European Blues Challenge 2025
Special Prize Winner
Best Solo/Duo Artist
Jantso Jokelin
Blues Artist | Author
”Jantso’s vocals are pleasant, his lyrics frequently pieces of folksy literature, and his instrumental work on both harmonica and guitar are excellent.”
– John Sacksteder, Blues Blast Magazine (USA)
”Stumbling upon such deep otherworldliness is a rare occurrence in contemporary blues.”
– Pekka Laine, Soundi (FI)
“Although Jantso Jokelin is a singer, guitar and harmonica player from Finland, his knowledge of the most traditional dark blues, folk and American country music, make him an expert singer and songwriter who can rub shoulders with the most outstanding performers of the style.”
– Vicente Zúmel, La Hora del Blues (ES)
Hi there! I’m Jantso, a blues artist, singer-songwriter, and author based in Helsinki, Finland.
My music is deeply rooted in acoustic folk and blues traditions, which I aim to refresh through original compositions, personal verse, and at times daring stylistic experiments like beatboxing and influences from various global traditions. I have a special passion for diatonic and chromatic harmonicas as well as resonator and slide guitars.
In April 2025, I took part in the European Blues Challenge in Split, Croatia and was awarded a Special Prize for the best solo/duo artist in the competition. My other musical highlights include earning 3rd place in the 2009 World Harmonica Contest in Germany (open category), and winning Finland's National Championship of Busking in 2007.
I actively perform as a solo act and collaborate with other musicians and artists. I’ve written the first comprehensive book on the harmonica in Finnish and conducted numerous workshops and classes on the art of harmonica and the blues.
In addition to music, I’m also the author of several books and numerous long-form features, essays, and travelogues. In 2019, I was named the Finnish Magazine Journalist of the Year.
2024
Spark of Luck
My debut full-length solo album Spark of Luck brings together two digital EPs (Taxi to a Housefire & Silver Lining) in a single CD release.
11 original songs of resonating blues and storytelling songwriter folk guaranteed to spark a light in your day!
”This is the work of a young man with plenty to say, and a persuasive (both vocally and instrumentally) way of saying it.” – Ben McNair, Blues Matters! Magazine (UK)
Available for international order from
Record Shop X.
Taxi to a Housefire
EP, 2024
Silver Lining
EP, 2023
On Tour
Jan 25 & 26, 2025 – Ylläs Jazz & Blues, Äkäslompolo
Feb 7, 2025 – Pop-Up näyttämö Klonkka, Oulu
Feb 8, 2025 – Pakkasukko Blues N Jazz, Kemi
Feb 15, 2025 – Ravintola Sophie, Helsinki
Feb 21, 2025 – Pub Armo, Tampere
Mar 24, 2025 – Viikin kirjasto, Helsinki
Apr 3, 2025 – European Blues Challenge, Split, Croatia
Apr 24, 2025 – Ravintola Sophie, Helsinki (The Grind blues party)
June 7, 2025 – Kuopio Jazz & Blues
July 5, 2025 – Puistoblues, Järvenpää
July 12, 2025 – PubiBlues, Sisko ja sen Veli, Tampere
Aug 2, 2025 – Augustibluus, Haapsalu, Estonia
Aug 15, 2025 – Rauma Blues
Sep 27, 2025 – Private
Nov 9, 2025 – Kulttuuritalo, Helsinki (w/ Walter Trout)
Nov 18, 2025 – Malmitalo, Helsinki (w/ Dr. Helander & Third Ward)
Dec 3, 2025 – TBA