Blues

For those who haven’t yet had the chance to hear—or better yet, witness—this extraordinary band led with masterful flair by Micke Bjorklof, it might just be time to cross that line.
On the American side of the spectrum, one could draw a distant parallel with Keb’ Mo’. While their styles differ vastly, both artists share something rare and vital: they are genuine musicians, often building bridges in their music that span genres and traditions.

Micke’s roots lie more in blues-rock, but his inspirations travel much farther—deep into the muddy waters of the Mississippi, through the soulful lanes of R&B, and even into the intricate rhythms of jazz. And what surprises time and again is the sheer quality of the musicians surrounding him. Such refined players are a staple in jazz, yet far less common in blues. For a jazz critic whose palette ranges from classical to R&B, stepping into Micke’s world feels not only natural—it feels rewarding.

Micke Bjorklof explains: “The story behind this first volume of live studio recordings goes back to when we had just completed our album Let The Fire Lead and were ready to hit the road in Europe. We had just played our first show in Hamburg, Germany—and the next night… BAM. The pandemic struck. Everything shut down.
A few months later, while lockdown was still very much in effect and the future uncertain, Tim Schauen from Germany’s Deutschlandfunk Radio reached out. He invited us to perform a live concert from our rehearsal studio to be broadcast on their show On Stage. With a brand-new album and no chance to promote it live, saying yes was a no-brainer.
Fast-forward a few years: we were invited to perform at the Blues Baltica Festival in Eutin, Germany, where once again our paths crossed with the Deutschlandfunk crew. They were there recording and broadcasting live performances from the festival. It turned out to be an incredible night, the crowd was electric. Volume Two is a hand-picked selection from that unforgettable evening.”

That’s the story behind the music. But what truly matters is the listening experience—and both Volume One and Volume Two are outstandingly produced. You’d be hard-pressed to guess they were recorded live; the clarity, the balance, the intimacy—it’s all there. Micke Bjorklof is never better than when he’s in front of an audience, and these volumes prove it.

 

MICKE & LEFTY feat. CHEF – Volume One

Yes, it sounds like a studio session. Yes, it’s a live radio recording. But above all, it’s immensely listenable. The instrumentation is rich and dynamic, the kind that makes you lean in.
If you already know this band, the overall quality may not surprise you—but Micke’s voice, with its raw charisma, and the exquisite detail in the playing just might. The mix is superb, and the joy radiates through each track. The showman in Micke is captured in full force here, and having such a recording in hand? A real treat.

Tracklisting – Volume one :

Mississippi  4:09 (Ville Leppänen)
Tell That Woman  3:18 (Willie Dixon/Warner Chappel Music Scand Ab)
The One  3:57 (Miikka Kivimäki)
Big Bill Blues  3:09 (William Broonzy/Universal/MCA Music Scand Ab)
Up The Wall  3:39 (Ville Leppänen)
Small Town Baby  3:01 (Ville Leppänen)
Polk Salad Annie  4:30 (Tony Joe White/ EMI Songs Scandinavia Ab)
Always Something Good  3:49 (Ville Leppänen)
Gotta See My Church  4:06 (Ville Leppänen)
Clean Up  3:11 (Ville Leppänen)
Good Friend  4:11 (Ville Leppänen)
I’m A Guitar Man  5:24 (Ville Leppänen)

 

MICKE & LEFTY feat. CHEF – Live On Air – Volume Two

Recorded live at a festival, this album thrives on the raw, unfiltered energy of the stage. The presence of the audience isn’t just background noise—it’s part of the show, adding a visceral dimension to the experience. If you’ve already heard me sing the praises of this group, this recording serves as audible proof: we’re dealing with consummate professionals. Not only are they masterful players, but their talent for intricate arrangements puts them in a league of their own.

It comes as no surprise when you learn that Micke Bjorklof once studied under the legendary Nils Landgren. Just listen to a track like “Guitar Man”—on the surface, it may seem deceptively simple, but beneath that lies a musical sophistication rarely found outside the world of jazz.

And here’s a little secret, straight from the man himself: Micke Bjorklof has hinted at new horizons. So don’t be surprised if, in the not-so-distant future, he ventures into fresh musical territory. Fear not—whatever direction he takes, one thing is certain: Micke Bjorklof is capable of anything… and above all, of the very best.

Tracklisting – Volume 2

I’m Lost Without You  3:12 (Peter Chatman/ Edition Bjorlund)
California Blues  3:26 (Jimmie Rodgers/ Public Domain)
Let The Fire Lead  3:45 (Ville Leppänen)
Someday  4:44 (Miikka Kivimäki)
I’m A Guitar Man  5:32 (Ville Leppänen)
Good Friend  5:03 (Ville Leppänen)
Don’t Let That Music Die  3:19 (Willie Dixon/ BMG Rights Management Scandinavia)
Sail On  3:48 (Sam Lightning Hopkins/ Concord Music Scandnavia)
If I Had Possession Over Judgment Day  4:58 (Robert Johnson/ King Of Spades Music/ BMI)
You Better Me  3:06 (Ville Leppänen)
Hoochie Coochie Man  5:17 (Willie Dixon/ BMG Rights Management Scandinavia)
Let Me Love You Baby  4:43 (Willie Dixon/ BMG Rights Management Scandinavia)
Do The Right Thing  3:37 (Ville Leppänen)

All songs published by Lowland Publishing except labelled

Musicians :
Micke Bjorklof: Vocals, Drums, Percussion, Harmonica, Dobro, Electric Guitar
Lefty Leppänen: Vocals, National Resonator Guitar, Acoustic Guitars and Harmonica (Vol 2- 1 )
Chef: Vocals, Acoustic Bass (except on Vol 2- 8, 9)

Volume One
Recorded live May 16th 2020 at BoomRoom Studio, Kauhava, Finland Recorded and Mixed by Kimmo Ahola at AMS – Studio, Kauhava, Finland Produced by Micke Bjorklof
Aired 9th October 2020 on Deutschlandfunk Radio “On Stage” show

Volume Two
Recorded live May 20th 2023 at BluesBaltica Bluesfest, Eutin, Germany Recorded and mixed by Robby Höhne and Stefan Deistler/ Deutschlandfunk Radio
Produced by Tim Schauen
Aired 1st December 2023 on Deutschlandfunk Radio “On Stage” show
Mastered by Svante Forsbäck, Chartmakers West, Espoo, Finland Art direction & design by Jan Yrlund/ Darkgrove

Photography Bez Slów (live), Kimmo Ahola (session), Mikko Parkkonen(studio)

Thank You’s:
Tim Schauen and Deutschlandfunk Radio team, Kimmo Ahola, Helge Nickel, Barbara Bloch, Jan Yrlund.
Special thanks to our tribe:
Milla, Ida, Satu, Akseli, Oona, Laura, Verneri, Jalmari, Elviira, Kerttuli

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Thierry De Clemensat
Member at Jazz Journalists Association
USA correspondent for Paris-Move and ABS magazine
Editor in chief – Bayou Blue Radio, Bayou Blue News

PARIS-MOVE, May 2nd 2025

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