CELEBRATION

Estonian composer and instrumentalist Indrek PATTE is apparently one of the veterans of the local Estonian rock scene, being a member of or involved with a number of bands dating all the way back to the 70's. "Celebration" marks his debut as a solo artist, and was released through the Estonian progressive rock oriented label Strangiato Records in 2011.

Indrek Patte's solo debut "Celebration" comes across as a production that celebrates 70's oriented progressive and pomp rock both, featuring compositions of a purebred symphonic art rock character just as much as numbers with more of a straightforward, AOR oriented expression. Fans of artists such as Spock's Beard and Ambrosia might be something of a key audience for this CD, although I'd imagine that quite a few with a soft spot for the likes of Genesis might find this one to be of interest too.

Patte lists many idols in prog: Genesis, Yes, Gentle Giant, Marillion, Dream Theater and Neal Morse. And one really can hear them all in his music. There's not a single detail that would give away his nationality (Estonian). The production is excellent, and the arrangements (by Patte) are also sophisticated. Co-musicians play e.g. flute, cello and saxophone, while Patte himself plays keyboards, 12-string and percussion. this album almost feels like a tribute to his idols. The two first songs are very Genesis-like ('Learn to Live' even actually copies the arrangement ideas of 'A Trick of the Tail', but does so in a pleasant style), the third reminds me of IQ, and in 'One Way' he clearly nods to Gentle Giant, especially with multilayered vocals.

Towards the end there come some less interesting songs that feel like 80's commercial hard rock. Also Patte's pretentious voice (somewhere between Neal Morse and Little Steven) helps that association. Ther long title track in the end includes a section in the lyrics ("all that you...") very reminiscent of Floyd's 'Eclipse', otherwise the track has the ambitious pomposity of a Pendragon epic. So, as you guessed, not very original work, but quite enjoyable nevertheless, if you like Genesis-influenced neo-prog. There are some Christian overtones in the album but definitely not too emphasised.

Estonian multi-instrumentalist Indrek Patte draws in a range of guest artists and friends to perform on this neo-prog album with hints of Genesis, Marillion, and Pendragon being the ain influences I hear - but given a unique twist thanks to Patte's keyboard work, which in places draws a lot on the style Tangerine Dream adopted by the early 1980s to add a range of textures not often heard in neo-prog material. You Stay With Me, with its mingling of heavy guitar, accessible power pop/AOR vocals, and neo-prog keyboard work, is perhaps the track which encapsulates the album's approach the best. Solid but not game-changing.

Born in 1959 in Antsla, Estonia, Indrek Patte loved the sound of English Rock groups since the age of 7.However he had to wait for over 10 years to write his own material within the comfort of a band, forming Linnu Tee in late-70's.The 80's were prooved to be quite busy, besides his activity with Linnu Tee he was also involved briefly in the core of legendary Estonian Rockers Ruja, while working also as a recording engineer and producer at the Matrix Studios in Tallinn.He also wrote music for films, but his love for Prog Rock led him to the recordings of his first true Prog album in 2011, ''Celebration'', released on the local Strangiato label.He played keyboards, guitars and sung in the album, helped by a line-up of 10 musicians, among them his long-time bandmate on Linnu Tee, guitarist Raul Jaanson.

At the time Patte had declared himself as a Christian, so lyrically ''Celebration'' deals with religious themes and lyrics.Soundwise though this was a huge surprise, an unknown Estonian multi-instrumentalist produced a work along the best lines of NEAL MORSE and symphonic PENDRAGON, propelled by a tremendous production and an excellent supporting band.Patte's music is at least fascinating.His true love for 70's Prog Rock and his updated services with the current Rock scene led to an amazing set of tracks within the Neo/Symphonic Prog territory, containing impressive melodies, romantic passges, hard-hitting guitar moves and huge symphonic waves.He hadn't become the lead singer of Ruja by accident, his voice is flawless, warm and powerful when needed, while his composing skills are awesome.The tracks are not very long, but they are filled with superb keyboard flashing, beautiful guitar lines and elegant piano interludes, while he never forgets to rock a bit at moments.SPOCK'S BEARD's diversity also come to mind during the listening, although Patte's instrumentation lacks a vintage depth and shows a tendency towards a more modern keyboard-based sound.And yes, there are also some great tempo changes, electroacoustic fanfares and complex themes to be found, this was defibitely an unexpected gift from the Baltic lands.

Pretty awesome Neo/Symphonic Prog, created by an overlooked but talented composer.On par with the works of SPOCK'S BEARD, IQ, PENDRAGON, CHRIS and NEAL MORSE.Striking melodies, quirky guitar chops, fascinating keyboard lines.A great and highly recommended package of elaborate progressive offerings.