Thorbjørn Risager & The Black Tornado Are On the Hunt for Lost Youth and Love On “Long Time Ago”

Danish roots-rock sensation Thorbjørn Risager & The Black Tornado are back with their brand new single, “Long Time Ago,” out now via Provogue/Mascot Label Group.

They will also be playing the following UK shows:

12 Oct – Pleasance Theatre, Edinburgh
13 Oct – Carlisle Rock and Blues Festival

This track is the second release from their yet to be announced and much-anticipated new album and it offers a fresh, modern take on the blues, channeling the vibes of contemporary giants like The Black Keys and My Baby or a modern JJ Cale take while staying true to the band’s deep blues roots.

“Long Time Ago” is a masterclass in blending classic blues traditions with modern soundscapes. The single is driven by a pulsating groove and Risager’s soulful vocals, reminiscent of the swampy, raw energy that has become synonymous with The Black Tornado’s sound. Accompanying the release is a stunning lyric video, shot on the road, capturing the melancholic yet captivating spirit of the blues noir—a perfect visual complement to the track’s mood.

“Long Time Ago is a song about searching,” says Thorbjørn. “Everybody’s searching for something. Maybe you’re searching for true love, maybe you’re searching for your lost youth, maybe you’re searching for something and you don’t even know what it is.”

The release of “Long Time Ago” follows a string of accolades and successes for Thorbjørn Risager & The Black Tornado, including winning four Danish Music Awards (often referred to as the Danish Grammys) and eight nominations, as well as receiving the prestigious Preis der Deutschen Schallplattenkritik in 2014. The band has also been honored with the European Blues Award for Best Band in 2017 and was voted “Best Album” by Classic Rock’s Blues Magazine for their 2014 album ‘Too Many Roads.’

It’s been twenty years since they released their debut album, ‘Live 2004,’ and since then, they’ve picked up numerous awards and blazed a trail across the world, captivating crowds with their dynamic stage presence and a sound that fuses soul Chicago blues, boogie, and rock ‘n’ roll with a voice where Ray Charles, Van Morrison, and Billy Gibbons meet in the middle. They’ve opened for Bonnie Raitt, the Tedeschi Trucks Band, and Risager himself, sharing the stage with legends such as Buddy Guy and Robben Ford. They’ve even picked up a fan in Elwood Blues himself – Dan Aykroyd! – who hailed their “Hot rhythm and blues.”

“Long Time Ago” is a powerful reminder of why Thorbjørn Risager & The Black Tornado have become one of the most respected names in modern blues. With over 60,000 physical albums sold / 20 million streams over the past decade, and a dedicated following that continues to grow rapidly, Thorbjørn Risager & The Black Tornado are showing no signs of slowing down. The band is set to continue their non-stop touring schedule throughout 2024 and beyond, bringing their electrifying live performances to fans across Europe and North America.

The Black Tornado Band
Thorbjørn Risager Vocal, Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar
Emil Balsgaard Piano, Organ, Wurlitzer, Clavinet, Farfisa
Joachim Svensmark Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, Synthesizer, Piano, Viola, Drums, Percussion, Glockenspiel, Mandolin
Kasper Wagner Alto Sax, Tenor Sax, Baritone Sax, Flutes, Clarinet
Hans Nybo Tenor Sax, Bass Clarinet
Peter W Kehl Trumpet, Flugelhorn, Trombone, Sousaphone
Søren Bøjgaard Bass, Moog Bass, Baritone Guitar, Synthesizer, Piano, Percussion, Mix, Producer
Martin Seidelin Drums, Percussion