Well, it’s been a while since I’ve been back to Glasgow’s Nice N Sleazy. I missed the Edinburgh gig last night due to family commitments, but I made the trip through to Glasgow for tonight’s show featuring the Queen of slide guitar, Erja Lyytinen. She’s currently on tour promoting her fabulous new album Smell the Roses, which we’re treated to in full tonight — though not in tracklist order.
As Erja steps onto the stage with her bandmates Heikki Saarenkunnas on bass and Jesse Lehto on drums, the small but enthusiastic crowd gives her a very warm welcome. The band launches into “Ball and Chain”, a slide-infused blues rocker and the first track from the new album. It’s a powerhouse of a song, with a great hook, stunning mid-section slide work, and fantastic drumming and bass lines — a perfect start to the night.
Next up is “Wings to Fly”, a slower, more folky blues number. Erja’s fabulous voice carries us along, dipping and soaring, with Heikki and Jesse flowing effortlessly through the quiet and punchier sections. It’s tremendous stuff and really brings the album to life.
Then we’re “Going to Hell”, as the guitar and drums kick in before Erja’s deep, rich voice comes through with more force. The riffs are bigger and meatier here, and her vocal tone reminds me a bit of Doro Pesch. Her solos on this one are absolutely phenomenal — this track is one of my all-time favourites of hers, and it was stunning live.
We take a slower flight with “Dragonfly”, inspired by Erja’s love of the outdoors and hiking. Her slide guitar shines here, accompanied by haunting vocals and delicate licks, while Heikki and Jesse keep pace beautifully. It’s simply fabulous.
The mood darkens with “Abyss”, where Erja almost uses her voice as another instrument. It’s a moody, atmospheric piece that’s right up there with the night’s best. The band is on fire, their chemistry evident, and Erja’s interaction with both band and crowd shows just how much fun she’s having. She’s mesmerising to watch.
The title track, “Smell the Roses”, brings a punchy, groove-laden vibe. Its guitar lick and vocal flow carry the song along before Erja really lets loose mid-way — stunning again.
A haunting slide intro leads into “Empty Hours”, followed by an ethereal vocal performance that’s nothing short of a tour de force. Combined with some of the most sublime slide work I’ve ever heard, it makes this one of the album’s finest moments. The hairs on the back of my neck stood up — it wrapped itself around my heart and wouldn’t let go. Breathtaking.
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“Stoney Creek” follows with its slow swamp swagger and gorgeous guitar work. Apparently inspired by a hiking trip that didn’t go quite as planned, it adds another personal touch to the set.
We hit the final song from the new album, “The Ring” — a hip-swinging boogie with Black Crowes vibes. It gets the crowd bouncing more than ever, the guitar, drums, and bass merging into a killer groove. Just wow.
Next, we revisit a track that’s both old and new: “You Talk Dirty”. Originally on Erja’s 2002 debut Attention! and reappearing on 2022’s Waiting for the Daylight, it contrasts sharply with the newer material. Its punchy intro and powerful vocals drive the song forward before it really cuts loose at the end. Fabulous stuff.
The night closes with “Wedding Day”, which on the album is a three-minute, boogie-fuelled rock ’n’ roll tune. Live, however, it becomes a 12-minute jam of epic proportions. Check out the live album Diamonds on the Road and you’ll get the idea — though minus the keyboards, as they’re rocking as a three-piece on this tour. The guitar gets shredded, Heikki and Jesse let loose, and Erja spends much of the song right up front with the crowd. With no barrier and only a few inches of stage, it’s a face-melting experience. I only just noticed she uses finger picks — just another detail in a stunning finale to a masterclass in modern blues.
I honestly don’t know why Erja isn’t a much bigger name in the UK. She rocks, she has a killer vocal range, and this was the third time I’ve seen her live — she just keeps getting better. The new album shows real progression in both production and songwriting; it should be the one to take her up the ranks, as it’s simply stunning.
I’m already looking forward to seeing her again. If she’s playing near you, go see her — you’ll head home smiling, maybe humming a tune or two, and ing what live music is all about.
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Photos by Gary Cooper
