European Blues Challenge 2025
Special Prize Winner
Best Solo/Duo Artist

Jantso Jokelin

Folk 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-folk artist, singer-songwriter, and writer 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 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 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 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 workshops and classes on the art of harmonica and the blues.

I’m also the author of several books and numerous long-form feature articles, essays, and travelogues. In 2019, I was named the Finnish Magazine Journalist of the Year.

My book about the intellectual history and folklore of Switzerland titled Aikavuoret (“Mountains of Time”) won the prize for best travel book of the year in 2025.

 

Spark of Luck

2024

My debut album Spark of Luck brings together two digital solo EPs (Taxi to a Housefire & Silver Lining) in a single full-length release.

11 original songs of resonating blues and storytelling songwriter folk guaranteed to spark a light in your day!

The album was nominated for a Blues Blast Music Award in the New Artist Debut Album category.

”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)

“C’est tout simplement superbe!”
– Dominique Boulay, Paris-Move (FR)

Album available for international order in CD format from
Record Shop X.

Taxi to a Housefire

EP, 2024

Silver Lining

EP, 2023

Gigs 2026

Jan 13-16 – International Blues Challenge, Memphis USA

Jan 22&23 – Ylläs Jazz Blues, Äkäslompolo FINLAND

Jan 31 – Nakkilan Verstas, Nakkila

Feb 7 – Juttutupa, Helsinki (with Esa Kuloniemi)

Feb 13 – Poppari, Jyväskylä

Mar 8 – Bluesmessu, Kotka (with Esa Kuloniemi)

Mar 14 – Kulttuurimeijeri, Mäntsälä

Mar 21 – Blues Dance Workshop, Kaapelitehdas (with Esa Kuloniemi)

Mar 28 – Juuresta latvaan -matinea, Kanneltalo, Helsinki

Mar 29 – Uusi Sauna, Helsinki

Apr 11 – TBA

Apr 22 – Teerenpeli, Kuopio (with Esa Kuloniemi)

May 14-15 – TBA

May 29 – Graniitti-klubi, Helsinki (with Esa Kuloniemi)