Robbie Hill & The Blues 62s

Here's a band I highly recommend, Robbie Hill & The Blues 62s comprises a Scot, an American and a Finn. They are based in Helsinki, Finland and have just released their debut album on Blues Boulevard Records. The album was produced by Davide Floreno, guitarist for Erja Lyytinen, with Erja herself as executive producer. Hopefully these sleeve notes will give you an idea of what it sounds like.

"Within his native Scotland, Robbie Hill had acquired a reputation of a promising young blues artist with a deep level of understanding of the blues. For several years he had been playing up and down the UK, completing his music studies and soaking up the influences of as many of the blues greats he could see. One of these, Otis Grand advised Hill was that it was time to expand his horizons if he was serious about his music.  Grand’s suggestion was to head for Finland and it didn’t take long for Hill to encounter some superb blues musicians.  It was Jesse King from Oregon, USA with whom he really gelled. King’s bass lines complemented Hill’s guitar playing from their first meeting at a Helsinki jam night.  The addition of drummer Tatu Pärssinen, of Oulu, Finland saw the formation of Robbie Hill & The Blue 62's. Since then the band have honed their combined talents over a series of local shows and developed their song writing. “Price To Pay” their debut album is the fruits of this labour. It’s a recording of excellent musicianship, combining Hill’s distinct clean guitar tone with the tight rhythms of King and Pärssinen.
Both Robbie Hill’s guitar playing and vocals have moved up a notable level since his last show in Scotland 12 months ago. “Price To Pay” also reveals the development in his song-writing. There’s richness to the sublime slow blues of the title track.  King and Pärssinen’s swinging groove on ‘The Love You Are Teaching Me’ and ‘Stranger Blues’ is irresistible.  While ‘A Second Chance’ reveals a contemporary flavour, ‘A Bad Woman’ echoes the melodic sounds of blues legends with a depth and restraint that belies Hill’s young age. Allied with the ability to create compelling original material, some classic blues standards are re-interpreted and revitalised ‘Please Come Back To Me’ recreates the melancholic feel of T-Bone Walker’s original, yet given the Blues 62’s personal stamp. ‘Praise To Helsinki’ is given a radical reworking with Hill’s prominent guitar leads replacing the piano of Eddie Boyd’s original. Together it forms a highly compelling debut album. Despite their contrasting upbringings, Robbie Hill & The Blue 62's sound like they were born to play ensemble."

Here's Praise To Helsikini: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8xo-Uqro1jQ

For more sound clips, gigs and to buy the album, visit: http://robbiehill.net