Erja Lyytinen: Guitar, Slide, Vocals.
Davide Floreno: Rhythm Guitar.
Harri Taittonen: Rhodes, Hammond.
Matti Vallius: Bass.
Rami Eskelinen: Drums.
Influences
and favorite artists: Koko Taylor, Bonnie Raitt, Emmylou Harris, Aretha Franklin, Elmore James, Muddy Waters, Kenny Burrell, Freddie King, Albert King, Ray Charles, Derek Trucks, Sonny Landreth, Ali Farka Toure, Ry Cooder, Robben Ford, Brian Setzer, Mike Stern
Since the release of her Ruf Records solo debut Dreamland Blues ("Best Album of 2006," YLE Radio Suomi 'Bluesministeri'), Erja Lyytinen has been busy honing her sound with well over 150 concert appearances throughout Europe. With each performance, she's reached new fans and made believers out of even the most skeptical of observers. ("Can a young gal from Finland sing the blues?") She’s also been collecting stories – new tales of love, heartbreak and passion she is now ready to reveal on her new album, Grip of the Blues. Erja will officially release the CD at this summer's Puistoblues 2008, arguably the most popular blues festival in Finland.
As one of Finland's brightest musical talents, the singer, songwriter and guitarist could have been content to rest on her laurels. Instead, Grip of the Blues is her boldest, freshest and most varied effort yet. She features a wider range of song styles than ever before. To do this, she enlisted the help of the musicians who know her best. "I wanted to make an album that is as close as possible to what I do live," says Lyytinen, who is "reunited" with her own road band on Grip of the Blues following a pair of CDs she recorded with session players. The new album was produced by her long-time rhythm guitarist Davide Floreno and recorded by Kimmo Antikainen, who engineers her live shows. "We tried to capture that same kind of live atmosphere. Most of the tracks were recorded live and I added vocals afterwards."
Lyytinen wrote eight of the album's even dozen tracks and co-wrote another two with Floreno. She mixes hard-edged blues with modern R&B and showcases her knack for delicate, poppy melodies on songs like "Wish I Had You" and "Unreachable." She proves she's not afraid to explore some darker terrain, while also offering songs of hope and recovery. "I put a lot of gospel feeling into 'Let it Shine'," she says. "I saw Robert Randolph doing a show and really dug his style. So we put some crazy fast slide on that track!"
Two carefully-chosen cover selections blend nicely with the original material. Erja puts a fresh face on Tony Joe White's "Steamy Windows," making you forget the song was ever recorded by Tina Turner. And with "Rollin' and Tumbin'," she tackles an all-time blues classic. "I have been playing this song for years, so I would say this is a Finnish approach to the song," she grins. One listen, though, will tell you that Erja's trips to the Mississippi Delta have rubbed off on her.
Grip of the Blues is an impressive step forward for an artist who’s not afraid to take risks. Erja can slide with the best blues players, but is also comfortable singing love songs – both happy and sad. At the end of the day, she’s about more than just the chops. She’s here to tell stories.
Thanks a lot for the add. I'm very happy to be your friend. Very good music !Please, can you discover my songs on myspace music ? Sincerely yours. Tristan Rock
Hold your breath!! Red River Shock by Rocket Motors could be just too
much!! It is a Super Track!! Take it or leave it!! This is serious
space surfin'!!!!
Hi my prerfer bitch!!! Yes, Spain was fun. It's a pity you won't be in Lithuania! Tonight, I'm playing with Deborah Coleman! I'm happy to see and play with her again and it's only 1 hour from my place! See you in Switherland in july, yes? Say hi to the Ninja and and the little Ninja, Massa!!! Kisses. Denis
Moi Erja. Kiitos lisäyksestä. Karismasi ja soittotaitosi ovat voittaneet minut puolelleen... Loistava esiintyjä.=) Nähtiin Lappeenrannassa ja kävin katsomassa Kouvolassa Teidän keikkaa,GTR Tour. Mukavaa kesän jatkoa ja terveisiä Lappeenrannasta: Mica J.J.
Hi There! Thanks for the online friendship & support.
We are proud to announce that we are HEADLINING the Cream Insturment Cable Stage at the Lesser Muni as part of the 2009 Great British R&B Festival in Colne, Lancashire, UK on Monday August 31st. The Charlie White Project and Sheffield’s blues poet Mr Billy Martin Jnr are also appearing. Expect great music and utterly immaculate sound quality using cutting edge PA cables and power amps. Ticket details are available at www.bluesfestival.co.uk. Doors open at 7.30pm and we will be onstage at 10.15pm.
Our new album “A Time and Place” is available directly from www.robinhoare.com via Pay Pal and from good record stores.
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