# Festival Review: Rain and sun alternated, but nothing could spoil the mood at Notodden Blues Festival in Norway 2025

- Link: https://jazzblues.eu/2025/09/04/festival-review-rain-and-sun-alternated-but-nothing-could-spoil-the-mood-at-notodden-blues-festival-in-norway-2025/
- Published: 2025-09-04T12:42:26+01:00
- Author: https://JazzBlues.EU

**Lineup: Bob Corritore & John Primer Allstars, Mavis Staples, Walter Trout, JJ 
Grey, Little Feat, Sue Foley, Southern Avenue, Amythyst Kiah, Super Chikan, Keb 
Mo, DK Harrell, Alice Armstrong, Rag ‘n Bone Man, and many more.**

The 37th edition of the Notodden Blues Festival in Norway exuded one thing: music
straight from the heart.

From the intimate Bok & Blueshuset to the vibrant main stage, everywhere you heard
sounds that transported you to the soul of the blues.

Besides the performances, the festival impressed me with its atmosphere: little 
things like free sunscreen on Friday for performances in the sun, festival staff
handing out earplugs for those who wanted to be close to the stage, long tables 
in the square where locals and visitors ate and drank together, and the Blues Cruise
through the fjord that showcased the beauty of the surroundings.

Rain and sun alternated, but nothing could spoil the mood.

![Foto Festivalverslag: Notodden Blues Festival Noorwegen, 30 juli t/m 2 augustus
2025](https://i0.wp.com/711571cc.delivery.rocketcdn.me/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/
54708010511_f57e3a3ec8_k-1080x720.jpg.webp?resize=640%2C427&ssl=1 "Festivalverslag:
Notodden Blues Festival Noorwegen, 30 juli t/m 2 augustus 2025 2")

**Bob Corritore & John Primer Allstar Blues Band**

One name couldn’t have escaped your notice this year: Bob Corritore & John Primer
Allstar Blues Band. For four days, they graced stages across the city, as if they
were the beating heart of the festival.

Bob Corritore assembled a band that blues lovers dream of: John Primer on guitar
and vocals, Will “Primetime” Smith with his raw voice, the swinging keyboards of
Anthony Geracci, the steady groove of drummer Wes Starr, and the unparalleled bass
of Bob Stroger, who, at 94, still played as if time had forgotten him.

Their performances were steeped in the Chicago blues tradition: tight, warm, and
with a sense of dynamism that only comes from playing at the highest level for decades.

![Foto Festivalverslag: Notodden Blues Festival Noorwegen, 30 juli t/m 2 augustus
2025](https://i0.wp.com/711571cc.delivery.rocketcdn.me/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/
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Notodden Blues Festival Noorwegen, 30 juli t/m 2 augustus 2025 3")

On Wednesday, they performed after the young talents of Little Steven’s Music School,
a magical moment where blues experience and youthful spirit collided.

You could see Stroger smiling at the youngsters and teaching them the essence of
swing with subtle runs.

For many in attendance, this was the kind of musical encounter they’ll never forget.

![Foto Festivalverslag: Notodden Blues Festival Noorwegen, 30 juli t/m 2 augustus
2025](https://i0.wp.com/711571cc.delivery.rocketcdn.me/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/
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Notodden Blues Festival Noorwegen, 30 juli t/m 2 augustus 2025 4")

![Foto Festivalverslag: Notodden Blues Festival Noorwegen, 30 juli t/m 2 augustus
2025](https://i0.wp.com/711571cc.delivery.rocketcdn.me/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/
54708014841_e5510a8ef4_k-1080x720.jpg.webp?resize=640%2C427&ssl=1 "Festivalverslag:
Notodden Blues Festival Noorwegen, 30 juli t/m 2 augustus 2025 5")

On Thursday, the festival really got going after the usual speeches and awards ceremonies,
with preview performances by Bob Corritore & John Primer Allstars, Sue Foley, Alice
Armstrong, and others.

After that, DK Harrell captivated the audience with his combination of cheerful 
energy and sharp social commentary.

His fame preceded him—for many Norwegians I spoke to, he was the must-see of the
festival. With his engaging smile and warm personality, he won everyone over.

The highlight was “PTLD,” a surprising mix of blues and disco, full of exuberance.
During “What Real Man Do,” DK attacked Donald Trump, delivering this song with genuine
anger, appealing to the world to treat each other better.

After this indictment, the switch was flipped again, as his audience needed to go
home feeling good. A gospel closing song with “Praise the Blues” from his latest
album had the audience singing and clapping in unison.

![Foto Festivalverslag: Notodden Blues Festival Noorwegen, 30 juli t/m 2 augustus
2025](https://i0.wp.com/711571cc.delivery.rocketcdn.me/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/
54708014011_5dd5f1742c_k-1080x720.jpg.webp?resize=640%2C427&ssl=1 "Festivalverslag:
Notodden Blues Festival Noorwegen, 30 juli t/m 2 augustus 2025 6")

Next up was Jimmy Vaughan, who had expanded his band with the addition of The Texas
Horns. These horns perfectly complemented Jimmy’s shrill, pointed guitar sound.

He delivered a steady stream of songs in a recognizable idiom, putting you in a 
musical flow.

He closed his set with a long, soulful rendition of “Six String Down,” interwoven
with “Tin Pan Alley,” as an ode to his brother Stevie.

![Foto Festivalverslag: Notodden Blues Festival Noorwegen, 30 juli t/m 2 augustus
2025](https://i0.wp.com/711571cc.delivery.rocketcdn.me/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/
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Notodden Blues Festival Noorwegen, 30 juli t/m 2 augustus 2025 8")

The evening concluded with Sivert Høyem, frontman of Madrugada, performing a mix
of Norwegian and English songs.

With plenty of smoke and visuals, he created a mystical indie rock atmosphere that
the Norwegian audience clearly appreciated.

On Friday, the sun was shining, and the main stage featured mainly rock and metal
acts like Uriah Heep, Lita Ford, and the Norwegian band TNT. It was a perfect opportunity
to explore the smaller stages.

![Foto Festivalverslag: Notodden Blues Festival Noorwegen, 30 juli t/m 2 augustus
2025](https://i0.wp.com/711571cc.delivery.rocketcdn.me/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/
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Notodden Blues Festival Noorwegen, 30 juli t/m 2 augustus 2025 9")

There I found Sue Foley performing an acoustic set, where she made a deep impression
with her masterful guitar playing and an ode to women in the blues. Walter Trout
and Super Chikan would also do the same later in the day.

The local heroes of Spoonfull of Blues proved once again why they are fixtures at
Notodden: energetic, tight, and featuring the harmonica playing of festival presenter
Jostein Forsberg.

Also a surprise was TRYM, a young Norwegian singer-songwriter who counts Cornelis
Vreeswijk as his inspiration and performed several of his songs.

![Foto Festivalverslag: Notodden Blues Festival Noorwegen, 30 juli t/m 2 augustus
2025](https://i0.wp.com/711571cc.delivery.rocketcdn.me/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/
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Notodden Blues Festival Noorwegen, 30 juli t/m 2 augustus 2025 10")

By the end of the afternoon, the main stage was packed for Walter Trout, back at
Notodden after six years. From the very first chords, he went full throttle with
songs like “Sign of the Times” and “Courage in the Dark.”

During “Artificial Ride,” he earnestly warned about the dangers of AI in the music
industry. The emotional high point came when he and his son Jon Trout engaged in
an intense guitar duel on “We All in This Together.”

The audience felt that father-son bond and responded with a standing ovation. He
closed with a fiery “Going Down,” which brought the house down.

![Foto Festivalverslag: Notodden Blues Festival Noorwegen, 30 juli t/m 2 augustus
2025](https://i0.wp.com/711571cc.delivery.rocketcdn.me/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/
54708214888_8527fc7f82_k-1080x720.jpg.webp?resize=640%2C427&ssl=1 "Festivalverslag:
Notodden Blues Festival Noorwegen, 30 juli t/m 2 augustus 2025 12")

Super Chikan: On the festival’s smallest stage (the Bellman), Super Chikan delivered
one of the most intimate yet energetic sets of the weekend.

Before his performance, he laid a plaque on Notodden’s Blues Walk of Fame, an honor
he visibly appreciated.

With his band The Fighting Cocks, fronted by the expressive pianist Laura “LaLa”
Craig, he delivered songs brimming with character and humor.

![Foto Festivalverslag: Notodden Blues Festival Noorwegen, 30 juli t/m 2 augustus
2025](https://i0.wp.com/711571cc.delivery.rocketcdn.me/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/
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Notodden Blues Festival Noorwegen, 30 juli t/m 2 augustus 2025 13")

His yodel-like intro to “Hookin’ Up” roused the crowd, and with “Shoot That Thing,”
he completely rocked the Bellman. The combination of playfulness, interaction, and
pure Mississippi blues made it unforgettable.

Saturday was a marathon of big names: Mavis Staples, JJ Grey & Mofro, Little Feat,
and Rag ‘n Bone Man, closing the set. Earlier in the day, The Hellbillies surprised
the crowd with their Norwegian-language folk rock; Even without understanding the
language, you could feel the emotion in the songs the audience sang along to loudly.

Otto Junior, a young Norwegian guitarist who combines blues and progressive rock,
also showed a promising sound.

![Foto Festivalverslag: Notodden Blues Festival Noorwegen, 30 juli t/m 2 augustus
2025](https://i0.wp.com/711571cc.delivery.rocketcdn.me/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/
the-hell-billies-1080x472.jpg.webp?resize=640%2C280&ssl=1 "Festivalverslag: Notodden
Blues Festival Noorwegen, 30 juli t/m 2 augustus 2025 14")

Mavis Staples, the living legend, was a highlight. Her voice may have softened over
the years, but her charisma and presence remained undiminished.

From the very first song, she captivated the audience, supported by guitarist Rick
Holmstrom, whose playing flowed like a warm engine throughout the set. Her repertoire,
steeped in soul, gospel, and blues, created a sense of community.

It was as if the entire tent became one voice.

![Foto Festivalverslag: Notodden Blues Festival Noorwegen, 30 juli t/m 2 augustus
2025](https://i0.wp.com/711571cc.delivery.rocketcdn.me/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/
mavis-staples-2-1080x720.jpg.webp?resize=640%2C427&ssl=1 "Festivalverslag: Notodden
Blues Festival Noorwegen, 30 juli t/m 2 augustus 2025 15")

JJ Grey & Mofro: Expectations for JJ Grey & Mofro were high, especially after the
release of their album Olustee.

The start was promising, with a swinging Olustee, the captivating Top of the World,
and a strong rendition of Seminole Wind. The harmonica intro immediately set the
tone.

But halfway through, JJ Grey seemed to lose his grip on the audience; the tempo 
slowed, the flow disappeared, and slowly, some of the tent emptied.

![Foto Festivalverslag: Notodden Blues Festival Noorwegen, 30 juli t/m 2 augustus
2025](https://i0.wp.com/711571cc.delivery.rocketcdn.me/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/
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Notodden Blues Festival Noorwegen, 30 juli t/m 2 augustus 2025 7")

Trumpeter Marcus Parsley, however, brought so much class and soul to the show that
it was definitely worth listening to.

Little Feat brought craftsmanship, but didn’t quite hit the right note. Their familiar
mix of jam rock and technically refined playing was musically tight, with long instrumental
passages that confirmed their reputation as craftsmen.

But at a festival where many visitors came for the raw, danceable blues feel, their
set didn’t connect as well. Some of the audience sought out the uptempo swing elsewhere
on the stages.

Still, it was a pleasure for those who appreciated their subtle interplay.

![Foto Festivalverslag: Notodden Blues Festival Noorwegen, 30 juli t/m 2 augustus
2025](https://i0.wp.com/711571cc.delivery.rocketcdn.me/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/
little-feat-1080x810.jpg.webp?resize=640%2C480&ssl=1 "Festivalverslag: Notodden 
Blues Festival Noorwegen, 30 juli t/m 2 augustus 2025 16")

After JJ Grey and Little Feat, my blues feeling had faded somewhat, but The Chicago
Blues Summer Tour brought it right back.

This special formation, featuring guitarist Mike Wheeler, singer Peaches Stratten,
keyboardist Jesse Lockridge, and harmonica player Russ Green, played with pure class.

Russ Green opened the set phenomenally, and when Peaches brought out her washboard,
the whole thing turned into an exuberant party. Blues masters were at work here.

Didn’t see Southern Avenue, but was there. I was told it was a sparkling show; I
really missed out.

![Foto Festivalverslag: Notodden Blues Festival Noorwegen, 30 juli t/m 2 augustus
2025](https://i0.wp.com/711571cc.delivery.rocketcdn.me/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/
54708214708_4a6cf01685_k-1080x720.jpg.webp?resize=640%2C427&ssl=1 "Festivalverslag:
Notodden Blues Festival Noorwegen, 30 juli t/m 2 augustus 2025 17")

![Foto Festivalverslag: Notodden Blues Festival Noorwegen, 30 juli t/m 2 augustus
2025](https://i0.wp.com/711571cc.delivery.rocketcdn.me/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/
54708343525_e3ad7b9254_k-1080x720.jpg.webp?resize=640%2C427&ssl=1 "Festivalverslag:
Notodden Blues Festival Noorwegen, 30 juli t/m 2 augustus 2025 18")

![Foto Festivalverslag: Notodden Blues Festival Noorwegen, 30 juli t/m 2 augustus
2025](https://i0.wp.com/711571cc.delivery.rocketcdn.me/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/
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Notodden Blues Festival Noorwegen, 30 juli t/m 2 augustus 2025 20")

Conclusion: Whether it was the grand moments on the main stage or the hidden gems
on the side stages, Notodden showed that the blues in Norway isn’t just alive—it’s
thriving.

With the Bob Corritore & John Primer Allstars as the backbone, Walter Trout as the
emotional storm, Super Chikan as the charismatic entertainer, Mavis Staples as the
wise grandmother of soul, JJ Grey and Little Feat as peaks of craftsmanship, and
the Norwegian bands as proud standard-bearers, this was a festival that will live
long in my memory.

![Foto Festivalverslag: Notodden Blues Festival Noorwegen, 30 juli t/m 2 augustus
2025](https://i0.wp.com/711571cc.delivery.rocketcdn.me/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/
festival-1080x720.jpg.webp?w=640&ssl=1)

![Foto Festivalverslag: Notodden Blues Festival Noorwegen, 30 juli t/m 2 augustus
2025](https://i0.wp.com/711571cc.delivery.rocketcdn.me/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/
54708236919_8c6ca45b7d_k-1080x720.jpg.webp?resize=640%2C427&ssl=1 "Festivalverslag:
Notodden Blues Festival Noorwegen, 30 juli t/m 2 augustus 2025 19")

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