LINNU TEE
Arguably Linnu Tee was the band that represented the phenomenon of "'80s prog" best in Estonia, with a sound reminiscent to bands like Asia, Toto, and of course Rabin-era Yes. The material played by the talented but inconsistent band throughout its different formations featured some sparkling moments, but often it fell far short of its potential. Often, listening to Linnu Tee, it is quite frustrating, as you can hear the promise of the band, but it doesn't quite get there.
The musicians in the early formation of the band started on their careers in the late 1970s, forming the band for the first time in 1985. The first formation featured the core of vocalist Indrek Patte, keyboardist Madis Lepasoo and bassist Margus Kliimask, augmented by guitarist Toomas Vanem and drummer Jüri Mazurchak. They worked on original pieces, as well as well-known covers by some of the biggest prog acts in the world. 
Their first opportunity in front of a live audience was at the 1986 Tartu Rock Festival. Despite being well-received, problems with the Soviet regime caused the band much problems, including a ban on performance. During this period some of the more ambitious progressive rock pieces were written. Nevertheless, the ban on performing pushed members to work on other projects. Later, Patte went to Ruja, Kliimask and Jõgi went to the little-known but fascinating P3, etc.
Linnu Tee came back together to play in Tartu in 1988 with a slightly different line-up. Returning were Patte (vocals), Lepasoo (keys), Jõgi (guitars) and Mazurchak (drums), augmented now by Raul Jaanson (guitars) and slap-happy bassist Paul Kikerpuu (best known for his work with Radar).
Nevertheless the plague of lineup changes continued, as Endel Jõgi followed many other musicians hassled by the regime by emigrating -- to Australia. Original bassist Margus Kliimask returned to the band, while Tarvi Jaago replaced Mazurchak on drums. Most notably, key songwriter and keyboardist Madis Lepasoo departed, replaced by the double assault of Harmo Kallaste and Ivo Vanem. This line-up brought the band to its most successful period, including the release of its debut album. By now the band had relaxed into the AOR style, with a little bit of prog mixed in. Unfortunately the English (why use English?) was quite shaky for this album. 
But the tumultuous year of 1991 also saw the band change directions, moving away from AOR/prog to hard rock. This caused many member changes, leaving Patte and Jaanson the only two from the prog days to remain when the band went into hibernation in 1994. Various line-ups of the band played a few concerts now and then through the rest of the 1990s.
However, it was the Kuri Proge 2002 festival that relaunched the career of Linnu Tee. Performing a spectacular cover of the Genesis epic "Supper's Ready" the band showed that there's still plenty of gigging in them. This line-up brought back the originals like Patte (vocals), Jaago (drums, flute), Jaanson (guitars) and Kliimask (bass) -- augmented this time by keyboard whiz Igor Garshnek (Ruja, Synopsis, Data, and more) and Frippian guitarist Robert Jürjendal (Fragile, Weekend Guitar Trio).
This remarkable performance brought the band to continue their collaboration, and various projects are being planned. So this is a rebirth for the band, and we're all looking forward to seeing them at their very best again!
Discography
| Linnu Tee |
1989 |
LP |
| Linnu Tee |
1997 |
CD |
