The time is finally here to show off the legendary Estonian prog band Ruja to the world! This five CD boxed set brought together the entire Ruja community to put out what they consider a fitting tribute to the 17-year history of the band -- and they did it marvellously. In co-operation with local record company HyperElwood, the "Ruja council" put together this set just in time for the Christmas season -- a perfect gift idea for those that can still find it a week after its 9 December release.

Why do I say that? First of all, the box is a limited edition of 2000. Pre-orders have already cleaned the record company out, and they are selling fast from the few CD stores that still have them in stock. Ruja transcended prog and was probably the most popular rock band in Estonian history. However, prog was certainly one of the main aspects of this historic band.

The box itself is a long and large thing, with two CD sets -- the first two discs in the first jewel case, the last three in the second. With the CDs is a fantastic book filled with photos and fabulous documentation from the band members. Much of the text was written by members Rein Rannap, Jaanus Nõgisto, Margus Kappel and Igor Garshnek. It also features some texts by Erkki-Sven Tüür about his own connections with the band back in the mid/late 1970s, and emotional reminiscence from Yoko Alender, the daughter of the departed vocalist Urmas Alender. It also has fabulous photos, hand-written notes, and other niceties inside.

The text, of course, is in Estonian. Perhaps it would be translated into English at some point. But it is a fascinating read, bringing back long-lost stories about the band, its trials and tribulations, its successes and crises. Colourful stories, such as from a bad result to a joke by new bassist S P Gulliver (Vladislav Petchnikov), are abound in the book. Run-ins with the KGB, drunken adventures which inspire songs, and tours from hell make the band's history come alive. Various members recall their joining and parting of the band, and chronicles the entry and departure of others. The sharing of the music diary of Urmas Alender by his daughter helped the members put together the fascinating history of the band. It's just too bad the man himself wasn't around to see this and put his thoughts into the project -- as he was the only person to have been a member from beginning to end...

However, one surprise and fantastic addition to this box is the inclusion of a detailed family tree of the band (and very much of Estonian progressive rock in connection). If you have the boxed sets from King Crimson and Yes, you know what these family trees are like and about. The Ruja one here, compiled by Ruja historian Artur Siim, is nothing less than spectacular. Each individual move by the band were recalled, with all the member changes and more. It is fascinating to see how extensive the Estonian progressive rock trees were -- a testament to the importance of Ruja as the main trunk of that tree. This tree, which folds out as a poster, is a remarkable addition to this set.

Though not part of the package, at the same time a history video of the band was released: Rujavisioon. This fantastic two-hour video shows the band in live action, from packed concerts in the early 1980s to the emotional final song at the memorial concert to Urmas Alender in 1994. This requires a separate page -- which I'll get to soon.

However, there are a few notable omissions to this box. Several classics, such as "Lumi Sädeles" (which is understandable, knowing the objection of one key member of the band -- read the booklet if you can!) were not included. Some other classics, like "Ahtumine" and "Sügispäev" were replaced with live versions -- some better, some worse than the studio version. And the fabulous "Kitarrikontsert" was not on the set -- perhaps it was just too long, but it was one of the most fabulous pieces by the band, with full symphony on the Garshnek piece. However, the six hours of material should satisfy 99% of the fans for a long, long time. You'll never know what else could be released, as there are tons more studio and live material by Ruja.

As this is the first boxed set in Estonian music history, Ruja has again broken ground despite being apart for many years. This collection of music, over six hours of mostly unreleased material, sets the record straight, so to speak. The music speaks for itself, and shows how deep and complex a band Ruja was -- rising to the standards of prog bands across the world.

For individual CD reviews: Disc One (early/mid 1970s, prog-heavy) Parandamatu -- Disc Two (mid/late 1970s, prog masterpieces) Üle Müüri -- Disc Three (early 1980s, rockabilly stuff) Pop-Ruja -- Disc Four (mid/late 1980s, snappier prog) Sildade Põletajad -- Disc Five (rarities mixed from all eras) Tundmatu Ruja.

Mel Huang
Tallinn, Estonia
16 December 1999

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