Dusted Down: Kruder & Dorfmeister – The K&D Sessions
The Viennese duo get us in a whirl all over again
Kruder & Dorfmeister – The K&D Sessions (25th Anniversary Audiophile Edition) (!K7)
The 1999 release of The K&D Sessions by Kruder and Dorfmeister is more than just a mix album; it’s a genre-defining moment in downtempo music that was a captivating escape from the high-energy electronic sounds of the late 1990s.
By blending acid jazz, hip-hop, Balearic chill out and drum and bass, the Austrian duo crafted a sound that felt both innovative and inherently relaxed, positioning it perfectly for lounges, coffeehouses and the “come down” hours post-rave. This was music meant to soothe rather than energize, creating a smooth, relaxing experience that redefined electronic music’s softer side.
he K&D Sessions became a cultural landmark, introducing listeners worldwide to the possibilities of atmospheric, chilled-out electronica to unwind to. The compilation influenced a generation of artists like Bonobo, Air, Gorillaz, Jon Hopkins and Thievery Corporation, who expanded on its lush, layered textures in different ways, most obviously shaping the lounge and downtempo genres that flourished in the 2000s.
To celebrate its twenty-fifth anniversary, The K&D Sessions returns with a new vinyl box set featuring six additional tracks (mixes of Roni Size, Madonna, United Future Organisation and more) and a 40-page booklet, while there’s also expanded 3xCD edition with seven new tracks (again all K&D mixes) and a photo book. This reissue reaffirms the compilation’s status as a foundational work in electronic music, inviting both longtime fans and new listeners to rediscover its timeless allure.
Kruder and Dorfmeister’s journey from a small Vienna studio to global recognition epitomises their unique vision for electronic music in the 90s. Meeting in 1991, Peter Kruder and Richard Dorfmeister built a distinct soundscape by blending dub, downtempo, and acid jazz with a refined touch that set them apart from the fast mechanical rhythms dominating electronic scenes.
They didn’t invent trip-hop or dub – acid jazz and trip hop had been in circulation – but they infused these styles with an orchestral depth and warmth, drawing on lush synths, rare instrumental samples and an unparalleled knack for crate-digging to source obscure records that colored their music with vibrant detail. By 1996, their DJ-Kicks mix had already introduced their meticulously crafted, urban style to a wider audience, helping to elevate the popularity of the then fledgling mix series itself.
But it was The K&D Sessions in 1999 that truly encapsulated their sound and cemented their place as pioneering tastemakers in downtempo music. The album’s seamless blend of tracks gave listeners a taste of the mood they could expect at a Kruder & Dorfmeister set—chilled yet engaging, polished yet organic. While they’d already built a reputation in Austria and among keener specialist record buyers, this release introduced them to an international audience, making them a go-to for remix work.
The K&D Sessions is packed with standout tracks that showcase that highlight the duo’s wide range in taste. Among them is Count Basic’s ‘Speechless’, a sultry drum n bass tune with groovy, jazzy undertones that sets the tone for the duo’s sophisticated style. Rockers Hi-Fi’s ‘Going Under’ takes a different approach, mixing dub with psychedelic flair to produce a twisted, funky groove. Tim Simenon’s ‘Bug Powder Dust’ by Bomb The Bass is another gem, blending smooth jazz and hip-hop—a perfect addition that complements the album’s urban chill vibe.
On the second half of the compilation, David Holmes’ ‘Gone’ brings in laid-back, lounge vibes, serving as a dreamy, spacey lullaby, while Sofa Surfers’ ‘Sofa Rockers’ anchors the collection as a quintessential track that embodies the compilation’s style. Kruder and Dorfmeister’s own ‘Boogie Woogie’ is an idea of Balearic ambiance, showcasing their affection for the Mediterranean Café del Mar sound. To round it off, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony’s ‘1st of tha Month’ is reimagined here as a laid-back, chill out masterpiece, giving a relaxed twist to the hip-hop classic. These selections emphasise the album’s unique soundscape—smooth yet dynamic, polished yet organic, and perfect for unwinding.
In conclusion, K&D Sessions remains a groundbreaking compilation, epitomising Kruder & Dorfmeister’s signature fusion of downtempo, jazz, dub, d&b and chill out. Its carefully curated tracks and inventive remixes created a lush and ideal ambiance for relaxed listening or everyday listening. This album not only defined an era of downtempo music but also inspired countless artists, expanding electronic music’s reach into other inhabited establishments other than just clubs. Even 25 years later, The K&D Sessions stands as a timeless masterpiece that introduced a sophisticated, atmospheric edge to electronic music, proving the enduring allure of its smooth, soulful sounds.
Tim Humphrey