| Blues-Rock |
There are artists we meet only once and with whom the bond is never broken, such is the case with Micke Bjorklof, one of the few blues artists we feature and one of the few Europeans in this category on Bayou Blue Radio. The reason is simple: we prioritize quality and originality over quantity, whether it’s blues or jazz.
With Micke, we are never disappointed. Each song takes the time to mature before falling from the tree and landing in your hands. The quality of the musicians in Blue Strip is undeniable, and this new album benefits from a very high level of production. It embodies the unique sound of northern Europe, which sets it apart. This album is tailor-made for the stage because when you listen to it, you can imagine the spectacle that Micke and his team are concocting for you, revolving around the theme of the colors of jealousy. These colors unfold throughout the album, like slices of life, whether experienced or completely invented. It’s hard to say, but every songwriter will tell you that in every invention, there is inevitably a grain of truth.
Micke Bjorklof on stage is pure energy, captivating his audience in no time and making them dance until the early hours of the morning. This album is created in that spirit. To say it’s a blues-rock album is somewhat reductive because Micke and his musicians’ broad musical culture can be felt throughout the CD. The track “Are You Real” emerges in the middle of the album, a questioning song that sounds like a hit, a song for the end of the evening. That’s Micke’s music – slices of life, moments of nostalgia, music that speaks to everyone and is filled with generosity, just like the artist himself.
All the songs are composed by Ville Leppänen, except for “Colors Of Jealousy” (Seppo Nuolikoski, Ville Leppänen), a beautiful piece of work that deserves recognition from the editorial teams at Bayou Blue Radio and Paris-Move. The mixing is particularly remarkable, with a level of clarity and instrumental detail that is all too rare on this kind of album. These are just some of the reasons that led us to consider this CD as essential.
Thierry De Clemensat
Correspondent in USA
Bayou Blue News – Bayou Blue Radio – Paris-Move
PARIS-MOVE, June 9th 2023
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