BLUE DESERT – Day One (2025) *HQ*
BLUE DESERT is a Swedish Westcoast/AOR band founded by producer & keyboardist Andreas Grimsbo. Originally a live project featuring a rotating lineup of notable Scandinavian musicians, the band has evolved into a dynamic creative force.
Over the years, on Blue Desert songs several renowned American artists collaborated, not only in songwriting, but also performing. Guitarist and songwriter Bruce Gaitsch (Richard Marx) has been a key contributor for the past four years, shaping the band’s recordings with his signature touch.
Other esteemed collaborators include awesome vocalist Tommy Funderburk, top guitarist Michael Landau, Cliff Magness, Steve Maggiora (Toto), Daniel Palmqvist (XorigiN, Sunstorm) and legendary LA Session guitarist Michael Thompson, among others. Through these partnerships, Blue Desert continues to refine their signature blend of smooth melodies, sophisticated arrangements, and top-tier musicianship.
”Day One” is BLUE DESERT debut album, consisting of a couple of previously unreleased brand-new tracks along with refreshed, newly recorded versions of earlier singles. This classy quality stuff in the style of Toto, ’80s Chicago, CFW, etc. recorded & produced with a pristine sound.
All songs are wonderful pieces of late ’80s-style AOR – the song ‘Letting Go’, with Gaitsch on guitars and Funderburk on lead vocals worth this album alone…
Andreas Grimsbo: “It all began years ago when we met Bruce Gaitsch, and we started working together. Bruce and his wife Janey Clewer have been an important part of this album, and I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to them both.”
The core of every track is built around Andreas Grimsbo on keyboards, Bengan Andersson on drums, and Stigge Ljunglöf on bass, alongside some truly remarkable guests.
Steve Maggiora – currently one of the most impressive vocalists in L.A. right now – brings his power to the title track as well as two other songs. Also on the title track Daniel Palmqvist (guitarist for Violet Janine, XorigiN, Beyond The Katakomb, and songwriter for Sunstorm, First Signal, Rated X) drops a cool guitar solo. Palmqvist play some additional guitars on ”Don’t Wanna Dream About It” and ”Letting Go” as well.
Clif Magness, the iconic voice from Planet 3, appears on two tracks on lea vocals. Tommy Funderburk, known from Airplay and hamony vocals for countless, contributes on the lovely “Letting Go”.
And to represent Sweden, we find Jan Johansen delivering his unique touch on lead vocals on “Almost Everything” (guitar solo Michael Landau) and ”What’s a Man” (solo by Michael Thompson). Other talented Swedes include guitarists Kristian Larsen and Anders Odén.
HIGHLY Recommended
01 – Day One (feat. Steve Maggiora & Daniel Palmqvist)
02 – Almost Everything (feat. Jan Johansen & Michael Landau)
03 – Again And Again (feat. Clif Magness)
04 – Tomorrow (feat. Steve Maggiora)
05 – Don’t Wanna Dream About It (feat. Bruce Gaitsch & Clif Magness)
06 – I’m Sorry (feat. Jan Johansen)
07 – Letting Go (feat. Bruce Gaitsch & Tommy Funderburk)
08 – What’s a Man (feat. Jan Johansen, Bruce Gaitsch & Michael Thompson)
09 – Ten Miles Away (feat. Steve Maggiora)
BUY
amazon.co.uk/dp/B0FCBRZLZ7
