Tasavallan Presidentti

Label: Columbia
Country: Finland
Released: 1971
Format: Vinyl,LP,Album

Exploring Tasavallan Presidentti II

Tasavallan Presidentti, a Finnish progressive jazz-rock band, released their second album in 1971. This self-titled album, also known as "Tasavallan Presidentti II," showcases a blend of jazz, rock, and blues influences. It was recorded in August 1970 at Metronome Studios in Stockholm, Sweden, under the production of Bob Azzam. The recording features the expertise of sound engineer Michael B. Tretow, who had a successful career that included work with ABBA.

A New Lineup

This album marks a significant transition for the band with the introduction of saxophonist and flutist Pekka Pöyry. He replaced the previous saxophonist, Junnu Aaltonen, and brought a new dimension to the group with his virtuosic playing. The lineup also includes Jukka Tolonen on electric and acoustic guitars, who contributes to the songwriting alongside Frank Robson, the lead vocalist and organist. Måns Groundstroem plays bass guitar and organ, while Vesa Aaltonen is on drums and percussion.

Musical Composition

The album consists of nine tracks that vary in style and structure. It opens with "Introduction" and moves into the hard-driving "Deep Thinker," which sets a dynamic tone. The track "I Love You Teddy Bear" offers a revised take that reflects the band's evolving sound. Songs like "Struggling For Freedom" and "Tease Me, Tease You" incorporate tight blues-rock grooves, while "Weather Brightly" showcases a more pastoral approach through woodwinds, reminiscent of Traffic.

A highlight of the album is the seven-minute track "Sinking," which serves as a progressive centerpiece. This track features extended modal jazz-rock improvisations, further illustrating the band's sophisticated musical direction. The album concludes with "Tell Me More," a closing jam that encapsulates the band's energetic style.

Recording Context

The recording session at Metronome Studios utilized advanced technology for its time. This setting allowed the band to experiment with their sound, blending various elements of jazz and rock. The production choices made during these sessions reflect the band's intention to push boundaries within the genre.

Tasavallan Presidentti II was released under the Columbia/EMI label, catalog number 5E 062-34264, in 1971.

Tracklist

A1	Introduction Written-By – Tasavallan Presidentti	4:00
A2	Deep Thinker Written-By – RobsonWritten-By – J. TolonenWritten-By – Groundstroem*	2:30
A3	I Love You Teddy Bear Written-By – F. RobsonWritten-By – M. Groundstroem	2:50
A4	Struggling For Freedom Written-By – F. RobsonWritten-By – J. TolonenWritten-By – M. Groundstroem*	4:40
A5	Tease Me, Tease You Written-By – F. RobsonWritten-By – J. Tolonen	1:54
B1	Weather Brightly Written-By – F. Robson*	3:15
B2	Sinking Written-By – F. Robson*Written-By – Tasavallan Presidentti	6:58
B3	I'm Going Home Once Again Written-By – F. RobsonWritten-By – M. Groundstroem	3:58
B4	Tell Me More Written-By – F. Robson*Written-By – Tasavallan Presidentti	3:47