The second disc features what most people call the "prog era" of the band. The songs become highly-developed, multi-sectioned and feature fancy playing by all involved. The introduction of Margus Kappel to replace Rein Rannap on keys was successful. The song-writing duties now fell highly on the new keyboardist, as well as guitarist Jaanus Nõgisto. The words of Juhan Viiding still play a major role in the songs. Some of the most classic Estonian prog tracks are on this CD, so without further ado...

The second disc begins with the adventurous "Mis Saab Sellest Loomusevalust?" An excellent high-energy prog opening, which shows off the skills of new keyboardist Margus Kappel quite quickly, alongside the marvellous playing of guitarist Jaanus Nõgisto -- at times in harmony. The dynamics of the song, with a soft piano and volume-pedal guitar section, is beautiful, along with the vocals of Urmas Alender. But when they get going, it's quite adventurous -- with an ELP-like section in the middle as well, as Kappel shows that he's a fitting replacement for Rein Rannap on keys. This is one of the classic Ruja songs. But as this is the "first" song of the so-called "prog" era of the band, it's a wonderful beginning. The dynamics of soft and hard, with instruments to accompany the different dynamics, brings this to the forefront of Estonian prog.

Next is the nice soft piece, "Ei Mullast" Though it is the same version as the one on the memorial CD Must Lind, it is nevertheless a beautiful piece with some fanciful piano by Kappel and brilliant vocals by Alender. As the song pushes harder as it goes along, the presence of Nõgisto's guitars becomes quite obvious -- and very enjoyable. Another classic.

Then comes one of the most fantastic of all Ruja songs, "Avanemine," penned by none other than Erkki-Sven Tüür (of classical music fame, as well as In Spe, of course). The song has an uncanny Tüür feel to it from the first notes, the beautiful keyboard and guitar lines in combination. An excellent composition, and this was one of the first songs ever written by Tüür! It incorporates some of the best elements of progressive and classical music in a way typified by Tüür. All fans of the first In Spe LP would love this song. Teenage drummer Ivo Varts -- who was 16 at the time! -- come up with some choice fills at the end of the song -- proving that he's not too young for the top rock band in Estonia.

Following that is "Üleminek," which is a beautiful acoustic guitar solo by Nõgisto. Very much in the style of Steve Howe or Steve Hackett, this song rises to the challenge of all the top acoustic guitar solos of the 1970s. It does, have a few odd notes that would cause you to think for a second. Masterpiece.

Then comes "Laul Teost" which was featured on the first release by the band, the EP from 1980. A fine prog-rock piece, though a bit more restrained than many other tracks from this time. Nice piano work with a tinge of humour -- with a classic Nõgisto-style guitar solo. This is followed by the short but catchy "Klaperjaht," which is one of the coolest little bits. It features some nice piano work by Kappel and drums by Andres Vaht, just before he left the band. The song ends with a louder passage, with another cool organ solo by Kappel before we end it with the piano again. Cool stuff!

"Põhi, Lõuna, Ida, Lääs" follows that -- the foundation of their EP release in 1980. This central piece is time-tested and is among the biggest prog classics in Estonia. The multi-section song goes through fabulous dynamic changes, which gives all five members of the band to shine. I won't say more, but you can check out the review of that EP for more. Though it is a bit strange not to have "Keldrikakand" being the segued ending...that comes later. Instead following this awesome classic is the short but inspirational "Isamaa" -- featuring a beautiful vocal line by Alender with a sincere feel of patriotism. A surprise the KGB didn't arrest the band after this song was recorded.

After that is the rock and roll tune "Ajaloo Õppetund," which sounds more like the next era of the band. But for a rockabilly song, this is quite cool. It's also the same version from the Must Lind CD. Cool little solos from Nõgisto and Kappel in this humorous tune. Next is "Elupõline Kaja," a cool prog piece with a catchy melody by all the members. Drummer Varts dishes out some good fills, while Kappel runs the ivory behind the vocals with skill and vigour. This dynamic song is another example of the band in top prog form in the late 1970s. A nice creative ending.

The Nõgisto gem "Omaette" follows, which features the Ruja guitarist at his acoustic best. This is also the same version as found on the compilation Must Lind CD, that brings out Alender's voice so nicely. A beautiful little song, with some crafty backing vocals throughout. However, this is Nõgisto's acoustic dream piece.

Then we get a mix of the fun, rock side of Ruja and the prog part of the band in the fun song "Ha, Ha, Ha, Ha (Couplet in Estonian)." The first part of this song is a fun-sounding piece, accompanied with some nice piano work and creative drumming -- then the laughing segment over the guitar solo, then the sharp piano solo. We then move into a progressive, more serious section, and it's hard to believe the two parts are on the same song. Nõgisto gets an excellent guitar sound throughout the various parts...parts? Yes, we soon are prompted by some nudging by Alender before we head back into a similar sound to the beginning section of this song for a reprise. An Estonian rock classic! Following this is the short "Keldrikakand," which was attached as the end of the fabulous "Põhi, Lõuna, Ida, Lääs" from the first EP. A fabulous little vocal performance by the band in chorus.

Then a trip back in time with the old song "Perekondlik," recorded without its writer -- Rannap. An excellent and beautiful ballad, with excellent layered singing and accompanying music. A short but sweet piece. Following that is the strangely titled "Miks On Teile Jumalat Vaja?" Written by the enigmatic singer and actor Peeter Volkonski (also later in Rosta Aknad), it has a cool sound about it. Excellent playing by all again in this song with a bit of a different, darker feel. Even Alender pulls a more "Volkonski-like" performance in his singing, with a bit of extra drama.

Then another Nõgisto solo piece, "Kassimäng." A much more enigmatic acoustic guitar piece, though still in the Steve Howe school of acoustic solos, though at times there is multiple guitar layering. Fans of Howe would love this. Following this is the beautiful "Läänemere Lained," a wonderful ballad that was also featured on the commemorative Must Lind CD. It is one of the most beautiful vocal performances by the unique Alender, which rises on top of the sweet piano and vibes in the background. An inspirational ending.

The legend of the song "Üle Müüri," the title track of this CD, is quite funny. The book with the box set tells of a drunken escapade at the fine mediaeval castle in the city of Kuressaare on the island of Saaremaa -- where members of Ruja and Magnetic Band (one-time Ruja drummer Gunnar Graps and later Kaseke and In Spe guitarist Riho Sibul) had a little accident on the wall...thus the song, "Over the Wall." It is a cute little song much like the previous "Läänemere Lained," featuring vibes and the newly-acquired 12-string guitar for Alender. Beautiful piano playing by Kappel, especially later in the song.

This CD ends with two live tracks taken from a historic concert at the Tallinn Polytechnic Institute on 30 December 1976. The first is one of the most classic Ruja prog tracks ever, "Ahtumine." Though it perhaps was not a very clean performance -- such as a guitar slip-up here and there and a bit chaotic of drumming -- it shows the band during their prog days at a sharp performance. The drums of Andrus Vaht, though a little sloppy at times, is aggressive and quite impressive. The vocals are sharp, and they bass playing by Tiit Haagma is dead-on. This version is as good as the studio version to me or even better, and it's nice to hear some good live material -- to show the real side of the band. Though too bad it was this song, since the studio version is quite good -- a rare track with Gunnar Graps drumming. But the live version features some out drumming during the instrumental that you just can't do in the studio without the live vibe. Excellent performance, a major classic.

The final song on the CD is from the same concert: "Kaks Pihtimust." A very developed and complex '70s prog tune with Tiit Haagma's bass sounding strangely like that of Chris Squire. You can also hear some of Alender's ability to bring his voice to different characteristics and dramatic foci, alongside the fancy music in the background. A very wild piece at times, with great piano playing throughout. The guitars of Nõgisto play a large role in this song, especially on the louder and aggressive sections. Remember, this is live. A sharp and creative performance. Too bad other songs from the concert are not on this, such as "Nii Vaikseks Kõik On Jäänud" or "Lumi Sädeles." Talking about the latter, where is that song on the box?!?!

Overall, this shows off the best prog era of the top band in Estonian history. A fabulous collection of songs true to the mid/late 1970s prog spirit. Excellent vocals, incredible playing by all the musicians, and putting it all together, skilful composition. For prog lovers, this CD is a must. Though there are some omissions from this era, this collection is pretty comprehensive for Ruja in this, the so-called "prog period."

Mel Huang
Tallinn, Estonia
16 December 1999

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