Following the release at the end of March of her latest studio album, 'Smell The Roses', internationally acclaimed Blues Rock guitarist, singer and songwriter Erja Lyytinen stopped off at Putney's The Half Moon in London last Tuesday, the final leg of her short three gig tour, with the band having also recently been performing in Portugal.

The last time we caught the Finnish slide goddess's power trio was at Islington's O2 Academy 2 in April. So it was great to see the return of Heikki Saarenkunnas on bass and Jesse Lehto on drums, as they made their way on to this iconic venue's stage, immediately breaking into an instrumental intro before the arrival of Erja to a warm welcome from an appreciative audience.

Similar to Islington, there was again no support tonight, as the ever-smiling Lyytinen asked "How are we doing tonight?", before launching straight into 'Ball and Chain' with a trademark solo on her shiny blue guitar, contrasting against her stunning black outfit. Next, and not to be outdone fashion wise, the "Erja" t-shirt wearing Lehto's thumping drum intro, had everyone clapping along to the new album's first single and title track, which saw Lyytinen also delivering a powerful vocal.

The response was an unanimous "Yeah!" as Erja teased, "We're 'Going To Hell', will you join me?" Cue the fourth single from 'Smell The Roses' with it's distinct Blues vibe, as Lyytinen's amazing guitar solo was more than equalled by yet another during the following 'Dragonfly'. Of which the latter not only saw the ecstatic crowd once again clapping along to Jesse's pounding drums, but also Erja grooving along with bassist Heikki, as well as landing another stand out vocal to boot.

Indeed, Erja wasn't joking when she introduced 'Abyss', as "It's gonna get loud", with the joint duly rockin' out to this guitar-driven heavy epic and third single from the new album, that not only saw one, but two searing Lyytinen guitar solos, as well as her exceptional banshee like vocal. Lyytinen's slide guitar intro on 'Lover's Novels' heralded a departure from the new album, returning back to 2017's outstanding 'Stolen Hearts', as Erja closed out the first forty-five minute set standing right in front of me, stage right, with one more soaring solo to help us all get through to the other side of the interval!

Kicking off the second set, Lyytinen reminded her dedicated faithful (some of whom I was talking to during the break, who had actually been to Finland see her perform!) that she was returning back to London next year on Thursday 15th October to be precise! Despite that seeming a long way off, the genial crowd duly obliged Erja's request "Are you ready to sing?" on the very apt 'EmptyHours'!

Amusingly described by Lyytinen as the "Hiking Song", her marvellous slide guitar riff on 'Stoney Creek', another from the new album, had us all pondering how on earth Erja managed those sound pedals, given her high heeled black boots? Next up was her upbeat Rock song and second new album single, 'The Ring'. Positioning herself front of stage, this outstanding ZZ Top influenced riff was duly complimented by a few raised sign of the horns from tonight's well impressed gathering!

Continuing with the new album, the slower, but albeit mean slide guitar riff and crystal clear vocal from Erja on the delightful 'Wings To Fly', was followed by a well received bass solo from Hekki, as Lyytinen waited in the wings having a well deserved sip of water. "Are we ready?" enquired Erja, as the audience subsequently clapped along one last time to the thundering riff of the penultimate 'You Talk Dirty', taken from her 'Attention!' album released unbelievably 23 years ago!

Hence , following one final guitar change, Lyytinen let us all in on the secret of her "big number" birthday next year (you do the maths), before closing out with the epic 'Wedding Day'. Taken from her 2019 album 'Another World', that originally featured Sonny Landreth no less, this had it all, including snippets of 'Iron Man', 'Smoke On The Water' and even Edith Piaf's 'La Vie en Rose' (seriously).

Indeed, talking of seeing the world through rose coloured glasses, unfortunately there was no time for 'Crosstown Traffic' (as per the stage setlist kindly photographed for me by Hekki), but hey, tonight we witnessed yet another superb guitar and vocal masterclass from Erja, who excels live with her infectious personality, as well as always having a smile on her face.

Hyvää Syntymäpäivää for July next year Erja, and we're already looking forward to your return in October!

Review: AJ
Photos: Bruce Biege