In 1991 the danish duo from Fredericia featuring vocalist and keyboardplayer Jan Parber Pedersen and guitarist Jes Kerstein Larsen recorded their first CD, which balanced the fine edge between AOR and Westcoast. The CD was recorded with former Skagarack bassist Morten Munch in the producers seat who also played rhythm guitars, bass, keyboards and background vocals on it. From Skagarack was invited Tommy Rasmussen, too - handeling the keyboard and acoustic piano.
The two musicians knew each other from the local band band Opus X and the record "Stories from the Heart" stirred a little trouble in Germany as Jes Kerstein worked as an engineer in a German studio right after the release - besides he has been touring with Womack & Womack Band. Jan Parber has produced a lot of commercials for radio and television. Besides he has been a studio musician and background singer on several danish productions among others Stig Rossen.
I like the CD very much - I was unaware of its excistence until late 90's but the tracks are still good. And espescially "I keep on waiting" and "Open your heart" are excellent! Good songs in a very fine production in the vein of Skagarack - only with a softer touch.
The two main characters in Parber/Kerstein are now busy songwriters in the danish edition of The European Music Contest - the haven't quite made a #1, yet - but last year they finished 2nd with "Stjernen, der viser vej" (The guiding Star), only run over by later winners The Olsen Brothers. In 1992 they made "Sket igen" (It's happening again) song by Zindy go 2nd. In 1993 "Mer' mellem dig og mig" (More between you and me) finished 2nd, too. This year they have song nr 1 "Drømmer om dig" (Dreaming' of you) featuring Kenny Lübcke (Ex Narita and Zoser Mez) on lead vocals. And if its goes well, maybe we can expect a new record during 2001.
It did not go that well, by the way. The song did not reach top 5 and a new record is postponed for the moment.
The World Championship in Triathlon will take place in Denmark in 2001 and Parber/Kerstein has written the big anthem. The single called "Once in a Lifetime" have blown new life in the co-work with former keyboard player from Skagarack Tommy Rasmussen, he is doing the vocals. The ITU Triathlon Championship will take place on the 4th - 5th August 2001 in Fredericia in Denmark. The song is written with British guitarist Ashly Mulford who had made himself a career with Sad Café and Mike & The Mecanics. I like the saxophone solo in the middle by Jesper Grochy. So expect to hear from them in the future, too.
At the end of 2001 the duo managed to re-issue their debut through TARGET Records!
Jes Kerstein Larsen has recently joined Danish party-band Bamses Venner (Teddy's Friends).
Within 2004/2005 the duo has promised to make a new CD. The working title is "Play this Game" and will be with Jan Parber back on the lead vocals!