Perfect!

Last evenings concert/recording went just as planned!

As we hoped people showed up for it, and we are very pleased , as attendance exceeded 350. They all enjoyed royally it seemed, and it rubbed off on the band. They performed two sets, including several new songs, some rarities and a couple of "evergreens", such as Vidars radiohit "Lovestruck". This evening we are at it again, weather is nice, band motivated. Blue Mood man happy!

If you can relate to norwegian language, follow the links.

http://www1.nrk.no/nett-tv/indeks/137603

http://dt.no/section/NYKULTUR/1223

(photo: Mr Fix it)

RECORDING!

At the moment Vidar is preparing for this evenings concert at Union Scene , Drammen.

As you already know it will be recorded, and now everyone is ready. Audun Borrmann entered the builing this morning, and is now finished re-building it! Hopefully it will have the desired results on the recordings. Bernard Seland, Iver Olav Erstad, Andreas Bye and upright- Renvåg is present, all contributing at every level. As for Vidar, he has been very busy, instructing his army and taking short breaks for media all day. Newspapers, radios and television stations, local and national all want a part of the Busk today.It is quite clear that the promotion department has had success in their planning.

Tomorrow I`ll let you in on how it went, before we do it all again!

(photo: Gunnar Grinaker

aka Mr Fix It)

NOW WHAT IS "THE BUSK" UP TO?

Well , for starters he is doing last hand preparations for his upcoming recording event. It will be done at Union Scene in Drammen 8th and 9th JULY. The idea is to record the new songs with an audience present, to ensure the right energylevel and dynamics.

This will also serve as a little "heads up" to his fans as to what to excpect from his coming release.There is no entrance to be paid this time, but you should reserve your tickets by logging in to http://www.unionscene.no/. Concerts starts 21 each evening. We will further celebrate the event by presenting our own label-Dj, to explore our fine catalogue of previous recordings. Bars will be open, from 18. (photo Per Ole Hagen)

Welcome!

http://www.unionscene.no/billetterpaanett.cfm

Crusade is on!

This weekend Blue Mood Records attended the first ever European Bluescovention in the Parma region, Italy.

The purpose of this convention was to define some common ground between festivals, artists, promoters, magazines and others. Around 40 different individuals attended, and I must say I`m very happy about the experience. It turned out several of our artists, such as Vidar Busk, Bjørn Berge and Kid Andersen already has lots of attention, recognition and respect.Several key-labels and distributors are watching their progress closely. This is of course good news considering the effort made by Blue Mood to develop new markets in Europe. There might opportunities considering joint-venture projects, based on their catalogues. All in all, I figure that we made a giant leap towards our goal during this week-end, which of course is the battle for new markes for our releases.(foto Per Ole hagen)

DR BEKKEN stikker utenlands igjen!

DR.BEKKEN TIL TYSKLAND MED NEW ORLEANS-MUSIKERE Den norske jazz- og bluespianisten Tor E Bekken reiser i begynnelsen av juli til Tyskland for å spille konserter på tyske jazz- og bluesfestivaler med musikere fra jazzens fødeby New Orleans. Bekken er hentet inn for å betjene tangentene i et band bestående av musikere fra Irma Thomas' og Marva Wright sine band, samt fra Papa Grows Funk og Wild Magnolias Mardi Gras Indians.Bassist Benny Turner er bror av den avdøde gitaristen Freddie King, og har over førti års fartstid på internasjonale scener, både med King og med andre av bluesens notabiliteter. Forøvrig vil bandet bestå av trommeslager Eddie Dejean, saksofonist Chucky C (fra Irma Thomas Band), gitarist June Yamagishi (Papa Grows Funk; Wild Magnolias) og altså Tor E 'Dr' Bekken.

André Herman Vrolijk, 19.08.1960 – 23.05.2008

Andre`Vrolijk, at the Peer festival.



This weekend Blue Mood Records received the unbarable news that our good friend, and long time bassman and co-singer, Andre`Vrolijk had passed away.

Andre is one of the musicians who has been a part of the Blue Mood family the longest. The Tiger City Jukes`debut album-White Line Fever from 1998, marked a turning point both for the band and Blue Mood Records. The band even released their Ride In Style for us, featuring Andre as a steady, creative bassplayer, and also as a singer of several of his own songs. It is a well known fact that he was a remarkable singer, and he could have made a fine career for himself in his own name, if he wanted to.

Andre was a well respected musician, he was open and enjoyed a variety of different styles and genres, which also was reflected in his own music, and different projects.

As a person and fellow man Andre was equally remarkable. He was a humorous, engaged and social person. He was a good listener AND a good storyteller, and always enjoyed his colleagues and friends.

Persons such as Andre are rare, special and loved. The whole blues-community and Blue Mood Records feels robbed of one of our finest.

Our condolences goes to his newly-wed , his two kids, other family and friends, and of course to his heartbroke band ,Tiger City Jukes.

Upcoming: NOORA NOOR

Ever since Blue Moods eager A&R started his cooperation with Warner Music Norway, he has been aware of this remarkable singer.

At the time in 1997, she was signed to Warner Music. Ever since I`ve been looking for an opportunity to work with this gifted artist. And now finally, last week, it turns out that Noora wants to make the best Rhytm&Blues recording ever made in this country! Some of you might not know this, but this is Norways premier female singer!Throughout her releases she has been noticed for this undisputable fact. The music has been quite modern, R&B/Hip Hop-ish..This time we`re gonna make even better!

Ì pride myself with the fact that she wants to do it with Blue Mood Records/Grappa! Everyone is thrilled by this, and we are now in the beginning stages, recruiting the right band, deciding on the songs and reherse. As things unfold ,I will announce the dates. Anyhow, we`re pushing to release a single in november/december!

GRAYSON CAPPS-Tour of Norway, Part 1

GRAYSON CAPPS recently left the country after his 12 day tour, promoting his Blue Mood debut;Songbones.
The tour, which included visits to Oslo, Lillesand, Langesund, Lillestrøm and Drammen attracted lots of attention, and pleased audiences throughout! His band, including guitarist Vidar Busk, Eskil Aasland and Jens Haugen reportedly had a good time too!He will be back in July for more shows. Join newsletter for updated tourdates. (foto:Rune Endal)

Drammens tidende
http://dt.no

Johnny Andreassen ..
dt.no/article/20080510

BLUE MOOD NEWSLETTER:
http://www.bluemoodrecords.no/news/

GODDAMN !

The legend Delbert McClinton invited the rising star, ORBO on stage last week.It must have been THE perfect evening for approx 1500 fans last weekend, when they all got to hear a fabulous duet from the two skilled singers. ORBO & the longshots did a great warm-up for Delbert, and he decided to spice it up a bit with a little ORBO in his own show.(foto: Per Ole Hagen)