• From: Newcastle-upon-Tyne, England
  • Registered: 2011-08-12
  • Posts: 4,706

Re: Erja Lyytinen

Newcastle - Prohibition Cabaret Bar 12 - 11 - 23

What I love about living in Newcastle; is the range of venues and the number of bands playing any given week-end. What I don't like about living in Newcastle; is the range of venues and the number of bands playing, any given week-end. Trying to make the choice of who to see, and where: not that there's a "bad" choice most times, but then there's always the "must sees".

Erja Lyytinen falls into that last category: it took a few years to initially catch one of her shows, and since I've not missed a tour. So, when I heard that this was to be a "solo" performance, the rest of this week-end took a bit arranging and shoe-horning. And as for the venue, well, first time in there for me though I've walked by it countless times. It's actually a little gem of a bar with a cosy, upstairs performance room (as well as space in the downstair bar this evening taken by a sweet-sounding, acoustic, jazz combo.

Anyway, the reason we were there; as said, I've seen Erja several times now and consistently blown away by her powerhouse performances, she's an "axe"-wielding Nordic warrior; so what's a solo show going to be like? Well, there were no acoustic guitars, just three of her favourite electrics, just turned down, a little. So, we were able to sit that bit closer than otherwise, and Erja took that in her stride, and really engaged with her audience/friends and a truly convivial atmosphere developed as she spoke about each of the songs played. As with this type of show, the set was a mix of stage favourites, older, maybe forgotten numbers, well-chosen covers from her youth and numbers with a more personal connection, at times you could tell how personal.. And not that the show was totally laid back, several timers Erja had to get out of her chair and really tear out the instrument solos as in a full show, asking the audience to clap out the timing...

As always with this type of show, and Erja's shows in general, it was over seemingly all-too-soon; a sure sign that a great time was had is when it passes that quickly. Like I said, a first time seeing Erja in this format, but she clearly revelled in it, and if afforded us into a peep behind the curtains of the powerhouse we know and love.

When life gives you lemons; don't make lemonade.
Give back the lemons.  Why were the lemons free?  What's wrong with the lemons?
Do Not trust the lemons...
  • From: Newcastle-upon-Tyne, England
  • Registered: 2011-08-12
  • Posts: 4,706

Re: Erja Lyytinen

Newcastle - Think Tank?  5th April 2025

Thought a look down to Think Tank? was a bit overdue on the cards and being a bit of a venue change for Erja Lyytinen, then why not?

Getting the evening off to a rousing start, 5 lads from Sunderland(?) Thieves of Liberty; with some lively, twin (Les Paul-alike?) guitars, putting a fresh edge on the Thin Lizzy approach. I was wondering whether the 2 guitarists would spar in the set, and they didn't disappoint, leaping off stage to the middle of the room for a bit back-and-forth before hooking back up. Looks like their promoting a debut album Shangri-La though it sounds like they've honed their craft for a couple of years: the certainly sound promising, though, even in a brief set, I'd have like to have heard a slower number - just sayin'.
Shangri-La (studio video) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRnqURoug-I

As for Erja, well, to go with the new venue (2nd time not at The Cluny), a new album and a new look (tres chic). Had expected keyboards, but this was a trio line-up and at times, power-trio as Erja let rip with her trademark slide attacks. The thrust of the set was her new album, freshly minted, and I can tell you, the one thing that hasn't changed is the quality of the new material; virtually the entire album was played, from the crackling Ball and Chain to the menace of The Abyss, the emotive Stoney Creek and the drifting Empty Hours (reminiscent of Gary Moore, I thought). There was no encore as such, but Erja played out with a slide frenzy, duelling with the guys on stage and clearly having as much fun on stage as we were off.
Abyss (Helsinki, Korjaamo, 27-3-25) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HVGAh8cwLpE

Again though, especially for a Saturday night, the audience was a bit on the meagre side; can't think of much in the way of competition in town last night; maybe choice of venue? Whatever, hope it doesn't deter Erja from her regular visits.

When life gives you lemons; don't make lemonade.
Give back the lemons.  Why were the lemons free?  What's wrong with the lemons?
Do Not trust the lemons...