Groove of ESSR: Funk, Disco, Jazz from Soviet Estonia

by Funk Embassy Records

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Faisal Jewell Amazing rare Soviet Funk from Estonia. When I listen to it, I imagine I'm exploring Tallinn in the 1970s. Favorite track: Üksi, kuid vabana.

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Includes unlimited streaming of Groove of ESSR: Funk, Disco, Jazz from Soviet Estonia via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.

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1.	Collage - Mets Neidude Vahel 03:35	info	buy track
2.	Marju Kuut - Üksi, kuid vabana 03:15	info	buy track
3.	Tiiu Varik - Näed vaid oma silmi 03:15	info	buy track
4.	Tõnis Mägi & Music Seif - Sa haara kinni mu käest 03:31	info	buy track
5.	Els Himma - Kesköö 02:46	info	buy track
6.	Valter Ojakäär - Rasked veosed 04:02		buy track
7.	Uno Naissoo - Marss-ekspromt 02:49	info	buy track
8.	Gunnar Graps & Magnetic Band - Leidmine 03:19	info	buy track
9.	Eesti TV & Raadio Estraadiorkester - Kesköösamba (Instrumental) 04:10	info	buy track
10.	Tarmo & Toomas Urb feat. Vanemõde - Välgud peeglis (Short Version) 05:00	info	buy track
11.	Eesti Raadio Estraadiorkester - Mälestuste teel (Instrumental) 05:41	info	buy track

about

Groovier side of the Iron Curtain is uncovered via the 11-track compilation out on 12" vinyl, CD and digitally. First of its kind for Funk Embassy Records, the compilers have dug the archives of Estonian Radio for funk, soul-jazz, disco, instrumentals, library music and covers. Influences from West made it to Soviet Estrada musicians on one hand; to rock, jazz, folk and fusion artists on the other. Recorded between 1974-1988, this is the sound of Estonian artists as heard at music halls, stadiums, radio, TV shows and cafeterias.

Selection ranges from folk-funk, psychedelic soul, dancefloor certified disco, Isaac Hayes reminiscent blues-funk, contemplative jazz-funk, Piero Umiliani-esque library music, funk-rock, in-your-face b-boy break to a flute-led master piece by Uno Naissoo – one of the founders of the Estonian jazz scene who organized the notorious Tallinn Jazz Festivals (1949-1967).

Some of the tracks were unreleased - instrumental versions by the Estonian TV and Radio Estrada Orchestra "Kesköösamba" (1977); and "Mälestuste Teel" (1974, trnl. “On The Road of Memories”) carried by a sentiment that predicts composer Raivo Tammik’s escape to Germany a year later; a cover of Carita Holmström, "Näed vaid oma silmi" with the former Soviet child star Tiiu Varik belting her unique-timbred guts out. Other tracks are local classics, and some have seen the light of day before, be it cassettes, compilation CDs or repressed vinyls.

Inspired by the resurgence of the spirit of Funk around the globe, the compilers have taken the intention to give a taste of Estonian music in the bygone Soviet era during which the government attempted to control the artists and music being made. Nevertheless, a lot of influences made it through, as Estonia was the westernmost country in the USSR. By all means, the selection isn't all-encompassing. It's just resonating with represses coming from all over the world that exhibit music with an exotically local touch.

The compilation released on vinyl, CD and digitally will be the first of its kind for the Estonian bred imprint Funk Embassy Records which focuses on releasing both archival findings as well as contemporary funk, soul, disco music. Since 2016 a. Estonian Funk Embassy has been active as a radio show, concert promoter, DJ-party, booking and management agency and now as a record label.

credits

released June 21, 2019

Compilers, executive producers: Henrik Ehte, Ingvar Kassuk
Re-mastering: Jörgen Hermaste
Cover photo: Gustav German, 1978
Design: Johann 3000
Texts: Henrik Ehte, Mait Vesker
Thank you: ERR, EFÜ, EAÜ, Rahvusarhiivi Filmiarhiiv, Heli Teedla, Gustav German, Kristin Reiljan, Matis Oolup, Tomas Alexanderszewski Karavajev (The Tallinn Collector)

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about

Funk Embassy Records Tallinn, Estonia

Founded in 2017 by Henrik Ehte, we release both archival findings as well as contemporary funk, soul, disco, jazz.

The imprint is part of Estonian Funk Embassy, an initiative active as a radio show, DJ collective, booking/management agency.

Get in touch:
estonianfunkembassy@gmail.com ... more

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