SÕNUM

Instrumental progressive rock fusion from Estonia with truely authentic sound ranging from Jazz (aka UZEB) to classic rock (aka DEEP PURPLE) to classic prog (KING CRIMSON). Essentially "Poletus" (Burning) was their first album released back in 1981 with "Sönum" representing their EP, released in 1983. Instrumentally songs are aggressive but quite comprehensible with great instrumental interplay and diverse time changes. Immediately recognizable is their twin guitarists Riho Sibul (Ex-IN SPE) & Ain Vapts, and the magical flute of Peeter Malkov who brings a certain balanced dimension to this music. Keyboards are contributed throughout by a number of different members who all compliment the album with solid performances throughout. For those who like their prog jazzy and full of fusion elements will most certainly dig KASEKE's music.

Short-lived yet very succesful jazz/prog band of the former Soviet Union,with connections to excellent prog-folk outfit ''Ruja''.Actually KASEKE were found out of the ashes of the punk-rock band ''Propeller'',featuring mostly members of ''Ruja''.When ''Propeller''s career stopped,some of the members formed KASEKE in autumn of 1980.The original line-up lasted only for a few months,as drummer Ivo Varts left to join the Soviet Army,but the arrival of keyboardist Tony Naissoo brought dramatic changes to the band's style,as it can be heard on their EP ''Sonum'' of 1981.

''Sonum'' consists of four short tracks woth a total running time of 15 minutes,yet it is a decent sample of what KASEKE's music was all about.The main characteristic of their sound is the excellent balance of all instruments and the changing tempos.There are plenty of melodic guitars of nice inspiration by Ain Varts ,an ingredient of most of East-European jazz bands,surrounded by the beautiful keys and the electric piano parts of Naissoo.Some parts of this work remind me a lot of LEB I SOL,FERMATA and even BRAND X.There is also plenty of stops and take-offs throughout compositions,as well as plenty of room for soloing to most of the members:from the tasteful keyboards and the elaborate guitars to even to the awesome flute parts of Peeter Malkov.The overall sound is extremely well-crafted and polished and ''Sonum'' could easily please any fan of the typical late-70's/early-80's fusion/prog scene with its delicate musicianship.

Debut EP from Estonian band Kaseke. Young guys, started as punk-band Propeller, which was disbanded under Soviet authorities pressure, returned back with excellent jazz-fusion (ok, without vocals, so lyrics wasn't problem anymore).Just four songs, 15 minutes - but very tasteful and well balanced fusion, on a best traditions of such bands as Fermata. No soloists, but professional combination of keyboards, soft, but energetic electric guitar and flute, strong melodies, good sound balance.

The band released just one studio album later, and was disbanded again. But what they left is perfect examples of Estonian jazz fusion on it's best.

P.S. Some years later this EP both together with their only studio album were released as one CD.