Friday was opened by Olav Undeland’s new project, Blåstål from Voss. The crew consisted of, among other things, a bass pool, which is rarely experienced today. He also brought his son, Anders Bauthus, for nine and a half years as a guest, who performed two songs with soul and groove. Anders could tell Bluesnews before the concert that music was his only interest and that he sang classical, opera, pop and blues.
Further on Friday, Gray Blue Strings played with blues ladies Kristin Bergsvik, Annlise Ringsby and Tone-Lise Jonassen. It swung like just that and the crowd was very pleased. Friday night ended with the band Between The Lines. They were formerly called the Blues Brass Collective and come from Nordhordaland. The band has a full blown line and delivers concerts with proper traction and rich soundscape.
Olav Undeland and his new project, Blastal. The son Anders (9 years) impressed with his guest appearance. (Photo: Trond Johnsen).
Saturday started with afternoon blues from 14:00. It was Bluezifer from Bergen who played a short hour before a wonderful jam ended the day concerts.
Saturday night started with Anita Nordheim Blues n ‘Groove Company from Høyanger. She treats her saxophones with soul and swing and the songs that pay tribute to various blues ladies such as Etta James, Coco Taylor and many others are given a great expression. The Robert Taylor Band from Haugesund was the next band out, and they gave us an hour of proper tricks. Last Saturday night was Vetrhus Bluesband from Odda, a group we have known for many years. The atmosphere was electric and a couple of the band members played from table to table around the room. It was a crazy atmospheric ending to the festival with several extras.
Overall, the weekend was successful in every way. There were sold-out concerts on both Friday and Saturday nights, and “all time high” on Saturday afternoon with 150 guests. Bergesen can confirm that next year’s festival is already underway, and we look forward to it.
Above: Vetrhus Bluesband from Odda. Below: Anita Nordheim Blues n ‘Groove from Høyanger. (Pictures: Trond Johnsen).
