Review By Jess Bea
Headlining at the fantastic Old Brewery Store in Faversham this evening, the phenomenal Erja Lyytinen brought her tour to a close in the wonderful setting accompanied by her fabulous duo. And what a way to round off a tour!
The Finnish blues-rock sensation, who celebrates her 50th birthday this year, certainly knows how to put on a show. From the moment the music got going, it was clear that this was going to be a special evening for the blues and rock ’n’ roll faithful. With some clearly devoted fans among the crowd, the atmosphere was full of appreciation for a guitarist who has well and truly earned her place among the greats of modern blues-rock.
Her performance at The Old Brewery Store was a brilliant showcase of her extraordinary guitar skills, powerful musicianship and unmistakable passion for the blues. This woman can shred a guitar like no other! Her solos were lightning-fast, fiery and full of feeling, demonstrating that incredible ability to combine technical brilliance with the raw emotion that makes blues-rock so captivating.
And then there’s her slide guitar playing! There’s a very good reason Erja is celebrated as the Queen of Slide Guitar. She coaxes sounds from her instrument that seem almost impossible, making the guitar sing, scream and wail in a way that sends shivers down your spine. Her playing is more than just a display of technical ability; it’s a conversation between musician and instrument, packed with character, expression and attitude.
Watching her work her magic on stage is a reminder of just how exciting live music can be when an artist has both the talent and the confidence to push the boundaries of her instrument.
Her guitar collection is a spectacle in itself, with a fantastic array of instruments complementing the different styles and sounds throughout the set. Each guitar brings its own character to the performance, and Erja knows exactly how to make the most of them, moving effortlessly between bluesy tones, searing rock riffs and those glorious, soaring slide guitar moments.
One song that deserves a special mention is “Smell the Roses” — definitely one not to miss! What a spectacular, bluesy, kick-ass track for anyone who loves their music with a healthy dose of attitude, grit and good old-fashioned rock ’n’ roll spirit. It’s the kind of song that reminds you why live blues-rock can be so electrifying when it’s delivered by a musician who truly understands the genre.
But Erja is so much more than an incredible guitarist. Her songwriting brings depth and personality to her music, combining the traditions of the blues with a powerful rock edge. There’s a real sense of individuality in her sound, and her ability to weave expressive melodies, scorching solos and infectious rhythms together makes for a thoroughly engaging performance.
With her fabulous duo alongside her, the evening was a celebration of musicianship, energy and the enduring power of the blues. It’s that combination of individual brilliance and a strong band dynamic that makes a live performance really come alive, giving the music room to breathe while still delivering those explosive moments that leave you wanting more.
Erja has the talent, the technique and the stage presence to command an audience, but it’s her sheer love of the music that really shines through. Whether she’s delivering a beautifully expressive blues passage or unleashing a full-throttle guitar solo, she plays with conviction and an infectious enthusiasm that makes it impossible not to appreciate what she’s doing.
There’s nothing manufactured about this kind of musical firepower. It’s years of dedication, hard work and a genuine connection with the blues, all coming together on stage in one glorious explosion of sound.
As the tour came to its close in Faversham, it felt like a fitting occasion to celebrate an artist who continues to fly the flag for blues-rock with such passion and flair. Erja Lyytinen is a phenomenal talent, a mesmerising guitarist and a performer who deserves every bit of recognition she receives.
The Queen of Slide Guitar certainly brought her royal blues-rock credentials to Faversham tonight!
After an evening packed with fiery guitar work, scorching blues, rocking rhythms and epic songwriting, Erja and her fabulous trio left a lasting impression. If you love your blues with a little grit, a lot of attitude and some seriously jaw-dropping guitar playing, then Erja Lyytinen is an artist you absolutely need to see live.
A fantastic setting, a fabulous trio with one seriously talented woman with a guitar in her hands at the helm. What more could you ask for?
Long live the blues, long live rock ’n’ roll, and long live the Queen of Slide Guitar!
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