TASAVALLAN PRESIDENTTI/LAMBERT LAND SLP-2533 (-72) SWEDEN

Finnish supergroup existing 1969-74, including former members of The Rogues, Soulset and Blues Section. They recorded four original albums through a number of member changes, but up to -72 with a remaining core consisting of guitarist Jukka Tolonen, Pekka Pöyry on woodwind, Måns Groundstroem on bass and drummer Vesa Altonen. Prior to these recordings English vocalist Frank Robson had left and been replaced by Eero Raittinen. It's hard to give a compressed and at the same time fair description of the album, but I'll try. The foundation is jazz, blues and ballads, progressively handeled with inbuilt theme changes, odd harmonies and groovy lyrics. Produced by American Samuel Charters - 1991 Grammy winner and most known for his work with re-discovering classic black blues, but at the time living and working in Scandinavia disillusioned by American war politics. For musical comparison I'm thinking a mix between Mahavishnu and Colosseum, but mainly the former since Tolonen's guitar is more McLaughlin than Clemson and I miss the profound connection I always get with Colosseum. A little too artisan for my taste, but if you're into complicated prog and high class performance it's a must. It sold well at the time and remains the band's most renowned album. Early issues in Finland (Love Records LRLP 60), Sweden (Sonet SLP-2533), Germany (BRAIN 1063) and UK (Sonet SNTF 636). 1990 CD release on Love Records (LRCD 60). 2013 CD on Svart (SVR-250) also includes two non-LP '45 tracks. First Swedish had label as shown here and structured fold/out cover. (SCÄ*) (CCÖ*)(SÖNÄ*)