July 2nd, 2025
Hi there, fine folk!
It’s been way too long since my last news blog, but well – here I am 😊
“A Shadow of a Smile” has been out there for 8 months and the reception had been good although no big commercial success so far. I rarely listen to my own music after release – on to the next project – but I gave it a listen the other day and still feel good about it. This is my only album recorded in the US and again; thank you Kyle Reid for the co-op and fun during our two weeklong workshops to record this album. So, if you have not really listened to it – go ahead!
This leads me to a topic I will only touch briefly, but I am truly heartbroken over what the current administration is doing to the country I consider my second home country. How they are altering/tearing apart the internal structures of the American society, targeting science, researchers and universities, giving massive tax cuts to the 1 % while cutting Medicare for the poorest of their own, ICE working as vigilantes in masks roaming the streets – well, it makes it look more and more like authoritarian neo fascist driven administration. I don’t even have to mention the president – this is so much bigger. I hope it’s repairable at some point, but it will take a long time. And the reputation of The US – at least over here in the “free world” is severely damaged. And I think a lot of Americans don’t realize this. I know It’s a result of a democratic process – I just hope it does not destroy the American democracy. I hope to go back there and visit dear family and friends in not too long, but right now The US is a no-go zone for me.
I have been traveling there once or twice a year for a long time, now I don’t feel welcome, and I don’t feel like going – Enough about that already!
And now something completely different - and a bit of life philosophy: Five and a half weeks ago I slipped and hurt my right leg badly. Old man running out on a wet slippery surface and suddenly 220lbs/100kg fell on my right knee. Luckily, I did not break anything, just a rough stretch in all my major muscles. This happened when I started to really feel good again after a spring with some health issues. I was not happy and the worst part – there was no one to blame but myself – and I did. Realizing that I am going to get well again and all the things in my life that I am grateful for – I am on my way back and maybe in better shape than I have been in a long time. Because: This injury is not going to make me old, it is not going to break my stride so to speak – onward from here 😊
Music news: Some exiting things are in the pipeline. Muskogee Hotel had a few fun gigs with the support of the fantastic harmonica player Richard Gjems. We decided to make the most of it and do some more work together.
We were invited to take part on a Norwegian tribute album to The Rolling Stones named “Perfectly Stoned” – we cover the song “Love Is Strong” and was joined by Richard. The album will be released early this fall most likely.
We have also finished recording a whole album together called “Rory at The Hotel” – it is sort of a tribute to the legendary Irish guitarist and song writer Rory Gallagher – I will present the list of songs later, but it contains some of Rory’s songs and some of mine – treated in a distinct Muskogee Hotel way and with Richard’s profound contributions. The release date is February the 6th 2026.
Well, there you go – a bit of news, a bit of my political frustration and some life philosophy
All the best always - And listen to Johns Prine songs.
Knut