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Vidar Busk and His True Believers – the Civilized Life –

Grappa Musikforlag

A couple of years ago Norwegian blues made a splash in the UK,
taking over the capital and showcasing some rather fine
performers. Singer and guitarist Vidar Busk goes back much

further though; he made his debut album in 1997 and
immediately won an award at the prestigious Notodden Blues
Festival. This new set shows just how good he can be.

If you want to be impressed by his singing, lend an ear to the
ballad ‘I Take A Lot Out Of The Bottle’. Or, for his rocking side, ‘Gypsy Ways’ has hints of The
Fabulous Thunderbirds, and not just due to Arne Rasmussen’s fine wailing blues harp; ditto ‘Wait

On Me Woman’. The wild ‘Long Lean And Lanky’ (lovely Sax Beadle break) nods to Little Richard
and traditional rock and roll.

Let’s mention here too the crack rhythm section of rock-solid Rune Endal on bass and drummer
Alexander Petterson (formerly of Rick Estrin & The Nightcats) behind vastly experienced organist/
pianist/ guitarist Johnny Augland. The most famous Norwegian bluesman, Kid Andersen, mixed and
mastered this Oslo-recorded set at his Greaseland studio in San Jose, California. The Greaseland

Superspreader Horn Section helps out too - be sure to hear the atmospheric ‘Rockin’ In That Same
Old Boat’.

If you’re still not convinced though, take a listen to the slow blues of the title track, part Muddy
Waters/ part Jimi Hendrix, or the wonderful closing blues of ‘Tender Hearted’ or really just pick
any track at random. The quality of this classy release really is that high.

Norman Darwen

(www.grappa.no)

Hanna Pk—Blues All over My Shoes—Vizztone/ Booga Music
VT-booga04

Booga Music is Kenny Neal’s label, and his talent-spotting has
brought us this rather nice album from singer/ pianist Hanna PK,

backed by a small combo which includes Kenny himself on three
numbers. Listen though to the solo boogie-woogie blues of ‘Bad
Woman’, where Hanna’s strong, forthright vocal is suitably
backed by her own driving piano playing, a quick summation of
this lady’s not inconsiderable talent.

Born and raised in South Korea, Hanna PK currently lives in Rochester, New York, where she has

worked with Joe Beard. Her rolling piano work on the opening original is reminiscent of New
Orleans and her message positive, both features throughout this release. Memphis Slim’s ‘I’m Lost
On You’ is delivered in Ray Charles’ 50s R’n’B style, and again shows just how good Hanna can be.
There is also a sophisticated soul number like ‘Love Keeps Walking In’, with subtle modern gospel