Round about the time that Karisma Records were preparing to release Everything To Everyone, the fourth solo album from AIRBAG co-founder BJØRN RIIS, the much respected guitarist posited the idea that perhaps the label would be interested in a new mini album, one in which the inspiration he derived from PINK FLOYD could be given free rein.
Of course, Karisma Records were not about to pass up on such an intriguing proposition, and thus work commenced on A Fleeting Glimpse, a four-track mini album, which will be released on the October 7, 2022.
Bjørn has always had a huge admiration for PINK FLOYD in general, and guitarist DAVE GILMOUR in particular, and he has long wanted to try and write new material, that, as he says "really tries to get as close to the PINK FLOYD sound, without actually copying or simply doing covers". And with A Fleeting Glimpse, he has more than fulfilled that ambition.
The first single was just released a couple of days ago, it's titled Dark Shadows (part 1) features guest vocals by none other than DURGA McBROOM, one of PINK FLOYD's backing singers during the '80's and '90's. You can check it out right here
Now, Bjørn Riis has released a new in-studio video, in which he details and explains, how he recorded the David Gilmour inspired guitar solo and how he approached setting up the tone for the new single and mini-album A Fleeting Glimpse.
Just when we were about to release Airbag co-founder, songwriter and lead guitarist Bjørn Riis fourth solo album, Everything To Everyone, he approached us with an idea for a new mini album. With A Fleeting Glimpse, Bjørn Riis has let his inspiration from Pink Floyd really come forth. Here he offers four new songs just under 30 minutes, where you can really cherry pick the Pink Floyd references throughout the listen. Riis even got Durga McBroom, one of Pink Floyd's backup singers during the 80s and 90s, to do guest vocals on one of the tracks.
Bjørn comments: "This is a work of passion. It’s a chance for me to go back to my musical roots and pay a respectful homage. All four songs could easily have fitted on one of my albums but there is a seamless Pink Floyd vibe in all of them."
This time, the music was recorded at Double Decker Studios, Oslo (Pymlico) and Riis Studio, Oslo. It was mixed at Subsonic Studio by long-time collaborator Vegard Kleftås Sleipnes, and it was mastered by Jacob Holm-Lupo (White Willow, The Opium Cartel).
Bjørn notes that he "wanted to make it sound authentic, using gear and sounds that Pink Floyd would employ on a certain song or album. It really took me back to when I started to play guitar and experiment with tone and sounds."
In addition to Bjørn Riis on vocals, guitars, bass and keyboards, the album features Arild Brøter (Pymlico), Øyvind Brøter (Pymlico), Per Øydir, Durga McBroom and Mimmi Tamba.
A Fleeting Glimpse will be available in Digisleeve CD, Digital and Limited Edition Transparent Blue Vinyl LP formats, and is now available to pre-order from: https://www.karismarecords.no/shop/