Knut Reiersrud - Tears of the World (CD)

Release Date: 07/24/15

Hard-driven R&B, soul and blues: Norwegian guitarist Knut Reiersrud teams up with Louisiana Soul legend Mighty Sam McClain.

Even Norwegians get the blues. On “Tears Of The World,” guitarist Knut Reiersrud and his band find themselves in the company of the 72-year old vocalist Mighty Sam McClain, originally from Louisiana. Together, they have dedicated themselves to the music of the deep south and have given impressive proof that, when it comes to playing hard-driven R&B, soul or blues, it's not where you come from that's important. In his youth, Knut Reiersrud jammed with the likes of Buddy Guy and Otis Rush in the hallowed halls of Chess Studios in Chicago, Dr. John and Doc Pomus used to write songs for him, and the Blind Boys of Alabama and several world music stars would appear as guests on his records. Mighty Sam McClain has been singing the blues for half a century, tinged with an energy-boosting helping of soul. Since the deaths of Solomon Burke, Percy Sledge and of McClain's great inspiration, Bobby “Blue” Bland, the soul preacher and blues-man has held the status of the only surviving R&B singer of the first generation. Reiersrud and McClain selected the songs on “Tears Of The World” together. The two men have included classics from the repertoire of legendary R&B labels such as Hi Records, a country number from Carlene Carter, and “Que Sera, Sera,” not exactly a typical blues song, which is given the full rock apotheosis treatment. There are also, as is to be expected, songs written by Sam McClain and Knut Reiersrud themselves. There's a Hammond B3 spitting and snarling, plus other keyboard instruments too. The brass players can give you either razor-sharp funk or swooning gospel. The string section wears its heart on its sleeve, and these backing singers are celestial. All this happens alongside an earthily grooving rhythm section, ready to propel the arrangements of Reiersrud and of his band colleagues. On June 16, 2015 Mighty Sam McClain died. „Tears Of The World“ is his last album and will remain as his legacy. The Blues- & Soulworld lost an outstanding artist.On June 16, 2015 Mighty Sam McClain died. „Tears Of The World“ is his last album and will remain as his legacy. The Blues- & Soulworld lost an outstanding artist.