Hungry John - Live (2018)

Personnel:
John Magnar Bernes: vocals/harmonica
Atle Johannessen: guitar
Aksel Fjæra: bass/vocals
Gunnar Bergstrøm: drums

John Magnar Bernes, better known as "Hungry John" has dedicated his life to the blues.

Since the mid-sixties, John has travelled and performed in Norway and abroad, spreading the blues. He is one of the pillars on the Norwegian music scene, and a respected veteran with a lifelong passion for the blues.

Bernes was given his nickname "Hungry John" during his days as a starving street-musician in London in the early seventies. Inspired by all the music he experienced, he returned to Norway in 1975 where he formed "Bergen Blues Band". This band was instrumental in giving the blues a break-through in Norway. Bergen Blues Band released three albums on the EMI label, comprised mostly of his own originals.

In 1983, John headed to the United States to expand his horizon in the blues world. After playing and studying the blues throughout the US in 1983/84 with various acts, Bernes felt the need for renewal and formed his next Norway based blues band, "Hungry John and The Blue Shadows", inspired by the more rock-related Texas style of blues. Hungry John and The Blue Shadows released three albums during their ten years reign and their first release, Nice Guys, also was released in United States. Hungry John and The Blue Shadows never completely disbanded, but after a few personell changes, Bernes choose to drop the band name and continued under the name, "Hungry John".

In his fourth decade as an active musician and song writer, Bernes continues to expand his musical horizons and capture new listeners. All over Scandinavia he`s a safe bet at festivals. In 2003 he won The Blues Price at Notodden Blues Festival, for a lifelong dedication for the blues. His solid performances are also appreciated by American blues veterans. This man is real. He is the blues.