Blues Blast Magazine Album Review: Thorbjørn Risager and The Black Tornado – Change My Game

Hello!

This CD review was originally published in the June 1, 2017 edition of Blues Blast Magazine. Be sure to check out the rest of the magazine at www.bluesblastmagazine.com

Thorbjørn Risager and The Black Tornado – Change My Game

Ruf Records

www.risager.info

www.rufrecords.de

11 tracks / 51:10

When hearing Thorbjørn Risager sing it is natural to assume that he is from the American Midwest, as his powerful voice cuts through the mix with just a touch of twang. But Denmark is his home, and for the past fourteen years he has been churning out soulful blues-rock with his band, The Black Tornado. These gentlemen have recently released their latest studio album, Change My Game, and it is their best work yet.

The stability of the lineup for Thorbjørn Risager & The Black Tornado is a rarity in the music business, as five of the eight members have been with the band since 2003. During their tenure they have released eleven albums and played over 800 live shows, so they have figured out how to do things the right way with a combination of well-crafted songs and good production values. Critics and fans agree, as the band was nominated for British Blues Awards in 2014 and 2015 and won Danish Grammy Awards in 2013 and 2014.

Change My Game was recorded at the Medley Studios in Copenhagen, Denmark in January and August of 2016. Risager took care of the vocals and guitar, backed by The Black Tornado band that includes Peter Skjerning on guitar, Emil Balsgaard on keyboards, Søren Bøjgaard on bass, and Martin Seidelin on the drums; there is also the horn section of Hans Nybo, Kasper Wagner, and Peter Kehl. The band self-produced this album (a first for them), allowing them to achieve exactly the sound they were seeking. It includes eleven tracks, and all of them are originals that were written by Risager and Skjerning.

The set list includes a bit of everything in the blues spectrum, including blues-rock, soul, funk, and rhythm and blues; the latter is the basis of the first track, “I Used to Love You.” Slow jams like this show off Risager’s astounding voice that is undeniably smooth and strong, and demonstrate his range that extends from baritone to a growly tenor. This song of remembrance features soft horns and a guitar solo that is simple yet very effective. Another standout ballad is “Lay My Burden Down,” which is delivered in a maudlin lyrical style with piano accompaniment, and there is a lovely build to the finish as the horns join in.

Don't get the idea that Change My Game is full of slow-paced ballads, as hard-blues rock is a specialty of this crew. “Dreamland” is sequenced early in the album, and it has a huge sound with distorted guitars, Hammond organ, and a stellar horn arrangement. There is also “Hold My Lover Tight” with its driving beat and creative use of synthesizers and guitars. This song features an awesome guitar solo that is not over-the-top crazy, but it is powerful and perfectly in sync with the rest of the instruments. But the sweetest jam is “Train,” which starts out with an acoustic intro and a decidedly different rhythm pattern. At first there is a folk feel with honky-tonk piano, but momentum grows as the full band comes in, and it finishes with a minute of electric hardcore insanity.

The band also does a respectable job with funk and soul, as shown by “Maybe It's Alright” and “Change My Game.” This title track is catchy with its funkadelic intro and synthesizers, and the chorus draws the listeners in with its harmonies, but the smooth horns and tight backline really complete the package. The bass and drums of Bøjgaard and Seidelin are perfectly in sync, and are almost hypnotic. These two songs are an interesting contrast to “Holler n Moan,” a Delta influenced swamp tune that ends up as a funeral dirge party towards the end. This message here is that the band is able to play most anything, and the songs are slickly written and arranged so that they all work well together, even as they span multiple genres.

After the band spends the first ten songs proving that they have mastered many elements of American music, they cut loose and have some fun by ending the album with “City of Love.” This is a hard-rocking blues tune that goes all out with powerful vocal harmonies on the chorus, a cool blend of acoustic and distorted electric guitars, and one last dose of the super-tight horn section. Everybody gets a chance to shine on this track, with props going out to Balsgaard’s killer work on the organ, and Risager’s (or is that Skjerning’s?) searing lead guitar.

With Change My Game, Thorbjørn Risager & the Black Tornado have met the challenge of living up to their excellent 2014 breakthrough release, Too Many Roads. This is a fresh take on modern blues, and the band has really created something different with their blend of blues, soul, and rock – indeed, they have changed their game. Looking at their tour plans for the rest of 2017, it looks like they are only playing European shows, but hopefully there will be enough demand to get them over to the states soon. While you are waiting, be sure to check out this new release, as it is dynamite!

Blues Blast Magazine Album Review: The Fried Okra Band – There’s a World Outside My Door

Good day!

This CD review was originally published in the March 6, 2014 edition of Blues Blast Magazine. Be sure to check out the rest of the magazine at www.bluesblastmagazine.com

The Fried Okra Band – There’s a World Outside My Door

Self Release

www.friedokraband.dk

12 tracks / 43:11

Though the genre got its start in the states, there is certainly no shortage of solid blues albums coming from all corners of the globe, and you will find that The Fried Okra Band out of Europe definitely cuts the mustard with their new release, There’s a World Outside My Door!

The Fried Okra Band is based out of Copenhagen, Denmark, and they have been honing their craft since 2003 by playing shows around Denmark and Finland, as well as taking up residency at the Mojo Blues Bar in Copenhagen. There’s a World Outside My Door is their third release, and their second of all original material. Morten Lunn wrote all 12 of the songs and provides vocals, guitar, and diddley bo for this album. Other members of the band include Thomas Foldberg on guitar and harmonica, Thomas Crawford on drums, percussion and mandolin and Henrik Silver on sousaphone and piano.

This self-produced CD was recorded and mixed by Crawford and Foldberg at locations around Denmark, and these two gentlemen were able to capture the essence of the band, which can be smooth and ethereal or raw and gritty. The band calls it “Northern Flat Land Blues” and they get this unique sound by eschewing the bass and focusing on vocals, two guitars and drums, with a few instruments used as needed to fine-tune their tone.

The listener gets a taste of this right from the first track, “Chicago Stage.” This song has the blues sound and lyrics down, but uses a spooky syncopated guitar ostinato to set the mood and the overall product is more laid-back vibe than most band would have the guts to kick off their album with. It works in this case, drawing the listener into the lyrics which are quite visual as they paint a picture of the pride that only a lead singer can have. It should be pointed out that though these guys are Danish they have worked extensively with the words of their songs so that there are just a few awkward half-English phrases that are well-masked by the poetic structure of the lyrics. Also, Morten sings with a light hill country twang, so there is no hint that these guys are from overseas.

The diddley bo is featured on “One String Love” a song that captures the southern roots sound perfectly. Thee unique sound of this single-string instrument is overlaid with mandolin, guitars and only the barest amount of percussion. Foldberg contributes a sweet harmonica break midway through, and his smooth technique works well with Lunn’s subdued vocals.

It is hard to think of another blues band that uses a sousaphone in its backline, and it is surprising to hear the instrument featured on the introduction to “I Tried.” This is not polka-style tuba, as Mr. Silver uses it to take on the role of the bass guitar, and his round tone adds a texture that is not found in harder-rocking blues like this. He meshes well with Crawford’s drums resulting in a rock-solid rhythm section. The lyrics of this track are simple but effective: “I don’t know just who to blame / But I believe in sharing the blame…”

The standout track from this CD is “Fake Rag Okra,” which is a straight-forward roots track with catchy lyrics. Lunn’s voice is in fine form here, and his words cleverly describe the feelings of a man who has been distracted from doing the right things. This song epitomizes The Fried Okra Band’s sound, and the mixture of clean and distorted guitars, mandolin, tuba, and unconventional percussive elements all contribute to their unique “Northern Flatland Blues.”

The band’s songs are not limited to usual blues subjects of failed relationships and problems with the bottle. They examine growing older in one’s hometown (“Shopkeeper”), and dive into the deep end of the fantasy pool with “Copenhagen Coppola.” This descriptive dream sequence is set against a sparse backdrop of a few spooky guitars and synths that is punctuated by a single harmonica riff at the very end. This is a powerful tune, and is a fitting way to bring the album to a close.

With There’s a World Outside My Door, The Fried Okra Band has set the bar high by writing a dozen solid original songs and recording them with a sound that is all their own. This CD is a keeper, and if they maintain this momentum their fourth release should be astounding!

Mahalo!