Cleopatra Records artist: Andy McCoy - Jukebox Junkie - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Jukebox Junkie, by Finnish rocker Andy McCoy and it's a solid rocker with a twist. Opening with I'm Gonna Roll, a great power rocker with a driving beat, McCoy is up front on guitar with Sammy Aaltonen, Matthew Janaitis and Tommi Piipponen on vocal, Christian Wentzel on drums and Matthew Janaitis on bass.  Hot Night In Texas gas a great thumping bottom with Jamie Hembree and Niki Westerback on vocal and Jouni Kari on keys giving McCoy a great platform to show his guitar aero acrobatics. Very cool. Climax Blues Band's I Couldn't Get It Right, gets a minor redo with Janaitis on vocals and Roni Star on percussion, Kari on keys and overlayed guitar soloing by McCoy. 60's surf styling comes to play on Funnel of Love featuring Sofia Zida on vocal and space age keyboard work by Kari and some otherworldly guitar from McCoy. Wrapping the release is UKSubs' Countdown with a cool rock bottom by Janaitis and Robert Valeno, heavy vocals by Piipponen and obtuse key/guitar work by Kari and McCoy. This is an interesting release with solid rock footings. 

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Humu Records artist: Jarkka Rissanen & Sons of the Desert - Cargo - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Cargo, from Jarkka Rissanen & Sons of the Desert, and I think it's just the right kind of cool! Opening with Tomcat, a laid back R&B based track with Latin and Blues/Jazz influences, it just cruises like an early WAR record. With Jarkka Rissanen and Markus Vaisanen on guitars, Ilpo Komulainen on bass and Esa karki on drums and percussion, this is a solid opener. Title track, Cargo, is a real nice instrumental ballad featuring Rissanen on lead and baritone guitar melody. Although this track doesn't have the signature guitar riffs nor does it even attempt Jeff Beck's phenominal fretwork, I that Beck would gravitate to this sound. I know that I do. Excellent! Pow-Wow has a modernized Delta sound and a dash of hill country percussion with Rissanen on slide guitar and Vaisanen soloing on electric guitar over a firm bass line by Komulainen and sweet tom tom work by Karki. Very cool. Roll Call is another high strung rocker with artistic guitar work. With it's driving beat by Karki and Komulanian and great guitar interplay by Rissanen and Vaisanen, this music is good for your head. Wrapping the release is Once Upon A Time, an aeiry, Troweresque style composition with nicely flowing guitar melody, not in the form of rapid fire notes, but with blues feel and phrasing. Very nice closer for a solid new release. 

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Wentus Blues Band with Duke Robillard - Too Much Mustard - New release review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Too Much Mustard, from Wentus Blues Band with Duke Robillard, and I really like it. Opening with revival style track, Stayed At The Party, these guys are raising the roof. With Robban Hagnas on Bass, Niko Riippa on guitar, Duke Robillard on guitar, Pekka Grohn on piano and Hammond, Daniel Hjerppe on drums and Juho Kinaret on vocal and percussion this track is pumped. Robert Johnson's Judgement Day is up next with a cool modern twist. It maintains the rudimentary feel and Kinaret's vocals are strong, but the interwoven guitars by Robillard and Riippa and Grohn's piano, with harp over the band is terrific. One of my favorite tracks on the release is She's a Killer Hot Blonde, a great boogie with cocky blues guitar style. Excellent! Slower paced, Right In Your Arms, is a super blues ballad and a nice showcase for Kinaret on vocal and with excellent blues guitar solo phrasing by Riippa. High powered boogie and title track, Too Much Mustard, had a great feel and is super platform for Robillard and Riippa on guitar. Shuffle track, You Got My Love, has a great bottom by Hagnas and the rolling piano lines by Grohn give Riippa plenty of room to shine. Wrapping the release is blues rocker, Passionate Kiss with a more radio direct approach. I really like the drum work by Hjerppe on this track strongly featured with a cool piano lead by Grohn under Kinaret's vocal lead. Solid closer. 

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Ruf Records artist: Ina Forsman - Been Meaning To Tell You - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Been Meaning To Tell You, from Ina Forsman and it's really strong. Opening with power ballad Be My Home, Forsman presents her vulnerable sounding vocal style over organ and piano by Red Young and gospel like backing vocals by Mark Kazanoff and Alice Spencer. Very nice. On Get Mine, blending hip hop vocal delivery and funky wah wah guitar by the notorious Laura Chavez, joined by Brannen Temple on guitar and Chris Maresh on bass really kicks this release into gear. Stepping high on Genius, Forsman moves further into a R&B groove with an excellent bass line and the Texas Horns (Mark Kazanoff - sax,  John Mills bari sax, Al Gomez - trumpet, Randy Zimmerman - trombone) with yet more sassy guitar style by Chavez. An interesting track, Why You Gotta be That Way has strong lines in neo soul with flavors of one my favorites, Eryka Badu. The band glistens on piano and tight bass and drum lines makes this fusion track one of my favorites. Blues ballad, Miss Mistreated really showcases Forsman's voice and it's rich strength with solid emotion. Also playing right into Chavez's had, Laura grabs the track by the short hairs accenting Forsman's vocal emotion with excellent guitar punctuation. Latin flavored Every Single Beat gets a strong latin rhythm going and you start to wonder if Forsman can do about anything. The Texas Horns are jolly on the spot with just that right tough of punch and Temple's drums and percussion is perfect. Wrapping the release is Sunny showing Forsman alone, acapella and powerful. Nice closer. Who wouldn't be proud of this release. 

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Ramasound Records artist: Wentus Blues Band - Throwback - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Throwback, from Wentus Blues Band and I really like it. Opening with Carey Bell's Wrapped Up In Love, lead vocalist, Juho Kinaret has a super voice for the blues with excellent riffs from Niko Riipa on guitar, Robban Hagnas on bass, Pekka Grohn on keys and Daniel Hjerppe on drums. Very nice. Eddie Kirkland's Rainbow is very soulful with definite flavors of Robert Cray. Kinaret's voice is spot on and Grohn's organ work adds a real nice texture. Another Kirkland track, Done Somebody Wrong, really rides nicely in the groove with excellent vocals from Kinaret and stinging guitar riffs from Riipa... possibly my favorite track on the release. Hungry John's Feel So Young is a great boogie in the vein of Slim Harpo. With driving bottom work by Hagnas and Hjerppe; overflowing organ by Grohn and Kinaret, coaxing the whole set along, this is another of the top tracks. Another Carey Bell track, Hard Working Woman, has a mysterious looming feel and some of Kinaret's best vocals on the release. Excellent! With a driving boogie sound, Eric Bibb's Don't Let Nobody Drag Your Spirit Down is a really cool track with elongated fluid guitar riffs. Sven Zetterberg's I Think You Need A Shrink has a terrific R&B blues feel again really showing the strength of Kinaret's vocals. Riipa gets the opportunity to stretch on this one and it isn't wasted. Excellent! Phil Guy's Fixin' To Die is a real barn burner of a slow blues and Rippa tears it up quite nicely. His lead guitar work is hot, interesting and nicely phrased. Excellent! Wrapping the release is Louisiana Red's, Red's Dream showing nice balance of the entire band. This is a truly solid blues release and one that I think most blues listeners will love. 

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Slim Cuts artist: Slim Butler - Bad Intention - New Release review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Bad Intention, from Slim Butler and it's terrific! Slim has great style and it's been too long since I reviewed his last release Inner Blues back in 2013.

Opening with All About You a cool R&B style blueser, a la Robert Cray, Tad Robinson shows just how sweet his voice is on soulful music and with a tight band lead by Jarmo " Slim" Puhakka on nicely stylized guitar riffs, Esko Ollila on drums, Harri Taitonen on keys and Hannu Lehtomaa on bass and punched up by the horn section (Slimcuts) of Tapio Maunuvaara on trumpet, Jukka-Pekka Peltoniemi on trumpet, Olli Tuomainen on tenor sax and Antti Napankangas on trombone. Great opener. On driving rocker, Mean Trouble, Andrew Black has the mic with a heavier feel and Slim keeps things close on guitar. On funky, Junk In The Trunk, you get a definite Tower Of Power feel with nice horn work, Black again on lead vocal and excellent drum work from Ollila and with super bottom by Marja-Kaisa Villanen on bari sax and featuring some nice guitar riffs by Slim. Very nice. R&B track, It Ain't Me has Robinson back on lead vocal with cool key work from Taitonen and nice horn backing. Slim really winds it out nicely on this track with cleanly articulated guitar runs complimenting the closing refrain. Jumpin' Santa is a real cool little instrumental with a boogie beat. Slim sets a real nice loping pace on guitar and Markku Orislanti hits on drums. Very smooth. On title track, Bad Intentions, Slim takes the mic and is joined by Harri Raudaskoski who plays an aggressive guitar solo with Slim on guitar 2. A Stone Free "styled" track, this is a cool rocker. With a snappy, swampy beat, Monkey Moon is infectious. Slim lays in slick guitar riffs under silky smooth vocals by Robinson. Cryin' Shame is another super track with a nice bass line by Lehtomaa and excellent lead vocals by Black. With really nice sax work Olli and great horn work overall by the Slimcuts, this track defies you to keep your bottom still. With a great walking bass line by Lehtomaa, smokin' riffs by Slim and great lead vocals and harp by Robinson, Lady In Blue is a super track. Wrapping the release is solid blues number, Coast To Coast featuring the soulful vocals of Black. Warm organ lines by Taitonen and bluesy riffs by Slim really cement this excellent closer.



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Southpaw Steel 'N' Twang - Stat(u)e of Mind - New release review

I just received the most recent release, Stat(u)e of Mind from Southpaw Steel 'N' Twang and it's terrific! This is a creative release with a lot of diversity. Opening with Gateway, a subtle instrumental, JP Monkkonen on bass, acoustic and baritone guitars, Tero Mikkonen on drums, percussion and ukulele, and Ville Leppanen on steel, electric, resonator and vocals, this is a really nice tune with lead primarily in resonator. Gentle Storm has a blend of progressive with a touch of country with Leppanen on lead steel. Funky instrumental, Aloha Garage, has a snappy drum beat, strong bass line and a cool lead steel making this a cool rocker. Water, has bit of a Latin feel and at times sounds like The Mars Volta with rowdy vocals but cruising swing on steel. Very cool! Route 68 really jazzes it up but with a modern touch. Excellent jazz chords and jamming with a bit of twang bar laid in is just the right touch. This track really opens up with strong addition of drum work by Mikkonen. Excellent! Another jazz number, Blue Jean, is smooth as silk with bluesy guitar runs and beautiful articulation. On Lotto, the band has a real nice rock fusion groove and Pekka Grohn adds real nice keys. llO is a really interesting composition with a bit sounds like traces of King Crimson blended into an otherwise jazz rock track. With it's more classical styling, this track takes a nice ride. The second of the vocal tracks on the release, Something, is a strong ballad with a strong melodic line and vocals. It puts me in mind of the earliest of Elton John music with a nice blend on melody and composition. Very nice. Duel is a really cool track that reminds me quite a bit of older western type bolero's. With exceptional guitar work upfront, not unlike Akkerman in Focus, anchored by Mikkonen's drums, this track takes a full ride adding Jouko Auramo on trombone, Jermu Kolvukoski on trumpet and Perttu Pannula on sax. This track is a serious composition! Wrapping the release is Sergio, another track with a western flair. With nicely arpeggiated chords, twang bar bends and strong tom tom work in the background, this track is an excellent closed to a really cool release!



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Ruf Records artist: Ina Forsman - Self Titled - New Release Review

I just received the newest release, a self titled debut from Ina Forsman and it's terrific! Opening with Hanging Loose, Ina Forsman hits the road running with a solid and powerful, almost indescribable voice. Joined by Laura Chavez and Derek O'Brien on guitars, stellar piano work by Nick Connolly on keys, Russell Jackson on bass Tommy Taylor on drums and Mark Kazanoff on sax, John Mills on bari, Al Gomez on trumpet and Aaron Kazanoff on trumpet this is a solid opener. On Pretty Messed Up you hear solid sounds of the 60's R&B scene and Forsman sings like a star. Showing total confidence and composure, this girl can perform. With a cool piano opening by Connolly, Bubbly Kisses, eases up with a bit of 40' style mystery. Forsman's voice is intoxicating and with subtle nuance and outright power she commands your attention. Backing vocals by Alice Spencer, Tommy Taylor, Nick Connolly and Mark Kazanoff with sassy trumpet work by Al Gomez sets this track up nicely. Reggae track, Farewell, has a super rhythmic feel and really rich vocals. Masterful work by Taylor, Chavez and O'Brien gives Forsman plenty of room to do her stuff and she takes the track by storm. Trumpet accents by Gomez and Aaron and nice harp work by Helge Tallqvist makes this a particularly memorable track. Don't Hurt Me Now is one of my favorite tracks on the release with Forsman covering a latin beat with heavy B3 work by Connolly. Her vocal phrasing and effortless vocals, complimented by a slick solo by Chavez is tight and beautiful. Blues style track, Talk To Me, is given a tint of old school with solid blues style harp work by Tallqvist. Soul ballad, Now You Want Me Back, has a lot of punch with old school, up front vocal, warm backing vocals and nice horns. Very cool. Slinky, Devil May Dance Tonight, rides high on the drum work of Taylor and bass styling of Jackson. Essential piano phrasing by Connolly really works nicely with Forsman's voice and shimmery guitar work by Chavez adds to the dimensional qualities of the track. Very powerful. Fifties styled, Before You Go Home, really has style bringing thoughts of the late Amy Winehouse. Forsman has a powerful tool with a lot of character and she knows how to parlay it. A lower octave guitar solo by Chavez and relentless piano work by Connolly set the bar for this track. R&B track, No Room For Love, has a super beat and tight horns. It's obvious that Forsman has been doing her homework and studying the best in her stylistic influences. Very nice. Wrapping the release is Nina Simone's I Want A Little Sugar In My Bowl and it is over the top hot. Forsman shows just how smoking hot she really is with all of the blues you could possibly pack in one track. Backed only by Connolly, and with a sultry sax solo by Mark, this track is an excellent cherry on top of the whipped cream.



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Hokahey Records artist: Micke Bjorklof & Blue Strip - Ain't Bad Yet - New Release Review

I just received the newest release, Ain't Bad Yet, from Micke Bjorklof (pronounced Be-York-Loaf)& Blue Strip and it's an excellent blues rocker. Opening with Last Train To Memphis, a driving rocker with great blues riff. Vocalist Micke Bjorklof leads the way and guitarist Lefty Leppanen chases on slide guitar backed by Teemu Vuorela on drums and Seppo Nuolikoski on bass. On Sweet Troublemaker, the band picks up a serious rock beat heavily reinforced by Vuorela on drums and Nuolikoski on bass. Tim Lewis joins on keys with Micke on lead vocal, Lena Lindroos and Veera Railio on backing vocal and Lefty on slide. Excellent rocker! Lefty opens Rain In Jerusalem with really rich, thick slide tones reinforced by Lewis on keys. With Timo Roiko-Jokela on percussion and Vuorela on drums, this track has a super rhythm. Super track! Offbeat funky, Get Ya In Da Mood has it's own sound and Bjorklof adds blues harp to his lead vocals. Lefty lays down a really nice guitar solo with trem bends and stinging blues riffs, heavily reinforced by TRJ and Vuorela. Very nice! Slinky, Hold Your Fire Baby is one of my favorite tracks on the relese. It puts me in mind of a super track/remake by Al Green and Savoy Brown of an old Temptations track. It just has a super groove and I really like the hooded vocals with harp over the mix. Excellent track! On title track It Ain't Bad Yet, Lefty digs in on resonator accompanying Micke for a somber ballad. With it's island jazz mix, Rat Chase, the band shows it's real versatility, creating a totally Caribbean feel. With heavy snare/cymbal beat and bass reinforcement, pushed along byLewis on keys, Micke really ramps up on this track vocally filling the air with smoke on harp. Excellent! Sweet Dream's A Sweet Dream is the purest radio track on the release but even with it's super hook and contained vocals, Lefty screams out great guitar riffs and Nuolikoski drives a great bass rhythm. Today has a ramblin' country blues feel with finger picked banjo like guitar and light percussion. Two stepping, Blame It On The Bright Lights, has just a tint of 60's beach music with easy vocal harmonizing. Vuorela maintains the tracks steadiness with tight drums and Lefty steps in with a flashy stylistic guitar solo. Wrapping the release is In Chains, an excellent primitive style blues with crisp with New Orleans style stumble drumming, warm slide work and perfectly thought out harp trimming. I really like Bjorklof's vocals throughout and blended with Leppanen, Nuolikoski, Lindroos and Railio, this is a tough combo to beat. This is an excellent release!

   

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Micke Bjorklof & Blue Strip - Ramblified

Micke Bjorklof: Lead vocals, harmonica, guitar
Lefty Leppänen: Electric- and national steel guitar, vocals
Teemu Vuorela: Drums
Seppo Nuolikoski: Bass, vocals
Timo Roiko-Jokela: Percussion, MalletKAT

Bandleader and singer Micke Bjorklof founded Blue Strip with bass player Seppo Nuolikoski in 1991. After a few changes at the very start the line up has been the same for over fifteen years. They started as an acoustic blues/rock cover band but before long the roots & blues music and producing original material took over. Today the band is one of the most popular live acts in the roots & blues scene in Finland. They have stirred up audiences around Scandinavia and Europe with their energetic live shows wherever they play, from small clubs to big festival arenas. Opening shows for names like B.B King, FabulousThunderbirds, Little Feat, Bill Wyman Rhythm Kings, Solomon Burke, Robert Plant etc.” In 2007 Micke Bjorklof & Blue Strip finished up work on their latest release titled “Whole Nutha Thang”. The album was recorded in London, England with producer Neil Brockbank (Nick Lowe, Tanita Tikaram, Bryan Ferry). The album featured guest appearances by horn players Matt Holland and Martin Winning (Van Morrison, Lisa Stansfield) and magnificent keyboard player Geraint Watkins, known for his work with Paul McCartney, Bill Wyman, Van Morrison and Mark Knopfler.  

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Hale's Pleasure Railway - Southpaw Steel 'n' Twang - New Release Review

I just received a new release, Hale's Pleasure Railway from Southpaw Steel 'n' Twang and it's really an eclectic blast! Opening with Open Field, Ville Leppanen plays some distinctively American country style pedal steel guitar riffs over jazz grass riffs on guitar. Joined by Tero Mikkonen on drums and JP Monkkonen on bass, these guys have concocted a formula that really successfully blends country, jazz, blues and bluegrass sounds in an exciting way. Bayou, again with pedal steel lead has a bit of muted strings and jazz fusion funk sounds. This is a great track. Alternating between picking and slide is a cool effect for this all instrumental track. Secret Sunset has a distinctively Hawaiian sound even including ukulele. Ville breaks away from the solid Hawaiian slide work and picks a bit giving the track texture but this thing is all tropical. Bad Alley has a beautiful classical (electric) intro before entering into a modern take on swamp blues and gypsy jazz with tremelo chords (think Les Paul style). Ville plays harmonics on guitar over a nice bass lead by Monkkonen. This is an enchanting and tactile track. Excellent! Butterscotch breaks into straight bebop jazz (with hints of country riffs). Excellent lead work from Ville on electric guitar coasting along on the drum work of Mikkonen and Monkkonen on bass make this another must hear. Title track, Steel 'n' Twang, takes a venture away from this guitar laden for a track backed by handclaps (percussion) and vocals by Ville and Jukka Haikonen. Cool. Red is an extremely well composed guitar lullaby. With soothing guitar sounds and light drum work, Ville plays a very nice baritone guitar solo. This may not have the pyrotechnics of Jeff Beck (but it doesn't need it), one of my personal favorite fusion players, but this is really masterfully done. The Game has a twin guitar lead with 6 string and pedal steel. Over a rocky beat by Mikkonen and tight bass work by Monkkonen this track has a nice groove. Stepping up into the heavier zone but still maintaining the fusion feel Dark C is a hot track. It's hard to compare (appropriately) any of my favorite artists but when trying to describe what I hear, think J Beck, Pete Carr, Mahavishnu, King Crimson, Trey Gunn, with a new twist. Feather Weather shows a solid return to classic 40's style slide jazz work. Jukka Haikonen adds organ on this track keeping the track light and bouncy. Wrapping the release is Still, a quiet steel guitar led ballad with minor hints of progressiveness. If you are at all open minded and love guitar music, this is a release that I highly recommend. These guys have really put together a fine piece of work!  

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Blueing - The Mustangs

THE MUSTANGS, who originate from Orimattila, were formed from the remnants of THE SCAVENGERS in 1981, when it’s former members Jari Aaltonen – rhythm guitar; Markku Tuominen – bass and Jarmo Tuominen – drums, teamed up with new recruit Matti Luhtala on lead guitar. Matti Luhtala started to play guitar at the age of 14 and he was soon invited to play rhythm guitar in his first band called THE BAT. After a few years Luhtala met Jari Aaltonen in the band STINGRAY, which featured Jari on guitar and vocals. After some experience in a few other bands, 18-year-old Matti was invited to join THE SCAVENGERS just before the summer of 1981 as the former lead guitarist Ari Ovaska had left the group. Jari Aaltonen was also 14 when he received his first guitar. It would not take too long before the talented rhythm guitarist entered his first band. Before starting up THE SCAVENGERS, the Tuominen brothers had mainly been playing in various dance music line-ups, which usually were led by their father, who played accordion. On a few of those dance-music gigs during 1977-1979, Jari also joined them. In the summer of 1981 the foursome of THE SCAVENGERS met 2 fantastic enthusiasts of instrumental guitar music an well-know record collectors, Olle Salo and Seppo Salminen. The owners of the instrumental label Rautalanka Records supported, encouraged and inspired the boys, and Seppo even allowed them to use his living room for rehearsals. Olle Salo – widely known as Mr. Rautalanka (Mr. Guitar Music) – was the one who eventually came up with the idea to change the name of the group to THE MUSTANGS. The band became more and more involved with the Rautalanka sound with the “big echo” and soon the first recording session took place at Studio Brushane in spring 1982, with production by Olle Salo and Seppo Salminen. Four tracks from this session, Lonely River / Magic Carpet / Ice Flowers / Evening Wind appeared on the first EP “Lonely River” (Rautalanka Rocrds RREP-1 / 1982). At that time, the repertoire of THE MUSTANGS was mainly based on old instrumental classics and Finnish traditionals moulded into twist and guitar instrumentals. Because of the great succes of their first EP, another three EP releases followed on Rautalanka Records: “Pistoleros” (RREP-2 / 1982), “Castle Mood” (RREP-3 / 1983) and “Siberia” (RREP-6 / 1984). Their first full-length LP, “The Mustangs”, appeared on LeBaron Music in 1983 (LBLP/MK 251) and proved to be a hit among instrumental record collectors, both in Finland as well as the rest of Europe. By the time the group released their second LP, “Must Twang” (Bluebird BBL/BBK 2507 / 1986), their popularity had grown remarkably. Around that time they had first Finnish TV appearance with “Cider Stomp”, a track taken from the MAXI-EP with the same title (Bluebird BBX-4 / 1986) In spring 1988, the Tuominen brothers left THE MUSTANGS. Their repalcements were Timo Leinonen (drums) and Jari Vironen (bass). Sakari Korhonen, who had allready played with Matti in a couple of other bands in the early and mid 80′s, completed the renewed line-up. This five-men line-up recorded the third Mustangs album, “Twistside Story” (Bluebird BBL/BBK/BBCD 2526), which was characterised by vocals of Sakari Korhonen and Jari Vironen on a couple of tracks and intrumental compositions by Matti Luhtala. Some of these instrumental tracks can be found on the “Perestroka” collection, which was first released in Japan (Vavan Media VMCP-1016) in 1991 and later in Finland by Bluebird (BBCD 5010). This album contains fine examples of THE MUSTANGS’ music from 1982-1988. In addition to their instrumental material, the group have had very succesfulco-operation with Finnish frontline-vocalist Reijo Taipale. In 1989 the single “Virran Rannalla” went to the top of the Finnish chart and the album with the same title sold double platinum with more than 120.000 copies.The Mustangs 2 THE MUSTANGS’ fans had to wait until 1992 for a new fully instrumental Mustangs album, when “Going Doing” was released (Bluebird BBK 593/BBCD 5013). This appeared to be the last release with the five-man line-up, which had existed since 1988. Line-up changes took place in 1993 when Sakari Korhonen, Timo Leinonen and Matti Luhtala were replaced by Janne Orava (lead guitar) and Jarmo Peippo (drums). With the new line-up Aaltonen, Orava, Vivonen and Peippo, THE MUSTANGS released one 5-track CD, “Pro Vox” (MUST-003) in 1994 and did occasional gigs until the end of 1995. By that time, the growing popularity of Orava’s own band, THE REGENTS, did not leave him and Peippo (also member of The Regents), enough time to concentrate on both groups and therefor they decided to leave THE MUSTANGS. 1996 was a very quiet year for THE MUSTANGS, as Jari Aaltonen was also very busy with his succesful country & western group THE NIGHTRIDERS. Their CD was gaining lots of airplay both on Finnish and European radio stations. Finally in January 1997 Jarmo Tuominen suggested a re-union for the original -81 line-up. During their absence from THE MUSTANGS between 1988-1996, the Tuominen brothers has kept their musical skills on a high level by contributing to many interesting projects like THE CHARADES, THE CREEPERS (Markku) and THE SHANONS (Makkru and Jarmo). Matti Luhtala also had some co-operation with Jarmo and Markku during 94-95 with a short-lived instrumental group THE SCARS. At present THE MUSTANGS are powerfully back again. They have been asked to do regular gigs at several clubs, restaurants and festivals and also to make their own recordings in various locations, mostly in the SingSong Studio. Four tracks from session in this studio can be heard on the compilation “Exotic Entertainment and Scary Sounds vol. 2″ (Texicalli Records TEXCD 013 / 1998). In order to keep the sound of their music original, THE MUSTANGS always rely on the legendary sixties tape echo and tube amplifier sound. All tracks they produce are recreated faithfully with an up-to-date sound and production by a group which not only have a love for the type of music but also a genuine feel for it. Some of the above information has been taken from an interview with Jean Bachelerie (Guitar & Drums) and own interviews with Matti Luhtala and Jari Aaltonen.  

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Slim Butler - Inner Blues - New Release Review

I just received the newest release, Inner Blues, from Slim Butler and it really smokes! Opening with Mr Big Shot, this band is crankin from the start. Featuring Andrew Black on vocal and Jarmo Pahakka and Otis Grand on guitar this track is a real burner. What Have You Done, featuring Sugar Ray Norcia on vocals and Puhakka on guitars is a slow R&B style blues and it is right on target. Juhani Vitikka on keys, Hannu Lehtomaa on bass, and Markku Orislahti on drums round out the band on this great track. Jarmo has a real sweet ability to hold back on the guitar and then explode with hot meaningful riffs. Super! Never Lose My Soul, another R&B style track but with a bit of Latin influence features Norcia and his silver throat again on vocals and Jarmo plays some really tasty electric and acoustic classically influenced guitar riffs setting this track apart. A Heart Of Ice again features Black on vocals and finds a real guitar partnership to reckon with. Otis Grand playing a hot whammy strat solo, Jarmo on electric and Raimo Hakala wailin away on lap steel. Excellent! Henry Valanne contributes drums on this track as well as others. Life On The Line is a chuggin kind R&B style of blues with a great back beat. Featuring Black on vocals the rhythm section sets a great pace and Jarmo answers the call with stinging guitar response. Hey Bartender is a driving boogie and one of the coolest tracks with a real Texas twist. Norcia delivers the goods on this track and Jarmo plays Texas style over a great driving rhythm section of Lehtomaa and Valanne. Mexican Tears is a real Tex Mex rocker with all the juicy licks and rockin rhythm guitar. Black is back on lead vocal and the track is quite a lot of fun with notable contributions by Vitikka on keys.  Got To Move is thick and greasy featuring Black on vocals but Jarmo really puts on the heat and has super deluxe, thick guitar tone on this one. Vitikka lays down some cool organ work on this track as well. Final track, I Can't Imagine Why, is a solid blues ballad featuring Black again on vocal. Jarmo plays sweet, heartfelt guitar solos throughout this track, never overplaying, but just applying riffs as punctuation. Taking a decently long melody line lead guitar solo Jarmo pulls all attention his way but then with a nice balance with vocalist Black they close out the track together. Very cool. The title track, Inner Blues, is actually a bonus track on this release. Really a modern delta style guitar duet, Grand and Jarmo play one of the least polished yet most interesting tracks on the release. I think that this recording is superb and should get a lot of attention. It isn't just the big names but the band is really terrific. They have put together a great release and it is well executed. Excellent!

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Albert Järvinen, Jukka Orma and Pedro Hietanen

Pekka "Albert" Johannes Järvinen (born October 25, 1950 in Iitti, Finland, died March 24, 1991 in London, England) was a Finnish guitarist. He is most well known as a fast-fingered and skilled guitar player of Finnish rock band Hurriganes. He got his stage-name Albert from one of his idols, blues guitarist Albert King. Järvinen started playing acoustic guitar at the age of eight. He studied classic guitar playing under the teaching of Ivan Putilin before switching to electric guitar. He got his first electric guitar (Gretsch) in 1965. He played in numerous bands, including blues band The Harp, Poison, the background band of singer Kristian, and later Eero Raittinen and Kalevala before replacing Ile Kallio as a guitarist of Hurriganes in May 1972. He also worked as a studio guitarist for many Finnish singers in that time. In 1975 Järvinen left Hurriganes and played with Rock-Jerry before founding a new blues rock band, Royals which tried to challenge the success of Hurriganes. In 1979 Royals was broken up and Järvinen was planning to continue his career in England. Elvis Costello and many others wanted him to became their guitarist. This was result as a contacts with Nick Lowe, who had earlier come to Finland to record Järvinen's guitar solos. However Järvinen came back to Finland and played in the band of Dave Lindholm before joining back to Hurriganes in 1979. His second spell in Hurriganes lasted two years. In that time the band recorded two albums. In 1981 Järvinen joined Sleepy Sleepers but was sacked due to his heavy alcohol drinking. Together with former Sleepy Sleepers drummer Harri Lemola Järvinen formed a new band The Quips which lasted only a year. In 1984 Järvinen published a maxi-single Countdown under the name of Albert Järvinen Band. The single was produced and also signed by Lemmy Kilmister from English band Motörhead. In the middle of 1980s Järvinen kept low profile practising his guitar skills. At the end half of the decade he played with various artist and recorded a solo album Braindamage – Or Still Alive together with Albert King and William Clarke. Järvinen died on a concert trip in London in the Spring of 1991. The official cause of death was myocardial infarction. No illegal drugs were found in his body. Järvinen is buried in Honkanummi cemetery in Vantaa.

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Micke Björklöf & BlueStrip

When did you last hear a vibraphone hobnob with a frantic slide guitar? Probably never, but now you can. After a five years wait, Micke Björklöf & Blue Strip finally delivers a new album "Whole´Nutha Thang", featuring eleven exquisitely completed new songs. The album was recorded in London, England with producer Neil Brockbank (Nick Lowe, Tanita Tikaram, Bryan Ferry) in fall 2006. In addition to the excellent band members there are guest appearances by horn players Matt Holland and Martin Winning (Van Morrison, Lisa Stansfield) and keyboard player Geraint Watkins, known for his work with Paul McCartney, Bill Wyman, Van Morrison and Mark Knopfler. The album title “Whole´Nutha Thang” refers to a new era for the band. The whole process of recording in London was a big thing on its own and it can also be regarded as a giant step for the band towards an international career as a roots & blues music artist. The song writing is stronger than ever and the band is really groovy. The album offers a mature and focused collection of all-original roots and blues songs with soul, rock and pop flourishes. The rockin´ songs like “Hard for a woman, hard for a man”, “Jungle cat”, “Grapesugar love” as well as beautifully built laid back tracks “I fell down from the tree (when I saw Robert Johnson pass me by)”, Extreme”, “Silver moon” and “Whatever your name” are a soul stirring listening experience. “We already had the new material ready and some preliminary plans made for the realizing of our fourth album when we met with Neil Brockbank. He worked with Geraint Watkins on a festival gig here in Finland”, Björklöf recalls. “We jammed with Geraint that night and after the show we had a few drinks with the guys, just to socialize a bit. Next morning I had a dicussion with Neil over breakfast and he impressed me with the way he talked about making music. He is really into this organic, live approach and letting things happen naturally. At that time no plans were yet made but I thought to myself “I want to make a record with this guy”, says Björklöf. After a couple of weeks he proposed the producing of the next BlueStrip album to Brockbank and six months later the band found themselves in the recording session in London. BlueStrip was founded by the bandleader and singer Micke Björklöf and the bass player/songwriter Seppo Nuolikoski in 1991. After a few changes at the very start the line up has been the same for almost ten years. They started as an acoustic pubrock cover band but before long the roots & blues music and producing original material took over. Today the band is one of the most popular live acts in the roots & blues scene in Finland. They have strirred up audiences with their energetic live shows wherever they play, from small club stages to big festival arenas. The exceptionally ingenious guitar player, songwriter and singer Lefty Leppänen is regarded as one of the top slide guitarists in Europe. His resourceful playing is one the BlueStrips trademarks, as well as the sound of vibraphone, played by the mallet virtuoso/arranger Timo Roiko-Jokela, who also builds striking percussion elements with the dynamic drummer Teemu Vuorela.  

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Erja Lyytinen Band

Erja Lyytinen (Photo by Hans Lehtinen)

‘Forbidden Fruit’ is the fifth solo album from Erja Lyytinen, a pocket dynamo often referred to as Finland’s Queen Of The Slide Guitar. She had also been tagged as her homeland’s answer to Bonnie Raitt. Though flattering, neither epithet is entirely accurate. Lyytinen can play the Dobro and is highly accomplished in many different forms of guitar technique – not just bottleneck blues. And like Bonnie Raitt, Erja Lyytinen chooses not to dwell exclusively in any one particular niche. The blues is her home – undeniably so – but she loves to explore, blur and, where appropriate, transcend the genre’s boundaries. Born in Kuopio, a small town in central Finland, Erja was raised by a musically-orientated family on the sounds of Led Zeppelin, the Beatles and Deep Purple. She also listened to a lot of pop music, especially Madonna and Michael Jackson. By the age of 15 she was singing and playing the violin with her mother (a bassist) and father (who encouraged her to take up his own instrument – the electric guitar). And then along came the blues and an array of guitar players: At first Robben Ford, Pat Metheny and Mike Stern and then, as the dam burst, Stray Cat Brian Setzer, T-Bone Walker, Danny Gatton, Kenny Burrell and Albert Collins. As her interest in slide guitar grew, so did an appreciation of Little Feat’s Lowell George, Derek Trucks, Elmore James, Muddy Waters and of course Bonnie Raitt. “Nowadays when I want to relax I listen to all these ‘old blues’ guitar players, like Son House,” she reveals. A 2010 graduate from the prestigious Helsinki Sibelius Academy, Erja signed her first record deal in 2001 and has been a professional gigging musician for a more than a decade. Released in Finland by Ruf Records on January 18th, 2013, (other countries must wait till the wintertime), ‘Forbidden Fruit’ is her most diverse and rewarding album to date, continuing the advancements that made 2010’s ‘Voracious Love’ such a popular release. To the surprise of many, ‘Voracious Love’ featured two special guests; Marco Hietala of the symphonic heavy metal band Nightwish and cellist Paavo Lotjonen of Apocalyptica, who specialise in fusing classical music with rock sounds. This time Erja and her well-settled backing group of guitarist Davide Floreno, bassist Roger Inniss and drummer Miri Miettinen did it all alone except for those mellifluous keyboards supplied by Harri Taittonen. Several of its nine selections were carefully routined out on the road before being laid down at Rescue Room Studios in Helsinki. One of these, ‘At Least We Still Fight’ finds Erja at her poppiest. Meanwhile, the seven-minute ‘Change Of Season’ boasts an airiness and lightness of touch that caused one live reviewer to suggest the song “hinted at an Allman Bros-style melody when its instrumental climax reached full flow.” One commonality that Lyytinen shares with all of the blues greats is a belief that music should be personal. ‘Forbidden Fruit’ is a frank, at times cathartic, statement. “Isn’t music supposed to heal you?” she muses. “But I also like to ‘heal’ my listeners, whatever they are experiencing in life because many times we feel we are alone with our problems, but actually many people suffer the same issues.” Erja reveals that among her primary goals with ‘Forbidden Fruit’ was to sound “honest, beautiful and sad at the same time.” She has undeniably achieved that aim. Though she’d be the first to admit that her skills as a raconteur are not yet on a par with those jaw-dropping levels of musicianship, Lyytinen is learning fast. “The guitar – or any instrument, for that matter – is there just to support the story that I’m trying to tell with a song,” she believes. The new album’s collaboration with Alan Darby can only accelerate this progression. The Scottish writer, who has worked with Bonnie Raitt and Bonnie Tyler, co-composed two of its selections. Darby has also played guitar for Eric Clapton and Paul McCartney. “Alan came to a gig of mine in London and suggested writing together,” explains Lyytinen. “He’s a slide guitarist, guitarist and a songwriter with a similar taste in music, so working together felt very seamless.” The album’s eye-catching cover image was shot in London by Finnish photographer Tina Korhonen. In contrast to the artwork of previous releases it makes her look every inch the sophisticated little minx. “The session was awesome!” she purrs. “I love costumes, clothes, beautiful shoes and make-up.” Of course, there’s a fine line between looking attractive and seeking to gain advantage from one’s gender but Ms Lyytinen insists that the glamorous makeover was undertaken for her own benefit. “This time I wanted to present myself a bit differently,” she volunteers. “The cover doesn’t show some young, insecure, inexperienced girl who has been put there to pose by men but a 35-year-old woman confident with her own body and unafraid to flaunt her feminity. The album title of ‘Forbidden Fruit’ implies something sexual and tempting, but the song is actually very deep. So there’s a bit of a twist and contrast there.” A proud endorsee of Fender guitars, Erja has played at the South By South West Festival in Austin, Texas, in 2004 and returned to the States two years later as part of a Blues Caravan package tour that also featured Aynsley Lister and Ian Parker. A similar trek that teamed her with Oli Brown and Joanne Shaw Taylor visited no less than 16 European countries. Over the coming months she and her band will perform the first batch of dates to promote the new release (see below). ‘Forbidden Fruit’ is an album of real substance, from an artist on the rise. The blues have never sounded more essential. Dave Ling, Classic Rock Magazine

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The Things That I Used To Do - PEPE AHLQVIST

A distinguished member of the European blues elite, PEPE AHLQVIST (born on 4th of July 1956) is an internationally known Finnish blues artist. During his 40-year-long career he has frequently performed with many legendary blues artists.He has managed to maintain his popularity through the years by presenting fabulous and successful recordings with various bands and giving over 5.000 gigs and concerts. Pepe Ahlqvist is considered a talented and personal singer-guitarist-harmonica player with individual style who also writes his own songs. Pepe began his career in the turn of the 1960's and 1970's. CHICAGO OVERCOAT, his band in the 1970's, thrived under the shield of the legendary Love Records, wherefrom Pepe moved on to collaborate with Fazer/Warner Music for a good period of time. In the late 1980's and early 1990's PEPE AHLQVIST H.A.R.P. recorded several indispensable albums. Besides Finland, the Pepe Ahlqvist albums have been released for instance in the other Nordic countries and in Middle Europe. The last one of the three most important Pepe Ahlqvist bands, THE ROLLING TUMBLEWEED recorded four albums that represent the absolute cream of Finnish blues. Pepe's most recent project, SF BLUES (Suomi-Finland Blues) started in 2002 with singer/guitarist Heikki Silvennoinen . So far there's been featuring top guests, and more is to come. Pepe has been touring in Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Holland, Belgium, Austria, Germany, Luxemburg, Estonia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, USA and Canada. He has also performed as a guest soloist in a large number of concerts by international blues legends in Finland, for example for B.B. King in 2004 and 2006. Nowadays Pepe Ahlqvist works as a solo artist from acoustic gigs to big band concerts. If you like what I’m doing, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band! - ”LIKE”

Chicken in the Watch - Black River Bluesman & Bad Mood Hudson

Black River Bluesman and his Cockroach Combo destroyed the woods and the mountains around their tiny hometown of Mustio Finland by carving their guitars, drums and harmonicas from whole ironwood trees with their bare hands and by using John Henry..s twelve pound hammer (with four foot handle) they beat down those mountains for brass, silver and iron (and coal to fire this thing) to fashion the rest of the parts they needed. When they were finished they stomped their thirst with a bottle of RL Burnside..s Bloody mthrfckr and sat down in the full moon light at that muddy crossroads between Holly Springs Mississippi, Mustio and County Kisko to play Their raw dirty beautiful Blues.................Rick Saunders, Deep Blues (USA), August 2006.

Jukka plays Johnny Lowebow’s genuine handmade custom cigar-box guitars, the most special of which is the doubleneck stereo baritone. Multi-instrumentalist Andy, who joined the band in the days of the Croaking Lizard quartet, functions in this line-up as a drummer-percussionist and a back-up singer. He has spent years singing and playing in and writing for various bands, mostly in the field of heavier rock.

”The flag-bearer of Finnish alt.blues”, Black River Bluesman has always walked his own path, producing his uncompromising and original music with little regard for the mainstream. The line-ups have changed, but the group has now tightened into a working duo, retaining nothing but the most vital elements of their music.

Past gigs include numerous festivals literally around the globe, from Nepal to Italy and Estonia, from Shetland to the USA and Brazil. Airplay, live radio and TV performances, magazine profiles and praise have also cropped up in all corners of the world. Black River Bluesman's 4th full-length album is due before the end of the year.
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Broke My Baby's Heart - Baby Boy Varhama Blues Band

Varhama suunnitteli kahdeksankymmentäluvun puolessa välin sähköistä blues-rockbändiä, joka soittaisi valtaosin hänen omia sävellyksiään – niitä oli vuosien varrella kertynyt pöytälaatikkoon. Sopivat miehet löytyivät joskus 80/90 –luvun taitteessa ja homma polkaistiin käyntiinkin, vaan lyhytaikaiseksi jäi Blues Business. Bassoa siinä soitti Jarski Poutiainen, rummuissa oli Hanski Rontu, koskettimissa Jari Puheloinen ja perkussioista vastasi Timo Ronkainen; Baby Boy lauloi ja soitti kitaraa. Vaikka homma tyrehtyi, jäi kaipaus yhtyeen konseptista. 1989
Asia tuli sopivasti esille vuonna ’98, jolloin Jarski Poutiainen ja Jaska Heinonen kysyivät, olisiko Varhamalla jemmassa J. Leinon bändille sopivia bluesbiisejä. Niinpä Pentti kasasi itseään nuoremmista, entisistä Tiirismaan koulun oppilaista (ko. koulussa Varhama on toiminut jo vuosia historian opettajana ja on kuulemani mukaan pidetty opettaja) yhtyeen, jolla aikoi äänittää vain demobiisit Leinon bändin kuultavaksi. Ryhmittymän bändikemia toimi loistavasti, ja niinpä konklaavi on harvakseltaan aktiivinen nimellä THE BABY BOY VARHAMA BLUES BAND. Rumpuja soittaa Matias Partanen, bassossa on Esa Korja, kitaroissa Daniel Harkin & B.B. Varhama ja lyömäsoittimissa Lari Hermanni Lius.
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Stone Inside - Micke Björklöf & Bluestrip

When did you last hear a vibraphone hobnob with a frantic slide guitar? Probably never, but now you can.

After a five years wait, Micke Björklöf & Blue Strip finally delivers a new album "Whole´Nutha Thang", featuring eleven exquisitely completed new songs. The album was recorded in London, England with producer Neil Brockbank (Nick Lowe, Tanita Tikaram, Bryan Ferry) in fall 2006. In addition to the excellent band members there are guest appearances by horn players Matt Holland and Martin Winning (Van Morrison, Lisa Stansfield) and keyboard player Geraint Watkins, known for his work with Paul McCartney, Bill Wyman, Van Morrison and Mark Knopfler.

The album title “Whole´Nutha Thang” refers to a new era for the band. The whole process of recording in London was a big thing on its own and it can also be regarded as a giant step for the band towards an international career as a roots & blues music artist. The song writing is stronger than ever and the band is really groovy. The album offers a mature and focused collection of all-original roots and blues songs with soul, rock and pop flourishes. The rockin´ songs like “Hard for a woman, hard for a man”, “Jungle cat”, “Grapesugar love” as well as beautifully built laid back tracks “I fell down from the tree (when I saw Robert Johnson pass me by)”, Extreme”, “Silver moon” and “Whatever your name” are a soul stirring listening experience.

“We already had the new material ready and some preliminary plans made for the realizing of our fourth album when we met with Neil Brockbank. He worked with Geraint Watkins on a festival gig here in Finland”, Björklöf recalls. “We jammed with Geraint that night and after the show we had a few drinks with the guys, just to socialize a bit. Next morning I had a dicussion with Neil over breakfast and he impressed me with the way he talked about making music. He is really into this organic, live approach and letting things happen naturally. At that time no plans were yet made but I thought to myself “I want to make a record with this guy”, says Björklöf. After a couple of weeks he proposed the producing of the next BlueStrip album to Brockbank and six months later the band found themselves in the recording session in London.

BlueStrip was founded by the bandleader and singer Micke Björklöf and the bass player/songwriter Seppo Nuolikoski in 1991. After a few changes at the very start the line up has been the same for almost ten years. They started as an acoustic pubrock cover band but before long the roots & blues music and producing original material took over. Today the band is one of the most popular live acts in the roots & blues scene in Finland. They have strirred up audiences with their energetic live shows wherever they play, from small club stages to big festival arenas. The exceptionally ingenious guitar player, songwriter and singer Lefty Leppänen is regarded as one of the top slide guitarists in Europe. His resourceful playing is one the BlueStrips trademarks, as well as the sound of vibraphone, played by the mallet virtuoso/arranger Timo Roiko-Jokela, who also builds striking percussion elements with the dynamic drummer Teemu Vuorela.
If you like what I’m doing, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band! - ”LIKE”