Niko Riippa

Niko Riippa (born June 2, 1972 in Nedervetil Finland) - Guitar player and composer. As a founding member of Europes leading blues band, The Wentus Blues Band, Niko Riippa has done more than 3000 gigs in 15 countries and 7 albums and 2 solo albums on his own, first one being Bohemian Breakfast Bar (2003). Niko Riippas second record ?Flying Circus? is an instrumental story from beginning to end. Together with the experienced collegues Robban Hagn?s (bass) and Robert Skoglund (drums) he has recorded nine brand new tracks.

As a founding member of Europes leading blues band, The Wentus Blues Band, Niko Riippa has done more than 3000 gigs in 15 countries and 7 albums and 2 solo albums on his own, first one being Bohemian Breakfast Bar (2003).

Niko Riippas second record ?Flying Circus? is an instrumental story from beginning to end. Together with the experienced collegues Robban Hagn?s (bass) and Robert Skoglund (drums) he has recorded nine brand new tracks. Flying Circus has been a work in progress for 3-4 years and is the follow up to ?Bohemian Breakfast Bar? (2003). On ?Flying Circus? tones and rhythms from the world of blues and roots are freshly mixed with influences from folk music. Django Reinhardt is mentioned as a source of inspiration. Throughout the music there is still a clear connection to both Nordic and Scandinavian music traditions.

At the age of 37 Niko Riippa has already achieved veteran status and he has taken the long and hard road. During more than 20 years he has been touring and traveling many thousands of kilometers on the road. He is an original member of Wentus Blues Band who have performed nearly 3000 gigs since the start 1986. ?To be a guitarist in Wentus Blues Band is undoubtedly my main profession although I have made two solo records?, Riippa says.

As the solo guitarist of Wentus Blues Band, Niko Riippa has had the opportunity to cooperate and tour with many older stars from the world of blues and roots. He has learned a lot through these experiences, which have meant very much to him. His cooperation and friendship with the american veteran Louisiana Red has been portrayed in the documentary ?Mississippi-Nedervetil?. Eddie Kirkland is another important transatlantic master for him while Dick Heckstall-Smith (1934-2004) and Mick Taylor (ex-Rolling Stones) are two European musicians who have influenced him strongly. ?Pelle Lindstr?m is a nordic musician who has given me a lot of inspiration?, Riippa says.

He has toured with Eddie Kirkland, Louisiana Red, Dick Heckstall-Smith and Mick Taylor, among others, and he has recorded with the likes of Kim Wilson, Carey Bell, Louisiana Red, Eddie Kirkland, Omar Dykes (on Wentus Blues Band: Family Album, Bluelight Records) and Dick Heckstall-Smith (Blowing the Blues).

Niko has been in two documentary films - Family Meeting (2007) and Mississippi-Nedervetil (2001).

The documentary film ?Family Meeting?, which describes their collaboration (Wentus Blues Band) with older artists like Louisiana Red, Eddie Kirkland, Mick Taylor, Kim Wilson, Omar Dykes and Clas Yngstr?m. The film was produced by Heikki Kossi and was shown at cinemas around Finland and broadcasted on both Swedish and Norwegian television.

The documentary movie Mississippi-Nedervetil also produced by Heikki Kossi tells the story about how Louisiana Red, once an apprentice of Muddy Waters, has found his own ideal apprentice in Niko Riippa.

And the story goes on.......