PlanetMosh Keeping it Metal
Sadly a late finish at work meant I missed the opening act The Connor Selby Band, but arrived in time to catch JFK.
I do think they made a bad choice of name for the band – when people see a band they enjoy they’ll typically look them up on Facebook or Google, but with a name like JFK then the chances of finding this band are slim – I gave up after a few minutes and I’m sure most people will do the same. A more unique name would make it easier for people to find them online and give them a chance of growing their fanbase more.
It’s a shame as they’re a very good band – more rock than Blues although a few of the songs have a strong Blues sound.
Then it was time for the main event – Erja Lyytinen. She’s a superb guitarist, so the fact there are plenty of instrumental parts/guitar solos in her songs tonight can only be a good thing as it gives us more chance to enjoy that beautiful playing. She’s also got a great singing voice and writes excellent songs. Tonight’s set comes largely from her new album, Stolen Hearts, so we get to enjoy songs including “Stolen hearts”, “Rocking chair”, “Slowly burning” and “Black ocean” from that album, as well as songs such as “Bring me water” and a Koko Taylor cover – “I’m a woman”, which shares the guitar riff with George Thorogood’s “Bad to the bone” – a superb riff.
Erja Lyytinen has an infectious enthusiasm and is clearly having a great time on stage as she can barely take a huge smile off her face. She’s got a great band of Finnish musicians with her and she makes sure she introduces them and gives them time to shine, but in fact the centre of attention is always going to be her superb playing. A fantastic set from this superb guitarist.
