| Blues |
We have some excellent news from our dear friend Micke Bjorklof and his outstanding band, Blue Strip, one of Finland’s most celebrated blues groups. They are delighted to announce the release of their highly anticipated retrospective album, *Outtakes*, scheduled for November. This unique collection features nine tracks that, for one reason or another, didn’t make it onto the band’s previous albums. The album provides fans with an exclusive glimpse into these unreleased songs, which are still imbued with the soul, groove, and emotion the band is known for.
In response, I wrote to our dear Micke: knowing how prolific you are, and without sacrificing quality, why not next time treat us to a double album with a live Blu-ray? That way, those who haven’t had the chance to see you live could discover your performances… Just a thought. In fact, the Nordic countries are home to a wealth of passionate artists, whether in blues, jazz, classical, or pop music. But enough talk, I hand the mic over to Micke: ‘We typically had a few extra tracks when we went into the studio to record an album, in case certain songs didn’t “take off” as planned. Sometimes, the production’s direction changes during the process, which can affect the album as a whole. However, a lot of effort went into these songs; they were carefully prepared for the album and fully produced. It’s only fair to give them another chance to reach listeners, and we felt they deserved their own platform,’ said Micke Bjorklof.
Indeed, it would have been a real loss not to hear these tracks, especially as the nine songs carry a special energy. It’s as if Micke is returning to the stage for multiple encores, and even more thrilling when you realize that these nine tracks span thirty years of his career, with unused songs here and there. With Micke Bjorklof & Blue Strip, it’s important to pay attention to the arrangements—often it’s blues-rock with jazz-like intentions in the arrangements, something particularly striking in the track ‘Bedtime Bomber.’ In fact, Micke is one of the few blues artists, alongside Sean Taylor, Keb’ Mo’, Leyla Zoe, and a handful of others, whose music I truly want to listen to over and over, taking the time to dissect the arrangements. There’s always an impressive amount of material to analyze. Throughout this album, you’ll be struck by the meticulous care given to the arrangements, as well as the way Micke handles melodies. Every note is crafted for the stage, and this album is no exception—it’s a testament to a formidable expertise that only musicians with a vast cultural knowledge can produce. These little pieces that could have faded into oblivion are elevated here into true gems.
As we progress through the album’s tracks, the listener’s pleasure only grows, much like the way Micke conceives his live shows… And *Outtakes*, an off-the-beaten-path or special edition album—call it what you will—once again earns its place among our ‘Essential’ records!
Thierry De Clemensat
USA correspondent – Paris-Move and ABS magazine
Editor in chief Bayou Blue Radio, Bayou Blue News
PARIS-MOVE, October 15th 2024
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