Thorbjørn Risager & The Black Tornado Band Releases New Single

Danish roots-rock sensation Thorbjørn Risager & The Black Tornado are back with their brand new single, “Long Time Ago,” out now via Provogue/Mascot Label Group. 

They will also be playing the following UK shows:

12 Oct – Pleasance Theatre, Edinburgh
13 Oct – Carlisle Rock and Blues Festival

This track is the second release from their yet to be announced and much-anticipated new album and it offers a fresh, modern take on the blues, channeling the vibes of contemporary giants like The Black Keys and My Baby or a modern JJ Cale take while staying true to the band’s deep blues roots.

“Long Time Ago” is a masterclass in blending classic blues traditions with modern soundscapes. The single is driven by a pulsating groove and Risager’s soulful vocals, reminiscent of the swampy, raw energy that has become synonymous with The Black Tornado’s sound. Accompanying the release is a stunning lyric video, shot on the road, capturing the melancholic yet captivating spirit of the blues noir—a perfect visual complement to the track’s mood.

“Long Time Ago is a song about searching,” says Thorbjørn. “Everybody’s searching for something. Maybe you’re searching for true love, maybe you’re searching for your lost youth, maybe you’re searching for something and you don’t even know what it is.”

The release of “Long Time Ago” follows a string of accolades and successes for Thorbjørn Risager & The Black Tornado, including winning four Danish Music Awards (often referred to as the Danish Grammys) and eight nominations, as well as receiving the prestigious Preis der Deutschen Schallplattenkritik in 2014. The band has also been honored with the European Blues Award for Best Band in 2017 and was voted “Best Album” by Classic Rock’s Blues Magazine for their 2014 album ‘Too Many Roads.’

It’s been twenty years since they released their debut album, ‘Live 2004,’ and since then, they’ve picked up numerous awards and blazed a trail across the world, captivating crowds with their dynamic stage presence and a sound that fuses soul Chicago blues, boogie, and rock ‘n’ roll with a voice where Ray Charles, Van Morrison, and Billy Gibbons meet in the middle. They’ve opened for Bonnie Raitt, the Tedeschi Trucks Band, and Risager himself, sharing the stage with legends such as Buddy Guy and Robben Ford. They’ve even picked up a fan in Elwood Blues himself – Dan Aykroyd! – who hailed their “Hot rhythm and blues.”

“Long Time Ago” is a powerful reminder of why Thorbjørn Risager & The Black Tornado have become one of the most respected names in modern blues. With over 60,000 physical albums sold / 20 million streams over the past decade, and a dedicated following that continues to grow rapidly, Thorbjørn Risager & The Black Tornado are showing no signs of slowing down. The band is set to continue their non-stop touring schedule throughout 2024 and beyond, bringing their electrifying live performances to fans across Europe and North America.

The Black Tornado Band
Thorbjørn Risager Vocal, Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar
Emil Balsgaard Piano, Organ, Wurlitzer, Clavinet, Farfisa
Joachim Svensmark Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, Synthesizer, Piano, Viola, Drums, Percussion, Glockenspiel, Mandolin
Kasper Wagner Alto Sax, Tenor Sax, Baritone Sax, Flutes, Clarinet
Hans Nybo Tenor Sax, Bass Clarinet
Peter W Kehl Trumpet, Flugelhorn, Trombone, Sousaphone
Søren Bøjgaard Bass, Moog Bass, Baritone Guitar, Synthesizer, Piano, Percussion, Mix, Producer
Martin Seidelin Drums, Percussion 

Who is in Thorbjørn Risager & The Black Tornado, what do they play and how did you meet?

Thorbjørn Risager & The Black Tornado is a bluesrock band based in Copenhagen, Denmark. We always say that the blues is the red line in our music and then we add some rock and some soul and a little bit of funk. Then we cook it up and we end up with a nice pot of strong, delicious tornado stew.

Back in 2002 Thorbjørn formed the band. He had already been playing with Emil Balsgaard, the Tornado keyboard player for 10 years. And the rest of the gang he knew from the local blues bar Mojo in Copenhagen. The horn section he picked up from the conservatory where he studied from 1998-2003.

When did you begin songwriting?

I began my songwriting while studying at the Rhythmical Conservatory in Copenhagen. And that was perhaps the most important thing that I got out of taking that education. For many years I considered myself just a singer who was interpreting other people’s songs. But at the conservatory it was mandatory to write music, and I realized that maybe I had something to say that might be of interest to others.

What is your earliest musical memory?

I think my earliest musical memory is playing the mandolin in the family band. I started playing the mandolin when I was 7. My father played the violin, my mother played the piano and my sister played the flute, and so we had a little band playing Danish and Swedish folkmusic at the family gatherings.

Your new single ‘Long Time Ago’ is out now. What was the story/inspiration behind the track?

I guess it’s a song about searching. Everybody’s searching for something. Could be true love, could be your long lost youth. Maybe you’re searching, but you don’t even know what you’re searching for.

Where did you record the song and who produced it?

We recorded the song partly in Joachim’s (the bands guitar player) home studio, and partly in a studio in Copenhagen called Millfactory. It was produced by Joachim, Søren (the bands bass player) and me.

Do you have any interesting, funny or memorable stories from the song’s recording sessions?

There has been a lot of funny and memorable moments in studio but If it was during the recordings of this song in particular I can’t really remember

The single is accompanied by an official music video. What was the thought process behind the video and who directed it?

The idea was to make a road movie with landscapes passing by in the search and the songs lyrics made it easy to find the right vibe.

What two things do you hope to have achieved once you have left the stage?

We like to try to both entertain and move. So we hope that the audience feel entertained but also we hope that they’ve had a musical experience that goes beyond mere entertainment. We hope that at least some of the audience feel that they’re not alone with their worries and maybe feel that their load has been lightened a bit.

Do you have any favoured stage instruments, effects, pedals, microphones etc?

I never really came across a microphone that does a better job than the Shure Beta 58.

Where is your hometown and could you please describe it in five words?

Copenhagen. Beautiful, cosy, water, old, alive.

Which of the tracks hear you at your a) happiest, b) angriest and c) most reflective?

Most of BB King or Ray Charles songs will fit into all these moods and calm me down and do the magic that only music can do.

How do you look after your voices?

I don’t. My voice seems to be made of iron, it never fails me – knock on wood!

You are given the opportunity to write the score for a film adaptation of a novel that you enjoy. Which novel is it and why?

No unfortunately not but many of our songs has been used in various syncs for American TV series like Lucifer, Love Life and Seal Team a.o.

Who are some of your musical influences? Do you have any recommendation?

BB KIng, Ray Charles, ZZ Top, Tom Waits, John Hiatt, Eric Clapton, Bonnie Raitt, JJ Cale

Do you have any live dates planned in the UK/Europe in 2024/2025?

October 12th, Edinburgh Blues Club

October 13th, Carlisle Blues Festival

What makes Thorbjørn Risager & The Black Tornado happy and what makes you unhappy?

What makes us happy: a good audience, a nice meal, good beer, good wine.

What makes us unhappy:

Having to get up early, traffic jams, delayed flights

Feature Image Photo Credit: Christoffer Askman

The single ‘A Long Time Ago’ is out now on Provogue Records/Mascot Label Group.

To stream the track and for more information visit: https://risager.info/