Queen of the Slide: Erja Lyytinen’s Electrifying Performance in Putney

The venue room at the back of The Half Moon, Putney was filling up nicely with a queue out the door and around the pub; the crowd eagerly awaiting the world renowned Finnish guitarist.

Erja Lyytinen took to the stage to a very warm reception from the mixed crowd along with drummer Sami Osaka and bassist Heikki Saarenkunnas, and they were off! Straight into the first track of the 11 song set, Diamonds On The Road.

The title song to Lyytinen’s latest live album released only last year got the crowd going straight away. They knew every word and every rhythm and we were loving the atmosphere. Lyytnen wears her influences on her sleeve, shadows of Koko Taylor and Ray Charles reared their heads in her music whilst still keeping her own style of voice and playing.

Her skill on the guitar leaves nothing to the imagination, it is clear that she has been honing her talent from a young age and accompanied by Osala and Saarenkunnas keeping that bluesy/rock rhythm just ties everything together.

The energy coming from the stage was fantastic, Erja and her band have been very vocal about their love of playing to a live audience: “Performing live is stronger, more relaxed, and empowering.” And being in the crowd we could all feel the love!

The set list of the evening ran through most of the Diamonds On The Road live album including Rocking Chair, Bad Seed, Black Ocean and a few more! Each song showcasing her skill. Lyytinen’s voice cuts through her infamous slide guitar (earning her the title Queen of the Slide) creating a powerful sound throughout each song, moments of softness contrasted with the clean and crisp sound of her guitar takes her music from just blues to pure blues rock.

Finishing the night of with The End Of Music from her 2022 album Waiting for the Daylight, you can see why she has taken such strides in her career to get to where she is today. We cannot wait to hear more of the fantastic Finnish musician!

Queen of the Slide: Erja Lyytinen’s Electrifying Performance in Putney @ RockNews

Check out more from Erja Lyytinen below

https://erjalyytinen.com/
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