It’s always exciting to listen to a new release by Thorbjørn Risager!Those who had a chance to get a preview of the music all agree that with their new recording, this band is getting ready to move into another sphere. The music spans from soulblues with funky horns to a low-down and dirty blues which is more down-to-earth than ever. And as usual, they manage to create a very characteristic and unique sound, diversified far beyond your typical blues band. With each new release, they have refined the art of integrating several genres into one recognizable style: the ”Risager sound”. their previous recording, certainly made them take a leap into new territories! Being selected as one of the most-listened-to albums in BluesRevue’s office, winning Bronze in theInternational Songwriting Competition (ISC) and making a licensing deal with Dixiefrog, the leading label for blues & roots music in France are some examples of the respect that they earned since Track Record was released two years ago. And it’s certainly been two busy years, withover 90 gigs per year in a dozen countries – making them one of the most successful Danish bands, when it comes to touring abroad! Track Record, their previous recording, certainly made them take a leap into new territories! Being selected as one of the most-listened-to albums in BluesRevue’s office, winning Bronze in the International Songwriting Competition (ISC) and making a licensing deal with Dixiefrog, the leading label for blues & roots music in France are some examples of the respect that they earned since Track Record was released two years ago. And it’s certainly been two busy years, with over 90 gigs per year in a dozen countries – making them one of the most successful Danish bands, when it comes to touring abroad! Dust & Scratches is the band’s6th album in 7 years and contains 11 originals – nine written by Thorbjørn and two by the newest band member, guitarist Peter Skjerning. As on all of the albums, and on the concerts, the seven-piece live band is backing Thorbjorns ”larger-than-life voice” although this time, there are a few songs with a smaller lineup, without the horns and on one track even down to a duo. No doubt – Dust & Scratcheswill confirm Thorbjørn’s position as one of the strongest voices of European blues today, both when it comes to his extraordinary vocal chords and his expression, not to mention his unique songwriting talents. And with a tight and swinging band - – started 8 years ago and still with 5 of the original members –who performs with the same intensity in the studio as live, they are bound for success!
THORBJØRN RISAGER – the first decade

THORBJØRN RISAGER – the first decade: BETWEEN ROCK AND SOME HARD BLUES Worldwide digital release February 25th 2013 NB: HAVE A LOOK AT THE 35 EUROPEAN LISTED TOUR DATES HERE! http://www.risager.info/tour-plan/ Thorbjørn Risager & his band are celebrating their 10 year anniversary with a digital release. BETWEEN ROCK AND SOME HARD BLUES is a compilation of songs from their outstanding repertoire: 30 originals including bonustracks and their excellent arrangement of Baby Please Don’t Go. From their debut, recorded live in a small Copenhagen club in 2004, to their 6th CD ”Dust & Scratches” which got German rock magazines raving about ”a real electroshock for the collapsed twelve-bar-format” the band has been reaching further and further, both geographically and genrewise, without compromising their artistic profile. Their heart is still buried deep within the blues, but their music is so dynamic and rich, with influences from many genres – but miraculously enough they still manage to fuse all this into a solid and unique style which some critics have called ”The Risager Sound” Thorbjørn Risager’s exceptional voice has made many international critics compare him to some of the very great legends, and they probably couldn’t have imagined that such vocalists existed in a small country like Denmark. But it doesn’t end with that powerful voice – actually it starts there! The choice of musicians was very fortunate. Thorbjørn chose persons that he really wanted to work with, and only two band members have changed during these ten years. Their energy, tight interplay, and friendliness, is mentioned by everyone who works with the band, and the combination of this dynamic band and Thorbjørn’s extraordinary vocal chords is definitely a key factor behind their success. His charismatic voice has even been compared to Ray Charles by American music journalists. ”Risager has songwriting skills that match his larger-than-life voice ” BluesWax (US) With over 90 concerts per year (about 60 of these outside Denmark – through the years they have performed in 18 countries!) they are one of Denmark’s most successful music exports. But they have still found the time, inspiration and energy to compose for and record 6 CD’s in 8 years. Here is a chance to enjoy the band’s own selection of their favourite tracks from their whole production: BETWEEN ROCK AND SOME HARD BLUES ”This Danish singer is a good example of how well Europeans have been captivated by American music and now give it back with fresh energy. The smart horn arrangements by Peter Kehl and Kasper Wagner are the perfect compliment to Risager’s leathery vocals and stellar guitar work. When these two elements come together, the overall effect produced is some big league music.” Art Tipaldi, BluesRevue ”Thorbjorn Risager and his band are a class act. Risager himself is blessed with a distinctive gravelly voice and the horn section is a match for the best in the business. All of which is as good a reason as any to buy this very impressive album and continue the process of putting Denmark and Thorbjorn Risager well and truly on the blues map.” Chris Kerslake, BluesRevue ”Sometimes a singer's voice just stands out and forces you to listen. Take one part Ray Charles, one part Bob Seger, and one part Joe Cocker and you may have the vocal instrument of Denmark's Thorbjørn Risager. It’s only a matter of time before the secret’s out on this guy. Bottom line: he’s dynamite. Don’t sleep on this one!” Dylann DeAnna, BluesWax

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