UPDATED: 14 August 2003
Hello all! Kuri Proge 2003 was a major success! It was a fantastic event with many good bands -- and, of course, the weather was co-operative and gave us brilliant sunshine the whole day! Amazing time, that 19 July 2003 in the village of Kuri on the island of Hiiumaa, if you were there; too bad some of you missed it! Here's a bit of a review...
Getting to the site in Kuri was like visiting an old friend, as many of us there enjoyed the festival the previous year. The weather was perfect, like last year. There was plenty of beer and food for sale, and the merchandise was plentiful for music fans. Most exciting was the video of last year's show -- an excellent memory for all of us, especially that amazing version of "Supper's Ready" by Linnu Tee. If you want a copy of this video, contact me or festival organiser Artur Siim.
The day began with various events as more people arrived. The trivia contest was again much too difficult for most of us, as Artur once again stumped us! After some soundchecks and set-ups of the recording crew (yes, this year's festival was filmed again!), the festival began with a bang -- Estonia's best new prog band, Contus Firmus.
Contus Firmus, led by keyboard whiz Andres Kontus, performed a short but spectacular set of innovative pieces. I can't believe these guys don't have a recording contract yet, they are amazing! Some of the material pushed towards an ELP sound, much due to the extensive and creative keyboard soloing, but the rest of the band also rose to the challenge. This is definitely a band to watch out for!
This year's festival took on a more international feel with two bands from neighbouring Latvia. The first was instrumental group Olive Mess. This young band surprised the audience with some fancy instrumental pieces and solid playing, with a fusiony feel. As the size of the audience grew (a ferry had arrived just earlier), the feel of the festival increased too.
The first two bands had really got the people excited for the rest of the day. The sun was blazing quite hot by then, but people enjoyed it by taking up spots all over the area for some good tan. The drinks were flowing and the mood became more merry and cheerful. Most of the audience had arrived, though some -- semi-defeated by the heat -- had run off to the nearby beach for a refreshing swim.
Next up was the well-known instrumental duo Fragile, comprised of guitar whiz Robert Jürjendal and legendary drummer Arvo Urb (this being an outdoor show in the day, there was none of the traditional art show at most Fragile concerts). The duo, both using an extensive set of samples and loops, played some of their best known pieces and improvised many other parts to the delight of the audience. There were some dedicated fans cheering for more, and the lengthy set pleased many of its audience.
To be honest, the day was just too hot to properly enjoy more placid instrumental music -- at least for me. Plus, I had to rehearse briefly with the next band, as I was drafted for vocal duties on two songs. It was a daunting task, as I have never played with these guys and we had not reheased. And they changed the chords as well! Let's say I was a bit nervous, so thank goodness for the drinks!
The next band was the second Latvian entry, its top prog band Holy Lamb. The band has been on a storm since signing with Hungary's Periferic Records, becoming one of their top sellers. This was actually their first gig of 2003 due to various unfortunate circumstances (ranging from an injury to their keyboardist to a family bereavement for the guitarist), so the band was loose and energetic -- if not a little wild.
I will not comment much on my own parts in the set, since that's not right -- but I can say that the monitors failed and I could not hear a thing I was singing... Nevertheless, the show went well, with guitarist/vocalist Aigars Cervinskis adding much energy to the show with his antics -- which included dancing, grunting, and even costume -- alongside his power vocals and excellent guitar solos. The band, which was a 5-piece until recently, did well to re-arrange the parts to fit one guitar player.
Drummer Miks Rullis played with much vigour and creativity as usual, making him probably one of the top young drummers in all of Europe. Solid background was laid creatively by bassist Ugis 'Kuba' Zemitis, while keyboardist Juris 'Advokats' Rats dazzled with his colourful playing. The raw energy of the band included a dancing bit, a "switcheroo" by Rullis -- on piano and Cervinskis -- on drums. Fantastic fun. The crowd was much into the gig. Sound was not excellent, to be honest, but the raw energy and fun of the show was awesome -- and the crowd loved it.
For much of the audience, the most anticipated band was next. Darnkess was starting to appear, and so has the mosquitos. But nevertheless, the entire audience was stunned by the next band -- Led R. This was a creative name for the supergroup of former Ruja members doing Led Zeppelin covers. This supergroup, playing their first "rehearsal" gig, included vocalist and perfect Robert Plant clone Indrek Patte (of last year's "Supper's Ready" fame), guitar legend Jaanus Nõgisto, keyboard whiz Igor Garshnek, steady basshand Priit Kuulberg -- all of Ruja pedigree -- joined on drums by the powerful creative entity known as Peeter Jõgioja.
They went through some of the best Led Zeppelin classics, with "Whole Lotta Love" and "No Quarter" as major standouts in the set. They did many of the songs with amazing loyalty and accuracy. At times, when you closed your eyes, you started to think...damn, is this that new Led Zeppelin DVD I just bought or am I listening to a cover band live? Indrek Patte has got the Robert Plant thing down perfectly, and it was just a fantastic performance.
Drummer Jõgioja gave his own show, a spectacular 10-minute drum solo that would have even stunned Neal Peart or Carl Palmer in its intensity and creativity. The solo was majorly intense and powerful, and he dumped his sticks half way through to continue with his bare hands and even his forehead for cymbal crashed! Quite a show to see...
The crowd was estatic with this performance, one full of energy and creativity with the old classics. Many had hoped for at least one Ruja song -- with the members involved -- but it wasn't to be (partly because keyboarist/guitarist Margus Kappel had not been able to make it). But it was amazing...too bad it wasn't recorded (this was their first rehearsal in public and they asked no one to record...so we obliged). Wow...wow...wow...
Many were feeling quite exhausted by then, but -- fuelled on with the raw energy of the full audience and drinks -- kept the spirit going as strong for the next act, Meie. The band, having reunited after nearly 25 years for last year's festival, came back this year stronger than ever. Now with top-notch equipment and a year's gigging behind them, the band played their classics with much more energy and creativity than ever.
Vocalist Tajo Kadajas took awhile to warm-up, as he literally jumped off a taxi just before his soundcheck. The band played strongly, and the fans were into it as much as the previous band. Watching one of their classics at their best was a major treat, especially one they thought last disappeared in the mid 1970s. It had become quite dark as it was midnight, but the energy of the show kept everyone bright. They even touched upon some old classics by Ruja and Noor-Eesti -- doing "Perspektiiv" like Kadajas was doing back in the late 1970s. Quite a major treat!
It was getting very, very late by the time they finished, so the crowd that gathered for the final band, Melotrap was limited. It had been a hot day, so everyone had been worn out by the sun, heat, music and drink. Many retired to their tents by then. But the diehards remain to enjoy this new band and their energetic rock. It was a fun way to close off the day of music.
Wow...it was a fantastic day and night, full of fun, music and comraderie. People enjoyed themselves as much as last year. The 200 or so people there (limited tickets were sold) loved the experience of music, sun, fun and just being on Hiiumaa camping. Despite many rushing for the ferries in the morning, they partied with gusto through the night.
Kuri Proge 2003 was again a success, much due to the energy and efforts of its organiser, Artur Siim. His tireless efforts to arrange everything -- at a considerable personal financial risk -- was a testament to the love of good music that remains in Estonia. Everyone should thank him for doing this! Remember, if you want a video from the 2002 festival, e-mail him!
As with next year, who knows? Again it is a major effort for anyone involved, especially its main organiser -- both in energy terms and financial terms. When it is so difficult to even break even, is it worth it? What to do about Kuri Proge 2004? Bring more people? Making it more expensive? Moving it? Who knows, there is still time to think.
Nevertheless, there are plenty of bands interested in doing it, with a large international flavour. Tentatively there is interest from bands not just in Estonia and Finland, but also Sweden and Britain! So we'll see what happens. E-mail us with your ideas and we'll see. Again, thanks for making this year's festival a success!!! Keep checking back to see about 2004!
If you have any questions, please contact me here or the festival organiser, Artur Siim.
The day began with various events as more people arrived. The trivia contest was again much too difficult for most of us, as Artur once again stumped us! After some soundchecks and set-ups of the recording crew (yes, this year's festival was filmed again!), the festival began with a bang -- Estonia's best new prog band, Contus Firmus.
Contus Firmus, led by keyboard whiz Andres Kontus, performed a short but spectacular set of innovative pieces. I can't believe these guys don't have a recording contract yet, they are amazing! Some of the material pushed towards an ELP sound, much due to the extensive and creative keyboard soloing, but the rest of the band also rose to the challenge. This is definitely a band to watch out for!
This year's festival took on a more international feel with two bands from neighbouring Latvia. The first was instrumental group Olive Mess. This young band surprised the audience with some fancy instrumental pieces and solid playing, with a fusiony feel. As the size of the audience grew (a ferry had arrived just earlier), the feel of the festival increased too.
The first two bands had really got the people excited for the rest of the day. The sun was blazing quite hot by then, but people enjoyed it by taking up spots all over the area for some good tan. The drinks were flowing and the mood became more merry and cheerful. Most of the audience had arrived, though some -- semi-defeated by the heat -- had run off to the nearby beach for a refreshing swim.
Next up was the well-known instrumental duo Fragile, comprised of guitar whiz Robert Jürjendal and legendary drummer Arvo Urb (this being an outdoor show in the day, there was none of the traditional art show at most Fragile concerts). The duo, both using an extensive set of samples and loops, played some of their best known pieces and improvised many other parts to the delight of the audience. There were some dedicated fans cheering for more, and the lengthy set pleased many of its audience.
To be honest, the day was just too hot to properly enjoy more placid instrumental music -- at least for me. Plus, I had to rehearse briefly with the next band, as I was drafted for vocal duties on two songs. It was a daunting task, as I have never played with these guys and we had not reheased. And they changed the chords as well! Let's say I was a bit nervous, so thank goodness for the drinks!
The next band was the second Latvian entry, its top prog band Holy Lamb. The band has been on a storm since signing with Hungary's Periferic Records, becoming one of their top sellers. This was actually their first gig of 2003 due to various unfortunate circumstances (ranging from an injury to their keyboardist to a family bereavement for the guitarist), so the band was loose and energetic -- if not a little wild.
I will not comment much on my own parts in the set, since that's not right -- but I can say that the monitors failed and I could not hear a thing I was singing... Nevertheless, the show went well, with guitarist/vocalist Aigars Cervinskis adding much energy to the show with his antics -- which included dancing, grunting, and even costume -- alongside his power vocals and excellent guitar solos. The band, which was a 5-piece until recently, did well to re-arrange the parts to fit one guitar player.
Drummer Miks Rullis played with much vigour and creativity as usual, making him probably one of the top young drummers in all of Europe. Solid background was laid creatively by bassist Ugis 'Kuba' Zemitis, while keyboardist Juris 'Advokats' Rats dazzled with his colourful playing. The raw energy of the band included a dancing bit, a "switcheroo" by Rullis -- on piano and Cervinskis -- on drums. Fantastic fun. The crowd was much into the gig. Sound was not excellent, to be honest, but the raw energy and fun of the show was awesome -- and the crowd loved it.
For much of the audience, the most anticipated band was next. Darnkess was starting to appear, and so has the mosquitos. But nevertheless, the entire audience was stunned by the next band -- Led R. This was a creative name for the supergroup of former Ruja members doing Led Zeppelin covers. This supergroup, playing their first "rehearsal" gig, included vocalist and perfect Robert Plant clone Indrek Patte (of last year's "Supper's Ready" fame), guitar legend Jaanus Nõgisto, keyboard whiz Igor Garshnek, steady basshand Priit Kuulberg -- all of Ruja pedigree -- joined on drums by the powerful creative entity known as Peeter Jõgioja.
They went through some of the best Led Zeppelin classics, with "Whole Lotta Love" and "No Quarter" as major standouts in the set. They did many of the songs with amazing loyalty and accuracy. At times, when you closed your eyes, you started to think...damn, is this that new Led Zeppelin DVD I just bought or am I listening to a cover band live? Indrek Patte has got the Robert Plant thing down perfectly, and it was just a fantastic performance.
Drummer Jõgioja gave his own show, a spectacular 10-minute drum solo that would have even stunned Neal Peart or Carl Palmer in its intensity and creativity. The solo was majorly intense and powerful, and he dumped his sticks half way through to continue with his bare hands and even his forehead for cymbal crashed! Quite a show to see...
The crowd was estatic with this performance, one full of energy and creativity with the old classics. Many had hoped for at least one Ruja song -- with the members involved -- but it wasn't to be (partly because keyboarist/guitarist Margus Kappel had not been able to make it). But it was amazing...too bad it wasn't recorded (this was their first rehearsal in public and they asked no one to record...so we obliged). Wow...wow...wow...
Many were feeling quite exhausted by then, but -- fuelled on with the raw energy of the full audience and drinks -- kept the spirit going as strong for the next act, Meie. The band, having reunited after nearly 25 years for last year's festival, came back this year stronger than ever. Now with top-notch equipment and a year's gigging behind them, the band played their classics with much more energy and creativity than ever.
Vocalist Tajo Kadajas took awhile to warm-up, as he literally jumped off a taxi just before his soundcheck. The band played strongly, and the fans were into it as much as the previous band. Watching one of their classics at their best was a major treat, especially one they thought last disappeared in the mid 1970s. It had become quite dark as it was midnight, but the energy of the show kept everyone bright. They even touched upon some old classics by Ruja and Noor-Eesti -- doing "Perspektiiv" like Kadajas was doing back in the late 1970s. Quite a major treat!
It was getting very, very late by the time they finished, so the crowd that gathered for the final band, Melotrap was limited. It had been a hot day, so everyone had been worn out by the sun, heat, music and drink. Many retired to their tents by then. But the diehards remain to enjoy this new band and their energetic rock. It was a fun way to close off the day of music.
Wow...it was a fantastic day and night, full of fun, music and comraderie. People enjoyed themselves as much as last year. The 200 or so people there (limited tickets were sold) loved the experience of music, sun, fun and just being on Hiiumaa camping. Despite many rushing for the ferries in the morning, they partied with gusto through the night.
Kuri Proge 2003 was again a success, much due to the energy and efforts of its organiser, Artur Siim. His tireless efforts to arrange everything -- at a considerable personal financial risk -- was a testament to the love of good music that remains in Estonia. Everyone should thank him for doing this! Remember, if you want a video from the 2002 festival, e-mail him!
As with next year, who knows? Again it is a major effort for anyone involved, especially its main organiser -- both in energy terms and financial terms. When it is so difficult to even break even, is it worth it? What to do about Kuri Proge 2004? Bring more people? Making it more expensive? Moving it? Who knows, there is still time to think.
Nevertheless, there are plenty of bands interested in doing it, with a large international flavour. Tentatively there is interest from bands not just in Estonia and Finland, but also Sweden and Britain! So we'll see what happens. E-mail us with your ideas and we'll see. Again, thanks for making this year's festival a success!!! Keep checking back to see about 2004!
If you have any questions, please contact me here or the festival organiser, Artur Siim.
