Thomas Arnesen - guitar and vocals Born in Mora, Sweden. Has in the last three decades established himself as an all-round jazz and blues guitarist. Has toured extensively in Europe, Japan and India participating in many TV and radio broadcasts. Four CD:s are released in his name. "Backwater Blues", "Back Again"and "Later In the Evening" on Sittel records and "Walkin With My Baby" on Blaze records.
Anders Forsberg - piano
Born in Kalix, Sweden. A former fusion musician with an accurate beat and a steady blues feel. Very innovative in his attidude towards the songs which will sound different depending on the audience, the acoustics or his mood on that day. Always in tune with the here and now. He has a deceptive outer calm in his personal approach.
Björn Lundquist - el. bass
Born in Stockholm, Sweden. Highly appreciated by everyone in the business and has a great groove and sound. We started playing together in a small pub in Stockholm. The pay wasn't great, but the food was and in addition to our mutual interest in cuisine and wines he's an excellent bass player. It's always nice to work with someone who makes it easy to play.
Kjell Gustavsson - drums
Born in Kisa, Sweden. He lives on an island outside Stockholm and has a constant eye on his watch in order to catch the last ferry. His drumming is unbelievably steady no matter what tempo or style. This, combined with spark of virtuosity, an open mind and a greate sense of humour makes him a valued member. With Björn on the bass, he forms a world-class rhytm section that sets the band totally free.
Andreas Hellkvist - organ
Born in Borlänge, Sweden. A wizard on his instrument. Equally impressive accompanying me or delivering one of his burning solos that can cut through the harmonies with a fierce spirit which affects everyone in the house. He means business.
I brought this band together in the spring of 2002 in order to play some material that was in some way modern, yet in blues form and with a genuine blues feel. Some of the songs are my own and some are traditional standards - old favourites and new ones. Some thoroughly arranged, others more loosely. I felt a need to develop an ambitious musical co-operation with a fixed constellation of good musicians within the area of blues music.
Blues, with it's traditional 12 and 8 bar form, is to me a sort of musical essence that lies at the heart of human musical perception. It's form challenges the musician to find a personal, original way to develop while staying within it's rigorous confines.
The band is tight in every rhythm from shuffle to afro.cuban. We sometimes add an extra chord here and there. In the studio we play a little stricter than live, while on stage the band explodes.
I feel I have the perfect combination of friends and musicians.
The emphasis is strong, hard-hitting blues based music although we are happy to play a slow song or a sensitive blues standard when the circumstances are right. The band moves easily from "Stormy Monday" to a more modern almost rock feel. And while a puritan might object to this, I feel both styles are fimly rooted in the blues.
