Arnesen Blues Band

(SWE)

Thomas Arnesen - g,voc

Björn Lundquist- bg

Kjell Gustavsson- dr

Andreas Hellkvist- kb

Anders Forsberg- kb

Thomas Arnesen brought this band together in the spring of 2002 in order to play some material that was in some way modern, yet in blues form and with a genuine blues feel. Some of the songs are his own and some are traditional standards - old favourites and new ones. Some thoroughly arranged, others more loosely.
He felt a need to develop an ambitious musical co-operation with a fixed constellation of good musicians within the area of blues music.
"Blues, with it’s traditional 12 and 8 bar form, is to me a sort of musical essence that lies at the heart of human musical perception. It’s form challenges THE musician to find a personal, original way to develop while staying within it’s rigorous confines." (Thomas Arnesen)

CD :

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Walkin´ With My Baby
1. Boogie Man (Chuck Blackwell/Leon Russel)

2. Don´t Burn Down the Bridge (Albert King)

3. Mess of Blues (Pomus/Schuman)

4. I´m More Like the Moon (Arnesen/Arnesen)

5. Lawdy Miss Clawdy (Lloyd Price)

6. Things About Comin´ My Way (trad.)

7. Walkin´ With My Baby (Arnesen/Arnesen)

8. Rock Me (Jackson)

9. On the Other Side (Arnesen/Arnesen)

10. Confessin´ the Blues (Jay McShann)

11. Trail of Tears (Nick Lowe)

Recorded May-06 at Decibel, StockholmMastered at Mastering Room, GothenburgReleased by Blaze Records

Notes from the Press :
“I have seldom heard a more audacious band in this genre. The audience is with them from start to finish. Thomas Arnesen is a high class musician, who truly masters his instrument. His slightly jazz-flavoured style is a sheer joy to hear.”Nerikes Allehanda

“It’s about time Arnesen put´himself up front. His capacity to do so is beyond doubt. The back-up from his band is solid and unusually competent. Sometimes this quintet feels like a big band”Uppsala Nya Tidning

“Arnesen knows his traditions. His interpretations have a personal touch and the original tunes blend in very well. His voice is not rough but warm and very expressive.” Skaraborgs Allehanda
“Raw energy from the word go and Arnesen, an exceptional guitarist, has picked a formidable repertoire. Groovy and intense!”Dagens Nyheter

“A very skillful band that features Arnesen, a virtuoso guitarist, and the equally inspired pianist Forsberg soaring over the rock steady rhythm section. After gently strolling through one song, they will let rip in the next.”Karlskoga Tidning

Byzantium

BYZANTIUM (UK)

Mick Barakan: Lead Guitar
Stevie Corduner: Drums
Robin Lamble: Bass Guitar
Jamie Rubinstein: Rhythm Guitar
Martin Westwood: Head Roadie and Sound Wizard
Robin Sylvester: Sonic Overseer

"The seeds of BYZANTIUM were sewn in 1970, with Jamie Rubenstein and Nico Ramsden (who wouldn't appear until the second album) as an acoustic duo. Some recording was done with the help of friend Robin Sylvester, but sales were at best disappointing. Soon they were joined by vocalist Beverly Baxter (who it seems, never actually followed them into the studio), and Robin Lamble on bass. After some success with live gigs, Steve Corduner (a former band mate of Nico and Robin) joined on drums. Now hey had a viable band assembled. However, Jamie had reservations about the whole thing, and left. Chaz Jankel came along to fill the void. With this lineup, they were set for success.

They scored a contract with A&M, and it seemed as if the rock and roll dreams were coming true. But, as in every good rock story, problems arose. Just as the debut album (on which Jamie does appear as a guest) was released, Nico left, citing "musical differences." During this time, Jamie had been playing with Mick Barakan (another friend from school). Back through the revolving door he went, with Mick in tow. This resulted in their second album, "Seasons Changing." This time the theme was group effort, as everyone contributed to writing.

Chaz was not pleased with the new direction, and left the band (he would end up backing Ian Drury). A&M seemed to share Chaz's opinion, and dropped BYZANTIUM from the label.They toiled on their own for a while, even pressing another album, that was unfortunately never available for sale. They toured, and continued to draw crowds. In 1975 they played their last show where they started, at the Roundhouse.