Erja Lyytinen — Lockdown Live 2020
Finnish blues-rock guitarist Erja Lyytinen is a hardworking singer-songwriter and musician who has released several albums and toured the world for several years with her signature fiery guitar and thoughtful songs.
However, her packed 2020 schedule filled with live appearances had to change course as the global Covid-19 pandemic changed several industries overnight including the world of live music.
Not one to sit on her laurels, Lyytinen travelled to Bluesounds Studios in her hometown of Kuopio, Finland on Mother’s Day Eve to record and film a live concert performance. This has resulted in a special CD/DVD set entitled ‘Lockdown Live 2020’ which showcases twelve tracks from across her back catalogue.
Opening with ‘Don’t Let A Good Woman Down’, Erja’s electric guitar springs forth with a melodic solo combined with a rich Hammond organ. The sultry vocal on Cherry Overdrive is the perfect driving song and reminds me of ZZ Top at times.
The groovy ‘Black Ocean’ bathes your ears in a Pink Floyd sounding guitar that is truly magnificent. The atmospheric ‘Hard As Stone’ is a welcome inclusion and the defiant ‘Torn’ allows the listener to understand that like a lot of people Erja’s journey has not been a straightforward one. ‘Lover’s Novels’ has this Stevie Wonder ‘Higher Ground’ vibe and the cosmic ‘Another World’ is already a live favourite with fans.
The impactful guitar tone on ‘Snake In The Grass’ is a highlight of this live offering. ‘Wedding Day’ hears Erja in a take no prisoners’ frame of mind as she duels with the wedding organ trading back and forth with her guitar. Closer ‘Wildflower’ is lyrically beautiful like a lullaby encompasses not only her songwriting prowess but also her vocal ability.
In conclusion, Lockdown Live 2020 is a welcome release from Erja Lyytinen and proves why she can enthral audiences at both festivals and headline appearances without any gimmicks and just her sheer talent. This record has Erja bare her soul and is the perfect preview of her February 2022 UK tour.
Erja Lyytinen’s new live album ‘Lockdown Live 2020’ is out now on Tuohi Records/Bluesland Productions Oy. For more information visit www.erjalyytinen.com
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