Sometimes, the most incredible discoveries happen far from the usual suspects. For me, the rabbit hole of legendary guitarists started not in a record store or through a curated playlist, but with a casual browse through the YouTube app on a Now TV stick. The result? The exhilarating discovery of Finland’s finest axe-man, Albert Järvinen, the guitar driving the legendary band Hurriganes.
I was immediately hooked by the group’s raw, no-frills rock and roll sound. Yet, one element consistently soared above the tight rhythm section of Remu Aaltonen (drums/vocals) and Cisse Häkkinen (bass): Järvinen’s guitar. Often nicknamed “The Guru,” his playing style was captivating—a blend of power, sharp blues sensibility, and sheer rock and roll urgency. His solos weren’t just fast; they were articulate, deeply musical, and brimming with attitude.
The Cornerstone: The Roadrunner Album
To truly understand Järvinen’s genius, you must start with the 1974 album, Roadrunner. This record is a masterpiece of unadulterated rock and roll and is widely considered a cornerstone of Finnish music. It captures the Hurriganes at their peak, a lean, mean rock machine with Järvinen’s guitar lighting the fuse.
Recommended Tracks (Showcasing Järvinen’s Work)
“Get On”
This track is, without a doubt, the quintessential Hurriganes anthem. Järvinen’s guitar work here is the engine of the song; his driving, punchy riff doesn’t just decorate the rhythm section—it is the rhythmic structure. It perfectly exemplifies his ability to blend raw power with tight, economical playing, ensuring the whole track barrels forward with maximum rock and roll momentum. This is the sound that defined the band’s peak era.
“Roadrunner”
The title track of their classic 1974 album features the band’s trademark raw energy from start to finish. Järvinen’s contribution is immediately recognizable, delivering a scorching, simple, yet utterly effective lead that completely defines their early sound. It’s a masterclass in how to use just a few powerful licks and a distinctive tone to create an iconic rock piece that is both fast and unforgettable.
“My Only One”
A beautiful blues ballad that stands in significant contrast to the high-speed tracks on the Roadrunner album. This is where Albert Järvinen truly showcases his melodic depth. The guitar solo here is expressive, lyrical, and perfectly controlled—demonstrating that his genius lay not just in speed, but in his profound ability to use his instrument to convey deep emotion. It’s a key track for appreciating the full scope of “The Guru’s” talent.
A Shared Spirit with Dr. Feelgood
As I dug into the Hurriganes’ sound, I couldn’t shake the feeling of kinship with another iconic 70s band: Dr. Feelgood.
While the English pub-rockers, featuring Wilko Johnson, had a more staccato, choppy R&B approach, the spirit of both bands is remarkably similar: they championed a visceral, no-frills rock and roll. Both bands rejected the overblown excesses of stadium rock, opting for stripped-down, high-energy performances rooted in blues and R&B. They were renowned for their powerful, immediate live shows that prioritized raw kinetic energy. In essence, both Hurriganes and Dr. Feelgood, with their respective guitar heroes, served as a powerful antidote to the progressive rock and glam that dominated the era, proving that great rock music could still be delivered with speed and grit.
The Enduring Legacy
Albert Järvinen wasn’t just a great Finnish guitarist; he was a guitar legend, period. His signature Les Paul tone, combined with his unique blend of precision and raw power, continues to influence countless musicians. His playing style keeps the flame of honest, blues-infused rock and roll burning bright, inspiring new generations of listeners, much like myself, who stumble upon his genius from unexpected corners.
If you haven’t yet heard of The Guru, I strongly encourage you to queue up the Roadrunner album. It’s a compelling piece of rock history and a stunning showcase of one of the world’s most underrated guitar talents.
Cover Photo Credit “Hurriganes-1980-Kaivopuisto-3” by Jukka Pääkkönen is licensed under CC BY 4.0
