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I attended the concerts from where these recordings were done, and they were very important events for me, as I never thought I could see my favorite Finnish band from the past actually live. I also like Frank Robson's voice more than Eero Raittinen's, so their earlier line-up is also more close to my heart.

The songs are constructed in a basic jazz-rock style, with sung verses in the beginning and the ending, and the middle parts are for the improvisational interplay of guitar and saxophone or flute. There are some sections for bass and drum soloing too, but the rhythm section plays in a more traditional way, creating the space for the two main solo tenor instruments. The starting track "I Love You Teddy Bear" is the best version they have managed to play from this "hit ballad" of theirs, and it surely is a lovely song. I also think that many of the versions here are much better than on their early studio albums, as most of the players have now over 30 years of playing experience. I also prefer live music instead of studio works, so this record hits quite directly to my personal preferrences.

Sadly their cover version of Frank Zappa's "King Kong" is not presented here, perhaps because of copyright issues. (The singer played keyboards on that song.) Some tracks which they performed from albums "Lambertland" are also not included, as I think they were not working as well for Frank's voice than Eero's, who sung on that album. What a great album to cherish the memories of those evenings, hear experienced musicians to play, and thus recommended warmly!

TASAVALLAN PRESIDENTTI were one of legendary Finnish prog bands from early 70-s (disbanded in 1974 after few quite interesting albums). This album is not material from vaults, but newly recorded live one.

Band just recorded some material during concert ( 37 years after they were disbanded for the first time). It was interesting for me just to hear what their music is now.

To be honest, this album is mixed bag. Bad generally play jazz-rock with strong influence of Canterbury sound, some light psychedelic and spacey sounds. You can easy feel their blues- rock roots as well. No keyboards or other electronic devices/effects! Excellent guitar, very interesting flute ( often reminds Ian Anderson's techniques). Some nice sax as well. So - good music? Everything is not so simply.

First of all, their sound is quite authentic, but on the level of ... early 70-s. I believe their fans from old days will be happy to hear them again ,just as great nostalgia. But for today's music scene they sound more as dinosaurs. And then - vocals.... Album's opener sounds as Frank Sinatra's fame tribute. Later things go a bit better, but almost everywhere instrumental pieces are much more attractive.

In all, memories album for old fans or collectors. Hardly will attract even a single newcomer.