KOES’MO’ do exactly what the title promises: play the blues without embalming it. “That’s What People Call The Blues” is warm, road-worn and full of personality, with Fritz Koester’s guitar and voice trading stories against Max “Mojo” Moritz’s deep, unhurried bass.
Koester and Moritz have shared stages and studios for more than forty years, crossing paths with musicians such as Otis Grand, Dave Kelly, Steve Baker, B.B. King, Eb Davis and Tyree Glenn Jr. That mileage shows here, not through flashy playing but through confidence — the songs know when to push, when to swing and when to leave a little dirt between the notes.
The title track sets the mood with a relaxed groove and a knowing grin, while “Born Under A Bad Sign” takes the familiar blues standard and gives it enough personal character to avoid sounding like another bar-band exercise.
“Cash On Delivery” and “Poor Boys Blues” keep things earthy and direct, while “Fine Wine Woman” brings more swagger into the room. “This Is The Song, This Is Your Song” opens the sound slightly, leaning toward a warmer blues-rock feel without losing the intimacy of the duo’s core approach.
“Lots Of Fun” and “Valet Parking Guy” show the lighter side of the record, with small rhythmic twists and a sense that the musicians are enjoying themselves rather than trying to prove anything. That loose confidence is one of the album’s biggest strengths.
The old standard “Nobody Knows You When You’re Down And Out” sits naturally beside the originals, while “When, When, When” and “Sittin’ Here Thinking” move the record back toward slower, late-night territory.
“Power Of The Blues” sums up the philosophy behind the whole album before “I Play The Blues For You” stretches beyond seven minutes and lets the record breathe out properly. It is the perfect closer: no rush, no unnecessary fireworks, just players settling into a groove and staying there until the song has said enough.
This is blues played by musicians who have lived with the language for decades. No artificial grit, no vintage cosplay — just feel, restraint and the occasional guitar line that knows exactly where to land.
Country: Germany
Label: Elme
Genre: Blues / Blues Rock
Release date: October 27, 2026
Format: CD / Digital
Total time: 55:06
Tracklist:
01 – That’s What People Call The Blues (4:22)
02 – Born Under A Bad Sign (4:57)
03 – Cash On Delivery (3:49)
04 – Poor Boys Blues (3:15)
05 – Fine Wine Woman (4:24)
06 – This Is The Song, This Is Your Song (4:03)
07 – Lots Of Fun (3:52)
08 – Valet Parking Guy (3:16)
09 – Nobody Knows You When You’re Down And Out (3:40)
10 – When, When, When (3:22)
11 – Sittin’ Here Thinking (4:56)
12 – Power Of The Blues (3:42)
13 – I Play The Blues For You (7:26)
Fritz Koester – Guitar, Vocals
Max “Mojo” Moritz – Bass, Production
