BB & van Berlo
BB & van Berlo are an acoustic folk duo from Breda, Netherlands, formed by long‑time musical companions BB van Waardenburg and Rik van Berlo. Their collaboration officially took shape in the autumn of 2011, after years of friendship and performing together in various bands. [3voor12.vpro.nl]
Drawing on deep roots in American and Irish folk traditions, the duo craft an intimate yet richly textured sound. Their music is defined by warm harmonies, acoustic arrangements, and the remarkable versatility of BB, who performs on guitar, fiddle, flutes, trumpet, diatonic accordion, blues harmonica, and harp, bringing an uncommon palette of timbres to their live performances. [festivalinfo.nl]
Both musicians arrive with broad experience:
- BB van Waardenburg previously performed with the blues‑rock band Shotgun Flavour and the folk group Lua.
- Rik van Berlo contributed his guitar work to the pop‑rock band Boxershort Questionmark.
[3voor12.vpro.nl]
These backgrounds lend their duo project a distinctive blend of influences. Their shared admiration for artists like Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, The Beach Boys, and The Beatles fuels their melodic sensibility and tight vocal interplay, helping shape a sound that is both comforting and characterful. [3voor12.vpro.nl]
Since debuting at the Minstrelen- en Troubadourentocht in Breda, BB & van Berlo have continued to charm audiences through small festivals, intimate stages, and acoustic events. Performances at gatherings such as 3voor12 Clubmiddag at Mezz showcase their ability to draw listeners in with sincerity, instrumental color, and seamless musical chemistry—often joined by guest musicians to further expand their sonic landscape. [3voor12.vpro.nl], [mezz.nl]
Their music can be found on platforms like Spotify and Deezer, where listeners can explore their recorded work and discover the understated beauty of their acoustic folk craft.
With a foundation built on friendship, musicianship, and shared influences, BB & van Berlo continue to offer performances that feel heartfelt, organic, and deeply connected to folk traditions—while still uniquely their own.