Erja Lyytinen is one of the leading blues-rock guitarists on the international touring circuit. During a recording career spanning more than 20 years, the High-Flying Finn has released thirteen studio albums and several live albums. Lyytinen’s musical pallet is vast, encompassing the very best of contemporary blues rock whilst inspired and influenced by the blues greats of yore.
Lyytinen is known for her stellar and energetic live performances. Her live album Diamonds on the Road (2023) received magnificent reviews from the global music media. She celebrated her 20-year career by releasing the CD/DVD 20 Years of Blues Rock! that was recorded at the legendary Tavastia Club in Helsinki in 2023. For this spectacular event, she brought together the rhythm sections from her studio albums to date and other guest artists.
Lyytinen has been acknowledged for her work by her fans, peers, and the industry alike with a treasure trove of accolades. This includes being ranked #2 on Total Guitar Magazine’s “10 Best Guitarists Now” poll as well as being awarded “Best Guitarist” at the 2017 European Blues Awards. Erja made history by becoming the first Finnish artist to be nominated for the "BB King International Artist of the Year" at the Maple Blues Awards in Canada in 2022.
She’s performed alongside world-famous guitarists including Carlos Santana, Sonny Landreth, and Jennifer Batten.
Her current studio album, Smell the Roses, released in March 2025, was ranked #6 on the UK’s Independent Blues Broadcasters in April. This riff-heavy laden album features Lyytinen’s mesmerizing slide guitar solo. Throughout the album, she expands her repertoire by honoring the hard rock sounds of the '60s and '70s. Smell the Roses has received praising reviews around the globe and has lifted Lyytinen among the best modern blues rock artists of our time.