Blues Section

# Blues Section

Blues Section were a Finnish rock group active from 1967-1968, led by British-born vocalist and songwriter Jim Pembroke alongside saxophonist Eero Koivistoinen, drummer Ronnie Österberg, guitarist Hasse Walli, and bassist Måns Groundstroem. Drawing inspiration from blues-rock pioneers like John Mayall's Bluesbreakers and Jimi Hendrix—who had recently performed in Helsinki—the band crafted a sound that blended American blues influences with Pembroke's distinctly British songwriting sensibilities, echoing the melodic sophistication of The Beatles and The Kinks.

The group released their self-titled debut on Helsinki's Love Records in late 1967, establishing themselves as part of Finland's emerging rock scene. Though Blues Section disbanded by the end of 1968 due to lineup changes, their brief existence proved influential: members went on to shape Finnish progressive rock through acclaimed acts like Wigwam and Tasavallan Presidentti, while Koivistoinen achieved international recognition as a jazz innovator and Walli explored world music traditions with Piirpauke.