CD review: Rune Robert Friis – Built For Comfort, Vol. 2 – 2024: Video, CD cover

Rune Robert Friis returns with his latest musical offering, “Built For Comfort, Vol. 2,” a blues-infused journey that beckons listeners into a realm where soulful melodies and thoughtful lyrics intertwine. Building on his previous work, Friis curates a collection that not only pays homage to blues traditions but also explores contemporary themes with a Nordic twist.

The album opens with “Running On Empty,” featuring Sarah Jana Westphal’s captivating vocals complemented by Kenn Lending’s evocative guitar work and Rasmus Stenholm’s lush organ backdrop. The synergy among the musicians sets a vibrant tone for what unfolds throughout the album.

Each track on “Built For Comfort, Vol. 2” is a testament to Friis’s collaborative spirit, bringing together a talented ensemble of Nordic musicians. Tracks like “Glitter & Dirt” showcase Nils-Ole Poulin’s robust vocals, weaving a narrative that balances grit and elegance. The brass section, featuring Hans Christian Erbs and Stefan Friis Ringive, adds a rich texture to songs like “Annabelle” and “Gin Gin Mule,” while Jesper Heinz’s guitar prowess shines throughout, notably on “Glitter & Dirt” and “Keep Warm”.

Friis’s versatility as a songwriter is evident throughout the album. Tracks such as “One-Dimensional Man,” where Friis takes on multiple roles, demonstrate his mastery in crafting deeply personal yet universally resonant compositions. “Milkman,” featuring Perry Stenbäck on nyckelharpa, introduces a Nordic folk influence, adding a refreshing dynamic to the predominantly blues-driven sound.

“Built For Comfort, Vol. 2” is not just an album; it’s a comfortable journey through the soulful depths of blues music. Rune Robert Friis playfully blends traditional blues elements with modern influences, creating an album that resonates with authenticity and passion.

The collaborative effort with Nordic musicians enriches each track, offering listeners a diverse yet cohesive musical experience. Whether on CD, vinyl, or streaming platforms, this album promises to captivate and leave a lasting impression.

There are many things that I am both satisfied with and proud of regarding Volume 2. First and foremost, I am simply grateful for all the talented friends who have helped me bring my songs to life. It’s nothing short of amazing to experience each musician opening up various corners and crevices within the songs. This also means that Volume 2, like its predecessor, is a relatively versatile album that explores a wide range of musical styles. The common denominator, however, is a foundation rooted in the widely branched roots of blues music.

Last but not least, I am pleased that Volume 2 is thematically cohesive. Overall, this album is both a celebration of a slower, liberated, and creative human life, as well as a reflection on the rushed and superficial existence many of us experience these days. In essence, the album is a musical collection of blue-toned post-it notes reflecting on our existential circumstances in an increasingly accelerated world.

At the moment, I am working on completing the music for a small EP, which is inspired by Carla Andersen-Jensens, who was the only Dane to survive the sinking of the Titanic.

However, what is common is that everyone has been able to hear themselves in Built For Comfort’s universe. The musical core consists of Kristian Hoff on drums, Jesper Heinz on guitar, and last but not least, vocalist Sarah Jana Westphal, who is the primary vocalist on Volume 2. This core also forms the basis of the live version of Built For Comfort, where we are often accompanied by talented soloists.

In total, there are 14 musicians contributing to the album, including my old mentor Nils-Ole Poulin on vocals, the Swedish guitar and keyed fiddle virtuoso Perry Stenbäck, and my good friend and mentor, the outstanding guitarist Kenn Lending. The choice of which tracks each of them has contributed to was decided in agreement with each participant, based on what creatively made sense to us. Like its predecessor, the album is thus very much a result of collaboration,- an interview with us said bassist Rune Robert Friis.

Don’t go far, right here, scroll down the page and be sure to get this CD, it’s a must listen!!!

Tracks:

01. Running On Empty (By Rune R. Friis)
Sarah Jana Westphal (vocals), Kenn Lending (Guitar), Rasmus Stenholm (organ),
Jesper Heinz (guitar), Kristian Hoff (drums), Rune Robert Friis (bass)

02. Annabelle (By Rune R. Friis)

Sarah Jana Westphal (vocals), Michael Olsen (saxophone), Hans Christian Erbs (trumpet), Stefan Friis Ringive (trombone), Jesper Heinz (acoustic guitar), Jan Hansen (synthesizer), Jesper Iversen (percussion), Kristian Hoff (drums), Rune Robert Friis (bass)

03. Glitter & Dirt (By Rune R. Friis)

Nils-Ole Poulin (vocals), Sarah Jana Westphal (vocals), Jesper Heinz (guitar), Jan Hansen (organ), Michael Olsen (saxophone), Hans Christian Erbs (trumpet), Stefan Friis Ringive (trombone), Kristian Hoff (drums & percussion), Rune Robert Friis (bass)

04. Gin Gin Mule (By Rune R. Friis)

Sarah Jana Westphal (vocals), Jesper Heinz (guitar), Rasmus Stenholm (organ & piano), Michael Olsen (saxophone), Hans Christian Erbs (trumpet), Stefan Friis Ringive (trombone), Jesper Heinz (guitar), Kristian Hoff (drums), Rune Robert Friis (bass)

05. One-Dimensional Man (By Rune R. Friis)

Rune Robert Friis (vocals, bass, guitar, programming), Kenn Lending (guitar), Sarah Jana Westphal (vocals)

06. Milkman (By Rune R. Friis)

Rune Robert Friis (guitar), Perry Stenbäck (nyckelharpa)

07. Boomer Bends (By Rune R. Friis)

Sarah Jana Westphal (vocals), Perry Stenbäck (guitar), Jesper Heinz (guitar), Kristian Hoff (drums), Rune Robert Friis (bass)

08. Sweet Delta Maze (By Rune R. Friis)

Sarah Jana Westphal (vocals), Jan Hansen (piano), Jesper Heinz (guitar), Kristian Hoff (drums), Rune Robert Friis (bass & piano)

09. Gritty Street (By Rune R. Friis)

Chris Grey (guitar & vocals), Sarah Jana Westphal (vocals), Jesper Heinz (guitar), Jesper Iversen (percussion), Kristian Hoff (drums), Rune Robert Friis (bass)

10. Keep Warm (By Rune R. Friis)

Sarah Jana Westphal (vocals), Jesper Heinz (guitar), Rasmus Stenholm (organ & piano), Kristian Hoff (drums), Rune Robert Friis (bass)

Buy from here – New CD 2024