you almost expect to see ink-stained fingers tapping along. What makes it unforgettable isn’t just the novelty; it’s how cleverly they layer in jaunty brass and piano riffs. You can practically picture some frazzled writer pounding out their next great novel while humming along. It’s cheeky, charming, and oddly satisfying—a perfect example of why this album works so well.
Then there’s "Sleigh Ride," which feels like being wrapped up in a cozy blanket while dashing through snow-covered streets. Sure, you’ve probably heard other versions of this classic tune before, but this rendition has something extra special. Maybe it’s the marimba (shoutout to Ruud Stotijn!) giving it a bouncy, almost cartoonish vibe. Or maybe it’s the way the strings swoop in like a gust of winter wind. Whatever it is, it’s impossible not to grin when listening to it. It’s festive without being cheesy, lighthearted yet totally sincere.
One thing that really struck me about this album is the talent behind it. From Anneke Mulder’s clarinet solos to Ed De Boer’s jazzy piano work, every musician brings their A-game. And let’s not forget Wouter Groesz, who somehow manages to rock both violin and accordion duties like a total boss. Kudos also go to designers Alex Roelofs and engineer Jurek Willig for making sure everything sounds crisp and polished without losing that raw, live energy.
But here’s the kicker: despite all its charm, Kreisler Anderson ao Portrait doesn’t take itself too seriously. Tracks like "Yankee Doodle" and "Quickstep Voor Elise" remind us that music doesn’t always need to be deep or profound—it can just be fun. Like, who else would dare turn Beethoven’s iconic melody into a swinging dance number? Only these guys.
In the end, what stays with me most about this album is its sense of joy. Listening to it feels like eavesdropping on a group of friends messing around in a rehearsal room, trying out ridiculous ideas and laughing until their sides hurt. And honestly? That’s pretty rare these days. So if you’re looking for something different—something that’ll make you smile and maybe even chuckle a little—give this one a spin. Just don’t blame me if you find yourself randomly quoting “Kleiner Wiener Marsch” at parties. Trust me, it happens.
