The story of Thorbjørn Risager and his band is one of success. They came out of… well not exactly nowhere, but from the local Copenhagen blues scene, and with the help of their previous live-CD, recorded straight up-and-down in a local club, they catapulted themselves out into the international blues world. From May until Oct 2006 they are booked at festivals and clubs in eight countries, and this is only the beginning. Only the future will tell how far they will reach …
This is an extraordinary group in many ways. Their charismatic vocalist Thorbjørn Risager has earned a reputation as one of Denmark's best singers, with an exceptional bluesy and soulful voice. He is also an outstanding song writer, and his powerful guitar fills balance his song phrases perfectly. Just like the rest of his musicians, he delivers solos on a high level, dynamic and full of nerve and presence.
This is not an ordinary blues band, since a large portion of their repertoire is classic, New Orleans flavoured 1950's and 60's R&B - although most of it is written by Thorbjørn, alone or with somebody in the band. But it’s definitely not an ordinary R&B-band either! They are making a serious and deep statement and they’ve updated the tradition, creating their very personal version of it, with a power that both shakes up the room and goes into the heart and soul of each individual listener.
At the Copenhagen Blues Festival 2005 he was appointed “blues artist of the yearâ€. And their live-CD has opened the doors to many places, since the power of this band is so obvious, already from the guitar intro of the opening track.
This new CD, FROM THE HEART, produced by the legendary Billy Cross, should send them many steps further into their career. With 80 % originals, including some powerful soulblues with hit potential, this group could go very far.
Read more at www.risager.info
The band:
Thorbjørn Risager: Vocals and guitar
Emil Balsgaard: Piano and organ
Kasper Wagner: Tenor and alto saxophone
Peter Kehl: Trumpet
Svein Erik Martinsen: Guitar
Søren Bøjgaard: Bass
Martin Seidelin: Drums
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