The Notodden Blues Festival has been running for 37 editions, a good reason for Bluesmagazine reporter Jos to pay this festival a visit. Surprised by the atmosphere and hospitality—which manifested itself in handing out sunscreen when the sun was shining and the free earplugs—there was plenty to enjoy on the six stages, featuring blues in all its facets. A report.

Report Notodden Blues Festival Norway:
Line up: Bob Corritore & John Primer Allstars, Mavis Staples, Walter Trout, JJ Grey, Little Feat, Sue Foley, Southern Avenue, Amythyst Kiah, Super Chikan, Keb Mo, DK Harrell, Alice Armstrong, Rag ‘n Bone man eva

Text: Jos Verhagen
Photos: Torstein Flam

The 37th edition of the Notodden Blues Festival in Norway exuded one thing: music straight from the heart. From the intimate Bok & Blueshuset to the vibrant main stage, everywhere you heard tones that took you to the soul of the blues. Beyond the performances, the festival impressed me with its atmosphere: little things like free sunscreen on Friday during performances in the sun, festival staff handing out earplugs to those wanting to stand close to the stage, long tables in the square where locals and visitors ate and drank together, and the Blues Cruise through the fjord showcasing the stunning scenery. Rain and sun alternated, but nothing could spoil the mood.

Free earbuds

Bob Corritore & John Primer Allstar Blues Band
One name you couldn’t miss this year: the Bob Corritore & John Primer Allstar Blues Band. For four days, they stood on stages scattered throughout the city, as if they formed the beating heart of the festival. Bob Corritore assembled a group that blues lovers dream of: John Primer on guitar and vocals, Will “Primetime” Smith with his raw voice, the swinging keyboards of Anthony Geracci, the steady groove of drummer Wes Starr, and the unsurpassed bass of Bob Stroger, who at 94 still played as if time had forgotten him. Their performances were steeped in the Chicago blues tradition: tight, warm, and with a sense of dynamics that you only get from playing at the highest level for decades.

On Wednesday, they performed after the young talents from Little Steven’s Music School, a magical moment where blues experience and youthful energy met. You could see Stroger smiling at the youngsters and teaching them the essence of swing with subtle runs. For many in attendance, this was the kind of musical encounter you never forget.

On Thursday, the festival really got going after the usual speeches and award presentations, featuring preview performances by Bob Corritore & John Primer Allstars, Sue Foley, Alice Armstrong, and others. Afterwards, DK Harrell captivated the audience with his combination of cheerful energy and sharp social commentary. His fame had preceded him — for many Norwegians I spoke to, he was the must-see of the festival. With his engaging smile and warm personality, he managed to win everyone over. The highlight was PTLD, a surprising mix of blues and disco, full of exuberance. During “What real man do,” DK lashed out at Donald Trump; with genuine anger, he delivered this song with a compelling message for the world to treat one another better. After this indictment, the focus shifted again, as his audience needed to return home feeling good; a gospel finale with “Praise the blues” from his latest album had the crowd singing and clapping in unison.

Next up was Jimmy Vaughan , who had expanded his band with The Texas Horns. These horns formed a perfect complement to Jimmy’s sharp, sharp guitar sound. He delivered a steady stream of songs in a recognizable idiom, drawing you into a musical flow. He closed his set with a long, sensitive rendition of “Six String Down,” interwoven with “Tin Pan Alley” as an ode to his brother Stevie.

The evening ended with Sivert Høyem , frontman of Madrugada, who performed a mix of Norwegian and English songs. With plenty of smoke and visuals, he created a mystical indie rock atmosphere that the Norwegian audience visibly appreciated.

On Friday the sun was shining and the main stage featured mainly rock and metal names like Uriah Heep, Lita Ford, and the Norwegian band TNT. It was a perfect opportunity to seek out the smaller stages. There I found Sue Foley in an acoustic set, in which she made a deep impression with masterful guitar playing and an ode to women in the blues. Something that Walter Trout and Super Chikan would also do later in the day. The local heroes of Spoonfull of Blues proved once again why they are fixtures in Notodden: energetic, tight, and with the harmonica playing of festival presenter Jostein Forsberg. Also surprising was TRYM , a young Norwegian singer-songwriter who counts Cornelis Vreeswijk among his inspirations and performed a few of his songs.

By late afternoon, the main stage was packed for Walter Trout , back in Notodden after six years. From the first chords, he went full throttle with songs like “Sign of the Times” and “Courage in the Dark.” During “Artificial Ride,” he sincerely warned of the dangers of AI in the music industry. The emotional highlight came when he engaged in an intense guitar duel with his son Jon Trout on “We All in This Together.” The audience sensed the father-son bond and responded with a standing ovation. He closed with a blazing “Going Down” that made the tent shake.

Super Chikan : On the festival’s smallest stage (Bellman), Super Chikan delivered one of the most intimate yet energetic sets of the weekend. Prior to his performance, he laid a tile in Notodden’s Blues Walk of Fame, an honor he visibly appreciated. With his band, The Fighting Cocks, led by the expressive pianist Laura “LaLa” Craig, he performed songs brimming with character and humor. His yodeling intro to “Hookin’ Up” whipped the crowd into a frenzy, and with “Shoot That Thing,” he turned the Bellman completely upside down. The combination of sheer joy of playing, interaction, and pure Mississippi blues made it unforgettable.

Saturday was a marathon of big names: Mavis Staples, JJ Grey & Mofro, Little Feat, and closing the day Rag ‘n Bone Man. Earlier in the day, The Hellbillies surprised with their folk rock in Norwegian; even without understanding the language, you could feel the emotion in the songs sung along loudly by the audience. Otto Junior, a young Norwegian guitarist who combines blues and prog rock, also showcased a promising sound.

Credits: Brendemo photo

Mavis Staples : the living legend, was a highlight. Her voice may have softened over the years, but her charisma and presence remained undiminished in their power. From the very first song, she got the audience going, supported by guitarist Rick Holmstrom, whose playing ran through the set like a warm engine. Her repertoire, steeped in soul, gospel, and blues, created a sense of community. It was as if the entire venue became one voice for a moment.

Credits: Brendemo photo

JJ Grey & Mofro : Expectations for JJ Grey & Mofro were high, especially after the release of their album Olustee. The start was promising, with a swinging Olustee, the compelling Top of the World, and a strong performance of Seminole Wind. The harmonica intro immediately set the tone. But halfway through, JJ Grey seemed to lose his grip on the audience; the tempo dropped, the flow disappeared, and slowly part of the tent emptied. However, trumpeter Marcus Parsley gave so much class and soul to the show that continuing to listen was certainly worthwhile.

Little Feat displayed craftsmanship but failed to strike the right chord. Their familiar blend of jam rock and technically refined playing was musically tight, with long instrumental passages that confirmed their reputation as craftsmen. However, at a festival where many attendees came specifically for the raw, danceable blues feel, their set did not fit in as well. Part of the audience sought the uptempo swing elsewhere on the stages. Nevertheless, it was a treat for those who appreciated their subtle interplay.

Credits: Brendemo photo

After JJ Grey and Little Feat, the blues feeling had faded a bit for me, but The Chicago Blues Summer Tour brought it all back. This ad-hoc formation, featuring guitarist Mike Wheeler, singer Peaches Stratten, keyboardist Jesse Lockridge, and harmonica player Russ Green, played with pure class. Russ Green opened the set phenomenally, and when Peaches brought out her washboard, the whole thing turned into an exuberant party. Here were blues masters at work.

Didn’t see it but was there, Southern Avenue, a sparkling show so I was told, really missed out.

Otto junior

TRYM

Conclusion : Whether it was the grand moments on the main stage or the hidden gems on the side stages, Notodden showed that the blues in Norway is not only alive — it is flourishing. With the Bob Corritore & John Primer Allstars as the backbone, Walter Trout as the emotional storm, Super Chikan as the charismatic entertainer, Mavis Staples as the wise grandmother of soul, JJ Grey and Little Feat as peaks of craftsmanship, and the Norwegian bands as proud standard-bearers, this was a festival that will remain in my memory for a long time.