#N/A

Credits:

Ehala/Nogisto/Kappel/Volkonski

Description:

Formed in '71 around Rein Rannap (key), a pianist/composer who continues to represent the Estonian music scene across genres, the band produced numerous musicians who would later support the scene before going on hiatus in the late '80s. It became legendary following the passing of Urmas Alender (vocals) in '94, but has since shown signs of revival, performing reunion shows at domestic festivals since the late 2010s. RUJA: the legendary band representing Estonian rock. Composer/pianist Olav Ehala, also from Estonia, served as the main composer for the monumental rock opera "Johnny," released in 1980. He collaborated on the compositions with three members: Jaanus Nõgisto and Margus Kappel from RUJA, and Peeter Volkonski from the Estonian punk band PROPELLER. This album features the reunion and recording of former band members for the 2021 revival and new recording of the rock opera "Johnny," originally released in 1980. It is presented by Estonia's Vaiguviiul label! This release is a limited edition double LP set on 180g heavyweight vinyl. The musicians assembled for this work include the aforementioned Olav Ehala (p), Jaanus Nõgisto (g), and Margus Kappel (synth/org), plus Priit Kuulberg (b) and Ivo Varts (dr), totaling five members. Vocals are handled by the rock opera cast, including Mikk Tammepõld, who also works as a singer, with the main vocalist changing for each song. The recording for this work is from 2021, making it a piece that truly conveys the current state of RUJA. This rock opera "Johnny" is said to have been performed regularly until the late 80s.Some of these were later recorded as RUJA, and those recordings were primarily included as unreleased tracks in the 'Tundmatu Ruja (Unknown Ruja)' section on CD5 of the anthology box set NEED EI VAATA TAGASI..., released in 1999 (two tracks, 'Meediaaskeldus' and 'Ma Mustas Öös Näen...', were also featured on the 2017 compilation album PÕHI, LÕUNA, IDA, LÄÄS..., also featured two tracks: 'Meediaaskeldus' and 'Ma Mustas Öös Näen...'). These tracks, familiar to hardcore fans, are also included here as newly recorded versions. Furthermore, the B-side of Olav Ehala's acclaimed 1992 solo album 'LAULUD' (never released separately on CD), renowned for its high-quality symphonic rock, is actually, as noted on the jacket, an excerpt from this rock opera 'Johnny'. The fact that the complete version has finally been released makes this album particularly noteworthy.Furthermore, the final six tracks from 'Algus' to 'Laul võimalusest', included as bonus material equivalent to LP Side D, are recordings made in 1980 by RUJA of the songs from "Johnny". Naturally, Urmas Alender handled the vocals. Some of these tracks were also not included on the previously mentioned NEED EI VAATA TAGASI..., making this another extremely valuable recording. The symphonic sound, which incorporates a variety of genres, including progressive rock, hard rock, electro, and new wave, and sublimates them with an Eastern European interpretation, is truly reminiscent of RUJA's progressive period in the late 70s, and is a new masterpiece that will surely impress fans of the band! Gatefold specification/cut-out shaped jacket.

Tracklisting:

SIDE A1. Algus
SIDE A2. Tousma nuud peab
SIDE A3. Arkamisaskeldus
SIDE A4. Oigus
SIDE A5. Tooaskeldus
SIDE A6. Meediaaskeldus
SIDE A7. Armastusaskeldus
SIDE A8. Paabulinnu laul
SIDE B1. Spordiaskeldus
SIDE B2. Rahvalaulufraas
SIDE B3. Kvartett
SIDE B4. Mind ei huvita
SIDE B5. Laul surnud linnust
SIDE B6. Miks on teile jumalat vaja?