It is a pleasure to welcome the “beacon” of Norwegian prog rock to Dark Season Blues. Junipher Greene made Norwegian history in 1971 by releasing Norway’s first double album—featuring an iconic painting by a 23-year-old Odd Nerdrum as the gatefold cover. The album production ended up being so expensive that the band had to cover half the cost themselves.
In 2007, “Friendship” was named Norway’s best pop/rock album in a poll conducted by Dagens Næringsliv, and the following year the band kicked off a series of reunion concerts. After a few years’ hiatus, the band is reuniting to perform, and the concert at Dark Season Blues will be their very last. Svalbard holds a special place in the hearts of Geir Bøhren (drums) and Bent Åserud (guitar/harmonica/flutes). The duo has composed the music for over 30 films and 25 TV series, including the hit film “Orion’s Belt”—set on the island. They have promised to perform the theme from that film when they appear at this year’s festival.
Junipher Greene started out as a blues band at Sandaker School in Oslo in 1965. They drew inspiration from British blues and later Chicago blues, but their style gradually shifted toward progressive rock. Freddy Dahl (guitar/vocals) and Øyvind Vilbo (bass) were also part of “Friendship,” while Jon-Willy Rydningen (Hammond B3) has been with the band since 2008. The lineup from “Friendship” lasted only three years, but the group continued with Bøhren and Åserud as a core duo until 1982. The band is also bringing a box set containing all four of their albums (CD and vinyl) as well as a limited-edition live DVD to Longyearbyen.
Dark Season Blues©2023
