Electrifyin´ acoustic blues – Entertainment with a capital E!!!

Micke & Lefty feat.Chef is a Finnish acoustic blues & roots trio, formed 2000. The trio comprises bandleader Micke Bjorklof  (vocals, percussion, harmonica, guitar), Lefty Leppänen (vocals, slide- and acoustic guitars, harmonica and various string instruments), Chef (vocals, acoustic bass).

Bjorklof & Leppänen have been musical partners since 1997 when this slide guitar virtuoso Leppänen joined award winning bluesrock group Micke Bjorklof & Blue Strip (formed 1991). With the new upcoming album they have collaborated together on 9 albums. 

Micke Bjorklof with his bands are a well-established name in their native Finland and throughout Scandinavia where they have been Ambassadors of Blues music for almost 30 years. To date they have toured in to closer 20 countries all from Japan, USA and Europe.

Story of this acoustic combo began as a spin-off from Micke Bjorklof & Blue Strip on a festival in Finland. Micke & Lefty was asked to do acoustic duo set due a cancellation. That was the kick off for this acoustic ensemble and the story continues. Mr.Chef joined the band 2004 during recordings of the first album. This talented young came along just a little bit before sessions for the critically acclaimed debut album “Big Bag” (Bluelight Records).

Micke & Lefty feat.Chef are known for their hard work, humble attitude, and passionate dedication and commitment to their music. It´s said that they are forming one of the most exciting acoustic blues and roots bands in European blues scene today. One of their strongest trademarks is the powerful three-part harmony vocals as well as strong lead vocals sung by all band members. The band also stands out with their original material. It´s a rich mix of American blues & roots music with influences from early delta- and country blues, spiced up with some gospel, bluegrass, rock, soul and even Hawaiian flavors. Willie Dixon´s Big Three Trio has definitely been one big influence for the band. Especially in the beginning when developing their own sound. All these key elements backed up with world class, explosive slide guitar, suitcase drum set, tight acoustic bass and harmonica together make the band sound distinctive and authentic in the blues scene. 

” When hearing the words ‘three-part harmony’, what types of music come to mind? Gospel might be first and foremost, with soul and country close behind. How about blues? Most of the harmony there typically comes via instrumentation, especially guitar and keyboards. Micke & Lefty feat. Chef aim to bring this vocal specialization back to the blues” Blues Blast Magazine, USA

Through the years they have stirred up audiences with their entertaining and energetic live shows wherever they play, from small club stages to big festival arenas. Trio has toured internationally since 2005. They have performed all from Memphis to Svalbard Dark Season Blues, the Worlds Northernmost blues festival! One of the career highlights has definitely been when they opened for ZZ Top at 2010 with an audience with over 15000 people.

Micke & Lefty feat. Chef Albums