BIO
Ärräpää Orchestra is a spicy hot Blues/Roots/Rock band direct from Finland! "Ärräpää" is an old, traditional Finnish word and emotional definition, very difficult to translate precisely. The closest direct translation would be something like "the-four-letter-word" or f-word", but with a sympathetic, non-threatening flavor. It is not a bad word itself.
The band combines Finnish melancholy with the warmth of Americana. The Ärräpää Orchestra is Petri R. [”Ärrä”] Haapio behind the keyboards and an original Sputnik accordion, Mika R. Halttunen playing rhythm guitar and vocals, Kari R. Siuru handling electric and acoustic bass, Ismo R. Kivinen on the drums and Harri R. Sakki doing solo-, rhythm- and acoustic guitars
Ärräpää Orchestra has released two studio albums; On the Loose (Wolfgang Records 2006) and Up to My Ears In Snow (Puuma Records 2010). The band also released a cd single with their idol, Bob Margolin , a version of his song “Brown Liquor” in 2007 (Wolfgang Records). In addition to their own original compositions, their newest release contains songs contributed by good friends: Bob Margolin, Esa Eloranta, Julie Black, and Maria Hänninen.
Performing at European festivals and venues during years they have played with the great Finnish blues artists: Pepe Ahlqvist and Maria Hänninen. The mascot of Orchestra and their international logo is the Mexican traditional cuckoo (Spiritus Fortis Yukataenis), who invites you to join his adventure in a colorful and diverse musical world.
Ärräpää Orchestra participated in the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, TN in 2007, as the first act from Finland ever in that competition.
Musicians:
Petri R. Haapio ................. Keyboards, Sputnik-accordion, backing vocals
Mika R. Halttunen .............Vocals, guitar
Kari R. Siuru ..................... Bass, backing vocals
Ismo R. Kivinen ................ Drums, backing vocals
Harri R. Sakki ................... Lead guitar, backing vocals
