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Elias Bernet

The first bars set the tone; the first notes set the beat. Of course, this is the blues which the Elias Bernet Band plays on its third album. Blues is generally regarded as sadness, grief and sorrow. Those who have the blues spend their nights sleepless. They howl their laments at the moon. Why then does a chronic smile appear on your face after only a few seconds? Why do feet, hips, shoulders and neck twitch involuntarily as if they were obeying a command to dance?

Without night no day, without blues no roaring happiness. Only those who risk falling will reach the summit. An authentically lived life also contains bitter notes – blue notes. Whoever has gained this insight celebrates melancholy. They say to themselves: Better off with the blues. Elias Bernet and his fellow musicians propagate this optimistic view. They do so from the first piece, which gives the album the title, until the end of this 15-song festival. There are also the quiet, thoughtful tones. In the lyrics they can be found everywhere. Musically you hear them especially in ballads like "Heavy load" or "See what lies deeper". But all in all, the cheerful rapture dominates: "Monkey juice", "Light that fire", "Rattle, shake and squeeze"!

Better off with the Blues is a euphoric ride. Bernhard Egger's drums pulsate. Markus Fritzsche's bass bounces. The soulful voice of singer Freda Goodlett and the crisp percussion of David Stauffacher complete the trio on a selection of pieces. Elias Bernet powerfully sings the life-affirming blues, while his virtuoso fingers - one might say light-footedly - dance over the keys of piano and Hammond organ.