Details of
Outtakes
by Micke Bjorklof & Blue Strip


Producer: Micke Björklöf, John Porter, Mark Bingham, Hannu Leidén
Engineer: Various
Recorder At: Various
Mastered By: Kimmo Ahola


About the Album

MICKE BJORKLOF CELEBRATES 60TH BIRTHDAY WITH DOUBLE RELEASE

Hokahey! Records are thrilled to announce two new album releases from Finnish bluesman and bandleader Micke Bjorklof, marking his 60th birthday celebration. Under the theme "Both Sides Of The Bluesman," these albums showcase the distinct sounds of Bjorklof’s two separate line-ups, Micke Bjorklof & Blue Strip – Outtakes and Micke & Lefty feat. Chef – Live On Air. Both albums were released in May, 2025.

Reflecting on this dual release, Bjorklof states: "Blues has always been my foundation, but I’ve explored it’s many shades over the years. With Outtakes and Live On Air, I want to celebrate both the electric and acoustic sides of my musical journey. I couldn’t think of a better way to mark my 60th birthday than by sharing these two very special albums with our fans."

Micke Bjorklof & Blue Strip release a retrospective "Outtakes" album of previously unreleased songs.

Micke Bjorklof & Blue Strip, one of Finland’s most celebrated bluesrock/blues bands, are excited to announce the release of their highly anticipated retrospective album, Outtakes, set to drop May 16th. This unique collection contains nine tracks that, for one reason or another, did not fit on the band's previous albums. The album offers fans an exclusive look at these previously unreleased tracks that are still full of soul, groove and emotion.

We usually had a few extra songs when we went into the studio to record the album in case some of the songs didn't "take off" as expected. Sometimes the direction of production can also change as the process progresses, which affects the album as a whole. However, a lot of effort has been put into these songs and they have been carefully prepared for the album and produced to completion. It is at least justified to give them another chance to reach listeners, and we felt they deserved a platform of their own. Although the songs are from different eras, I think they formed a very good and balanced whole" says Micke Bjorklof. 

Outtakes is not only a collection of rare tracks but also a kind of time travel through the arc of the band's musical and sonic evolution from the early 2000s to the present day. Each song reflects the shifting moods, styles, and influences the band has embraced over the years, capturing the essence of Micke Bjorklof & Blue Strip’s over 30-year journey in the blues-rock scene.

Outtakes album tracks are from the following album sessions:

”On Vacation” ja ”Way To Go”, Ain´t Bad Yet 2014, Rockfield Studio, Wales, UK. Produced by John Porter

”Heal You” ja ”Dontcha Know”, After The Flood 2012, Piety Street Recording, New Orleans, USA.

Produced by Mark Bingham

”Running Shoes”, Colors Of Jealousy 2022, Boom Room, Kauhava, Finland. Produced by Micke Bjorklof

”Bedtime Bomber”, Whole Nutha Thang 2006, Goldtop Studio, London, UK

Produced by Neil Brockbank

”Silver Moon”, ”Keep In Mind” ja ”Spooky Ride”, Three Times Seven Is…, 2002 Seawolf Studios,  Helsinki. Produced by Hannu Leidén

Micke Bjorklof is an award winning blues artist, multi-instrumentalist and bandleader from Finland. In a career spanning more than thirty years, he has released 13 albums with his world-class bluesrock band Micke Bjorklof & Blue Strip and acoustic power trio Micke & Lefty feat.Chef. 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 over 30 years. To date they have toured into closer 20 countries all from Japan, USA and Europe. He´s also known from his collaboration with Finnish Slide Guitar Queen Erja Lyytinen. Micke Bjorklof & Blue Strip was founded in 1991. Around year 2000 he started an acoustic side project with the band's guitarist Lefty Leppänen to be called Micke & Lefty and couple years later joined by bassplayer Chef. Over the years this spinoff  grew into a whole new band with its own repertoire and recordings.

 

​Micke & Lefty feat. Chef – Live On Air

Live On Air is a double live album from Micke & Lefty feat. Chef, recorded in collaboration with Deutschlandfunk radio. Volume One, a studio live session for DLF Radio’s On Stage program, was recorded during the 2020 pandemic. Volume Two captures a dynamic 2023 performance at the Blues Baltica Festival in Eutin, Germany. This double live album captures the trio’s electrifying and intimate performances, showcasing their mastery of acoustic blues. Featuring 25 tracks, including originals and blues classics, from the band's live repertoire over the years. The album also celebrates the trio’s 25th anniversary. "Reaching this milestone is incredible, specially when this all started as a spin off of my main band. We wanted to share these recordings as a tribute to our long journey and audience. This live album is a real deal, raw performance as live as it can be with no overdubs" says Bjorklof.

"Original! Lively! Entertaining! The trio’s performance is as unique as it is high-quality. Bjorklof stomps on an old suitcase instead of a bass drum, Lefty Leppänen wields his vintage guitar with effortless mastery, and Mr. Chef’s semi-acoustic bass adds depth. This Finnish acoustic blues is dynamic, original, and captivating." – Deutschlandfunk Radio

Reflecting on this dual release, Bjorklof states: "Blues has always been my foundation, but I’ve explored it’s many shades over the years. With Outtakes and Live On Air, I want to celebrate both the electric and acoustic sides of my musical journey. I couldn’t think of a better way to mark my 60th birthday than by sharing these two very special albums with our fans."