The Soulful Survival Guide to Winter: Danish Blues

It’s dark, it’s cold, and if you live here, you know the feeling: Winter in Denmark has a special heaviness. So, what role does music have to play in what my fellow columnist, Josephine, calls “long, dark winters of endless rain that don’t exactly encourage cheerful chatter”?

For me, this is the season for the blues. No, I am not referring to how parts of your body change color in the cold; I am talking about the hypnotic, earthy, and expressive blues music. Why? 

“Blues is a tonic for whatever ails you. I could play the blues and then not be blue anymore.” — B.B. King (The King of the Blues)

Denmark’s love affair with blues is akin to a long-term relationship. And for once, I am thankful for it. A little over half a century ago, on the 27th of October, 1968, Muddy Waters, one of the pioneers of Chicago Blues who inspired the likes of the Rolling Stones, Eric Clapton, and Jimi Hendrix, stepped onto the stage at Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen along with his band. So, in this edition, I am about to introduce you to the world of blues in Denmark.

If you are looking for more of the soulful, down-to-earth music that keeps the winter darkness at a distance, there is one place you need to know: Bluesnews.dk. This is not just a website; it is a passionate project run by genuine enthusiasts with the sole purpose of spreading the blues interest in Denmark. 

The page, edited by Jakob Wandam, who in 2020 won the appropriate title “Hoochie Coochie Man of the Year ” at the Danish Music Awards, gives you a quick overview of everything that moves on the Danish blues scene. From the intimate live gigs to background articles about the local history of the genre, this is where you will find the pulse of Denmark’s musical survival strategy to beat the winter. 

Although the website is in Danish, Google Translate works perfectly to provide clear context and understanding.

My recommendations

As a self-proclaimed blues aficionado, I rarely just listen to the notes; I always listen for the story. The story of how a cutting guitar lick came about, or how a sweaty R&B groove found its way from Mississippi to Vesterbro. That’s why I’ve compiled my personal favorites: not only the most talented Danish blues artists, but also the most authentic venues where you can experience the electrified, soulful blues that Muddy Waters gave us, live on a Danish stage.

Artists

If you’re looking for a blues experience that feels like it was teleported straight from the Mississippi in the 1930s, look no further than Big Creek Slim (Marc Rune). Born and raised in Ikast, a small town in central Denmark, Slim delivers a surprising authenticity that has earned him international recognition. 

His vocals are raw, unfiltered and soulful, straight from the heart, and his masterful guitar playing is deeply rooted in the country blues from before World War II. 

Seeing him live is, as I experienced myself a few years ago, nothing short of astonishing. It’s a totally immersive experience into the roots of the genre. Slim is proof that the true blues soul knows no boundaries or geography.

From Ikast, we jump straight to the big, explosive soundscape from Thorbjørn Risager & The Black Tornado, Scandinavia’s leading roots rockers.

Their sound is a euphoric blend of soul, Chicago blues, boogie, and rock ‘n’ roll, which has taken them on tours in over twenty countries from Denmark to the USA, Canada and India! They deliver a fresh, modern take on the blues as an eight-piece octet live, where vocals, guitar, and drums are joined by brass, piano, and backing vocalists. 

For me, they are the ultimate proof that the blues is alive and forward-looking, while always paying homage to those who pioneered it! Thorbjørn himself acknowledges during their shows that BB King is one of his biggest sources of inspiration. 

He says that without the King of the Blues, he would never be on stage himself, bringing this delicious blend of swaggering boogie and irresistible blues to the fore. They have sold over 60,000 physical albums and won four Danish Music Awards, so you know you’re in the company of the elite.

Venue

If Copenhagen’s Inner City has a secret, sweaty heartland for blues, it’s undoubtedly Mojo Blues Bar. Since its establishment, Mojo has been the most important pillar of the Danish blues scene. It’s an intimate, electrifying spot with space for just under 130 guests, ensuring that every note and drop of sweat from the stage hits you personally. 

Mojo presents live music every night of the year, and it’s a melting pot for everything from deep soul and jazz to raw rock, but with blues at its center. I’ve personally experienced both the unpolished acoustic roots of Big Creek Slim and the big, dense blues-rock sound of Thorbjørn Risager & The Black Tornado right here. 

That’s what makes Mojo unique: whether you’re looking for historical authenticity or a modern explosion, this is the place where the real, soulful blues comes alive from the speakers, every night.

So, the next time you feel the special heaviness of the Danish winter, turn on the blues, close your eyes, and let the earthy grooves remind you that even in the midst of the cold, there is plenty of soul and warmth to be found. Wishing you all a good winter, and if you want more stories and updates from the world of music in Denmark, you can always find me on IG @pratikwritesmetal!