 |
Artiest/Band: Real Blue
|
When the Saarland trio Real Blue takes the stage, it is not about show effects or digital perfection. It is about the essence of music: the blues. In a world that is often too loud and too fast, Heike Stark, Christian Bauer, and "Reverend" Jörg Metzinger set a conscious statement of deceleration.
THE MAGIC OF MINIMALISM
The concept of Real Blue is as simple as it is demanding: the art of leaving things out. As a trio, they create a dense, atmospheric sound completely without drums. Instead, the band members listen to one another with an intensity that makes every single nuance palpable.
At the center is the distinctive voice of Heike Stark, who guides through the program—at times fragile and delicate, at times powerful and earthy. She is supported by a characterful instrumental dialogue: Jörg Metzinger on guitar, alongside Christian Bauer on piano and blues harp, provide the deeply relaxed yet consistently captivating foundation. The harmonica in particular adds that archaic note that leads straight into the soul of the blues.
BLUES, JAZZ, GOSPEL, AND THE SPIRIT OF TOM WAITS
Even as jazz elements and spirituals enrich the repertoire, the band's primary color remains a deep, honest blue. Real Blue does not play modern, overly cerebral jazz. Their music stays close to the ground, tangible, and emotional. A special trademark is their adaptations of Tom Waits—capturing his raw melancholy and translating it into their very own, stripped-down sonic language.
"F*CKING FROG FANTASY" – THE NEW CHAPTER 2026
Following two previously released albums available on all major streaming platforms and CD, the trio continues to consistently pursue its vision. Their third studio album is announced for August 2026. The title "F*cking frog fantasy" already hints that Real Blue will maintain their balance between musical earnestness and a distinct, creative touch. "Real Blue is music for people who still know how to listen. An experience for moments when time is allowed to stand still for a while."
Kontakt:
c/o Jörg Metzinger, Am Lorenzberg 8, 66121 Saarbrücken
Email: mailto:real-blue-music@gmx.de
Homepage: real-blue-music.de
Facebook: facebook.com/realbluemusic
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/realblue
The Musicians
Christian Bauer
The blues harp player and pianist dedicated himself to the blues back in his hometown of Cologne—a passion he continues after relocating to Saarland. A Protestant pastor by profession, he has worked as an editor for SR television since 2009, serves on the selection committee for the Max Ophüls Film Festival, is a member of the Saarland Poprat, and writes crime novels.
Heike Stark
The woman with the powerful voice sings jazz, Latin, and blues tracks in various bands. Her role models include Sarah Vaughan, Diana Krall, Billie Holiday, and Ella Fitzgerald. A graduate in educational science and trained stone sculptor, she otherwise works with children and young adults in recreational and educational contexts.
"Reverend" Jörg Metzinger
The passionate blues preacher plays a guitar inspired by B.B. King. He is a founding member of SaarBlues e.V., a member of the Saarland Poprat, the Blues Club Luxembourg, and Member of SaarRockHistory. Otherwise, he praises Jesus as a "professional Christian" and is responsible for Protestant broadcasts at Saarländischer Rundfunk (reverend-metzinger.de).
After two years, August 2026 marks the release of the third album by the jazz/blues trio Real Blue: F*cking Frog Fantasy.
The album opens with the high-spirited "Treat Me Right" (Roy Head/Gene Kurtz), where Heike Stark adds percussion alongside her vocals. This is followed by the timeless "Hallelujah, I Love Him So" (Ray Charles), before the album takes a darkly humorous turn with the original composition "Cold Case Calamity" (Christian Bauer).
Another classic is Bobby Timmons' "Moanin'", followed by the atmospheric "Richland Woman Blues" (Mississippi John Hurt), featuring guest artist Michael Grossklos Jr. shining on slide guitar.
The depth of their musical influences is further showcased across subsequent tracks: Duke Ellington's "I Ain't Got Nothing But the Blues" meets Tom Waits' "Chocolate Jesus".
The album seamlessly bridges archaic blues elements—such as Victoria Spivey's "Black Snake Blues" (featuring Dobro)—with spiritual undertones in "Wade in the Water" (Trad.). "They're Red Hot" (Robert Leroy Johnson) lightens the mood with Christian Bauer's ukulele, while "Blow Wind Blow" (Tom Waits) introduces evocative melodica accents.
The album concludes with Melody Gardot's "Bad News," an interpretation featuring Jörg Metzinger expanding his role on guitar and bass to include timpani—providing a haunting and resonant finale for an album that expertly balances earnestness with creative freedom.
RELEASES
- Pink Plush Pig CD with 10 tracks. Label: Calygram, 2022
- Silly Slush Swing CD with 13 tracks. Label: Calygram, 2024
- F*cking Frog Fantasy CD with 16 tracks. Label: Calygram, August 2026
Geen opmerkingen:
Een reactie posten