T-Bear and the Dukes (SE)

T-Bear & The Dukes of Rhythm was founded by vocalist, guitarist, and songwriter Torbjörn “T-Bear” Solberg and bassist Jan Lillsäter in their hometown of Arvika in 2004. In the deep forests of Värmland near the Norwegian border, the blues has found a unique expression—a blend of the sounds, scents, and creative energy of Beale Street and Chicago’s back alleys.

Solberg has a long-standing love affair with the blues, with heroes such as Albert Collins, Albert and Freddie King, Luther Allison, and other representatives of modern electric blues with a funk twist. Frontman Solberg is said to be a cross between B.B. King and Chuck Berry, with a touch of Elvis’s growl. On organ and piano, he is joined by his son Emil Solberg Wachenfeldt, while Henrik Berg plays drums and Fredrik Kaudern plays bass. The band has released several albums; the most recent to date is “Blue” from 2022.