The Swedish band John Henry – founded by harmonica player Mikael “Mika” Bäckman and Ulrika Weinz – is one of the most important European country blues bands of our time. Their music combines authenticity with virtuosity and offers a modern interpretation of classic American roots. Starting out as an acoustic bluegrass quartet, John Henry evolved with the addition of electric guitar and pedal steel guitar to new genres such as western swing and honky-tonk twang and swing.

Frontman and harmonica player Mikael Bäckman has been performing with his harmonica since the early 1990s. Bäckman is known for his distinctive country blues style and performs with John Henry at renowned festivals worldwide. Bäckman is not only a musician but also a university lecturer. His favourite subject of research: the harmonica, its influences, playing styles and players.