Bluespira - Trond Granlund / Kent Erik Thorvaldsen / Arne Skage

A full evening with 3 artists: Trond Granlund, Kent Erik Thorvaldsen, Arne Skage

GRANLUNDS BLUES – A PERSONAL JOURNEY IN BLUE NOTES 

Following the success of the Jokke project, Trond Granlund embarked on a new musical idea: to interpret Lillebjørn Nilsen's songs in his own style. However, after two strong versions of «Gategutt» and «Bysommer,» he realised the project had to be set aside. Nevertheless, the encounter with Lillebjørn – both personally and musically – became an important inspiration.

After sixty years in the industry, Granlund has now found his musical identity. With mandolins, slide guitars, and harmonicas as constant companions, he presents Granlunds Blues – an album that blends roots, experience and personal stories. Here we encounter, among other things, a new version of Jokke's «Uskyldighet», transformed from punk to blues, and a rougher interpretation of Stein Ove Berg's «Manda morra blues».

The collaboration with Svend Berg has also left its mark on the album, especially in the track «Ensom ulv» (Lone Wolf), where lyrics and music blend together in true Granlund style. He is accompanied by his son Tommy, Gjermund Kolltveit, and harmonica virtuoso Jan Tore Lauritsen – who contribute to giving the record its distinctive sound.

The album also features a re-recording of Tore Heggelund's «Kanskje, Kanskje Ikke» (Perhaps, Perhaps Not), a song that means a lot to Granlund. As a bonus, we get Kåre Virud's «Gravskrift 1919 (Røde Rosa)» (Grave Inscription 1919 (Red Rose)), a tribute to one of Granlund's early musical heroes.

This is not a straightforward blues record. This is Granlund's Blues. The white man's blues. A tribute to a life lived, musical roots and a tireless love for alternative music.

Musicians playing with Granlund:

Jan Arild Moe – Bass and vocals

Svend Berg – Mandolin and Slide Guitar