Helge Tallqvist & Deep Blue Divers

Jonni Seppala - Guitar

Sami Nieminen - Keyboards

Petri Pohjanoksa - Bass

Juha Litmanen - Drums

Helge Tallqvist and The Deep Blue Divers are based in Finland, and have influenced the Finnish blues scene since 1992. Helge blows a strong, sensual chromatic harmonica, while his five-piece band plays some dramatic music on their instruments. With the exception of four tunes, some of the band members wrote the seven other tunes. Helge co-wrote three of the tunes with the guitarist, Jonni Seppala, and vocalist, Jani Penttinen. Jonni and Jani wrote two of the other tunes.

The tunes and arrangements on this CD have depth, soul, and class, and an appeal to music lovers and dancers. The band was influenced by the West Coast Blues, and has developed their own unique sound of music, with an early sixties R&B sound and a spicy, Latin flavour, but still contemporary. The group creates a variety of moods, from soft and mellow songs to upbeat, danceable numbers.

Helge reflects the influence of the sixties sounds and styles of "George "Harmonica" Smith and Rod Piazza with his harp playing. He is a highly talented harpist and blows a tantalising, mesmerising, and powerful harp in his many solos and accompaniments throughout the album. Jani has a nasal tone to his vocals and sings the lyrics with clarity and strength. Both guitarist, Jonni, and keyboardist, Sami Nieminen, add fine dimensions to the album. Petri Pohjanoksa, bassist, and Juha Litmanen, drummer, solidify the album with their rhythm playing.