Biography
Berdon Kirksaether is a Norwegian composer, guitarist, singer and music producer. He is a veteran on the Norwegian blues scene, most notably through his work in CIA, arguably one of the finest bluesbands in the country in their prime. They toured Norway extensively during the nineties and released two critically acclaimed records.
Berdon Kirksaether & The Twang Bar Kings brings together 3 of the 4 founding members of CIA. Per Eriksen and Stein Tumert is joining forces with Berdon to bring back the energy and groove that made CIA one of the most popular blues acts in Norway in the nineties.
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Press
"Great blues feeling, impressive guitar playing" - bluesnews.no
"Berdon Kirksaether is playing the blues again, more than 15 years after CIAs heyday. Many people considered CIA among the best bluesbands in Norway in the 90s. With the title "Blues", Berdon is celebrating the various artists and guitarsounds that made him pick up the guitar in the first place. A kind of "Thank you for the music" featuring the great drummer Per Eriksen and bass player Stein Tumert.
Most of the songs on the album is written by Berdon himself including one song co-written with bassplayer Stein Tumert. The exception being three covers from the catalog of the blues legends Sonny Terry & Brownie McGee. Strangely enough these covers do not come across as strong as Berdon's own songs.
The album contains impressive guitar playing, reminiscent of Freddie King on the opening track "Reconsider Boogie", a fragile and sensitive Peter Green (during his Fleetwood Mac days) on "I Ain't Got Nobody", or a more complex Robben Ford on the Dr. John influenced "Dealing Hand". On the inspired instrumental "Conrad's B", Berdon crosses the path of Dylan's favorite guitarist Duke Robillard.
The blues feeling of Berdon's guitar is great! Throughout the album you will find plenty of stunning and expressive moments, reminding me of Cris Rea and Eric Clapton on a good day."
Johnny Andreassen, Music journalist DT and Blues News (www.bluesnews.no - Norway's premier blues magazine)
"Let yourself be surprised by this Norwegian" - bluesmagazine.nl
"He may come from the deep Norwegian woods, but his spirit is certainly influenced by bands like The Hoax, The Davey Brothers and John Amor. What also can be heard are the sounds of Roy Buchanan. Wild guitars!
On this album you will be treated to a nice variation of music styles. The element of surprise is so great, you never guess what the next song will be like.
"Dealing Hand" is an exciting song, quietly built up, with subdued singing, an organ in the background and tasty drums. As the song progresses an increasingly desperate and emotional guitar emerges. Great song to have on full volume. "Reconsider Boogie" is indeed a great boogie that keeps going like a steamroller. And then there is "Roll The Dice", another great song reminiscent of old Fleetwood Mac with Peter Green, driving guitars and rollicking piano/organ. "Black Gal" is an acoustic song with airy harp and Berdon's singing skills on display. "Losing Ground" opens with the rhytm of drums over which an exciting bass line and funky clavinet drives the song, followed by an excellent guitar solo. Great song. "It's a Rough Ride" a little jazzy and a little Peter Green like. Talk about variation.
I think this is a nice CD with great movements, some songs take you back in time to the blues and rock you heard back in the sixties and seventies, interspersed with more modern songs, up tempo and subdued ballads. But that is no obstacle in my eyes, once you give this record a listen. Let yourself be surprised by this Norwegian."
Paul Scholman, Journalist Dutch bluesmagazine.nl (www.bluesmagazine.nl/recensie-berdon-kirksaether-the-twang-bar-kings-blues)
"A rocking affair" - mwe3.com (US)
Over in Germany, Roller Records is releasing some interesting CDs by Norwegian guitarist Berdon Kirksaether. A guitar player on the rise, Berdon’s 2010 CD Ray Of Light is an intriguing, New Age type affair filled with relaxing instrumental sounds. Too laid back to be considered jazz, the 12 track, 37 minute CD just kind of floats along and makes a great soundtrack to some late night, imaginary type of fantasy. The other side of Berdon’s guitar styles can be heard on his late 2011 CD, simply entitled Blues. The 12 track, 48 minute CD is a rocking affair, featuring Berdon’s electric guitar and vocals backed up by his group The Twang Bar Kings. Sounding kind of influenced by Dire Straits and even ZZ Top, Blues makes an interesting contrast especially when compared to the instrumental New Age vibe of Berdon’s 2010 Ray Of Light CD.
Robert Silverstein - mwe3.com (US)
Biography text from Last.fm, available under CC BY-SA.