Ballroomers (the) – Sway
Goofin records – Goofy 504 [1985]
Sway – Don’t Push Me Away – Louisiana Boogie – 99 Sweathearts
The band that would become the Ballroomers took shape in 1981 under the name Goofin’ Willy and the Playboys, featuring Jussi Huhtakangas on vocals and guitar, Riku Järvinen on bass, Timo Uimonen on rhythm guitar, and Pete Hakonnen on drums.
The group played its first gig in late 1981. Timo later switched from rhythm guitar to upright bass, and the new trio became the Ballroomers in early 1983.
For a time in 1984, Heikki Laakkonen (later known as Hal Peters) served briefly as the band’s lead singer. After his departure, the Ballroomers recorded this first four-track EP in 1985 (featuring two covers and two Jussi originals) with Markku Immonen on piano. Although the vocals lack a bit of confidence and expressiveness, the final result is quite enjoyable—and varied—featuring brilliant guitar and piano solos.
Ballroomers (the) – It’s Boogie Pickin’ Time
Fennica Records – FR 86-001 [1986]
Sittin’ On Top Of The World – Ballroom Boogie – Bonfire – Guitar Shuffle – Passin’ The Blues Around
In 1986—this time with Harri Saanio on piano (who would later join the Barnshakers)—the Ballroomers It’s Boogie Pickin’ Time, a five-track EP.
It showcased a mix of styles, ranging from rockabilly (Sittin’ On Top Of The World) and hillbilly boogie (Ballroom Boogie) to shuffling country-rockabilly (Bonfire). Guitar Shuffle features a musical dialogue between Saanio’s piano and Jussi’s guitar picking—demonstrating talent that was already well-honed. Passin’ The Blues Around is a mid-tempo rock track with backing vocals. The band ceased operations around this time, as Uimonen joined Hal Peters, followed shortly thereafter by Jussi Huhtakangas.
It is also worth noting that Kitty Taipale served as the band’s vocalist for a few concerts. She can be heard singing In My Dreams, backed by the Ballroomers, on the Goofin’ Around compilation.
When Heikki was the singer for the Ballroomers, the band recorded a session in June 1984; however, as Jussi was absent, he was replaced by Karri Julkunen (Buzzsaw). It was decided to adopt a different name for this session, and the Ballroomers became the Stone Cold Men. Four tracks were recorded: Bob A Dee Bop A Doo (Hal Wills), Daddy O Rock (Luke McDaniels), Booger Red (Sid King), and Rock With Me Baby (Riley). These tracks were never released, with the exception of the last one, which appeared on the Fin-A-Billy compilation in 1990.
Fred “Virgil” Turgis
