If there’s one thing Ben Granfelt does better than most—it’s letting his guitar speak. With an expressive touch, a knack for melody, and decades of experience across genres, Granfelt has carved out a unique path in the global guitar community. His recent appearance on Pete Feenstra’s acclaimed series The Pete Feenstra Feature offered listeners an in-depth journey through his musical history, philosophy, and fresh creative endeavors.
In a career that stretches back to the early 1980s, Ben Granfelt has become synonymous with class, feel, and versatility. Whether on stage with arena-filling rock bands or deep in the studio crafting nuanced instrumentals, his signature tone and melodic phrasing are instantly recognizable—and deeply emotive.
🎶 The Early Years: Building a Foundation
Ben’s first steps into the limelight came with Gringos Locos, a trailblazing Finnish rock band with international ambitions and the talent to match. The group’s high-energy performances and melodic edge set the tone for what would become a lifelong dedication to blending classic rock power with emotional depth.
In the late ’80s and early ’90s, Granfelt co-founded Guitar Slingers, one of Finland’s premier AOR bands. At the same time, he was making waves with The Leningrad Cowboys, a theatrical rock band known for their unique stage presence and humorous approach—but always anchored by solid musicianship. Throughout all these ventures, he quietly built his solo voice, launching the Ben Granfelt Band in 1993—a project that would become his creative home base.
🏆 Recognition and the Golden Emma Award
In 1997, Ben was awarded the Golden Emma Guitar Award by Finland’s Sounds Society—an acknowledgement not only of his technical prowess but also of his growing reputation as a guitarist with both heart and intellect. It was a turning point that solidified his role as a serious solo artist and a respected figure within the European rock scene.
🇬🇧 Four Years with Wishbone Ash
For many international fans, their introduction to Granfelt may have come during his four-year tenure with the legendary Wishbone Ash—a British rock institution known for its dual guitar harmonies and epic songwriting. Ben brought both freshness and fidelity to the Ash sound, fitting seamlessly into the band’s storied legacy while adding his own melodic flourishes and stage presence. His time with Wishbone Ash expanded his audience, taking him to stages across Europe and the USA, and proving that his guitar could indeed speak any language.
🎧 Blug, Granfelt & Engelien: A New Power Trio
Fast forward to recent years, and Ben’s latest work with Blug, Granfelt & Engelien demonstrates that he’s far from resting on his laurels. This modern power trio, featuring German guitar tech-wizard Thomas Blug and bass virtuoso Martin Engelien, delivers a high-energy blend of melodic rock, fusion, and pure instrumental firepower. Their chemistry is infectious, and for those who appreciate musicianship at the highest level, their recordings and live shows are a must.
💿 New Release: #itspersonal on A1 Records
Ben Granfelt’s latest solo effort, #itspersonal, is perhaps his most revealing work to date. Released on A1 Records, this double album spans a wide sonic landscape, combining instrumental explorations with live vocal tracks that showcase both his guitar voice and his lyrical side.
The title says it all—this is a deeply personal record that reflects a musician comfortable in his own skin. It’s a sonic autobiography, written in bends, slides, and soulful vibrato. From introspective acoustic passages to soaring electric solos, Granfelt digs deep to express themes of identity, growth, and emotion—without ever losing his rock ’n’ roll edge.
The live cuts in particular reveal the raw energy and connection he brings to his performances, proving that his playing loses none of its power onstage. Whether you’re discovering him for the first time or have followed his journey for decades, #itspersonal feels like a perfect entry point to Ben’s world. You can read the full review of the album on Getteadytorock
🎙️ About the Interview
Pete Feenstra’s “The Pete Feenstra Feature” series has become essential listening for fans of blues, rock, and guitar-driven music. In this second instalment, Feenstra delves into the twists and turns of Ben Granfelt’s career—covering everything from his early influences to his time with major acts, his solo evolution, and his current outlook on music.
It’s a conversation full of insight, honesty, and humor—with Granfelt reflecting on the highs, the challenges, and the enduring magic of melody. The interview highlights not just his skills as a player, but also his thoughtfulness as an artist.
🔗 Discover More
🎸 Ben Granfelt Official Website
📻 Pete Feenstra on Get Ready to Rock! Radio
🎧 Stream the interview now via Mixcloud (embed above)
💽 #itspersonal – Out now on A1 Records
