Most often celebrating living artists, groups but sadly also in recognition of the passing of a giant. This is the case with Allan Langvee’s and his musical collaborators Coalescence that reached the slender one’s ears thanks to the editor here. Riho Sibul was a true Titan on the Estonian musical scene. His death late last year came, as it always does at an age when there are many years of creativity still ahead as an unpleasant shock, a reminder of not only mortality but of the final notes of a song. One that is never to be heard again.
Langvee chose the Ultima Thule song Lennelda priiks to compose as a tribute to Sibul and the quintessential Estonian rock band and record Fly Myself Free. The live version of that classic is here. The second, the paean in English can be heard on YouTube here or at the band’s website, below.
With certainly pleasing results. The English lyrics are quite true to the original Estonian ones. Those with proficiency in both languages are encouraged to listen to these cuts back-to-back. The recording is by Coalescence, an Ontario cover band, a live band for all occasions. The band is composed of Allan Langvee, vocals and drums, Scott Keillor – bass and backing vocals, Heiki Tamm on keyboards, Ron Palangio, lead guitar and Murray Johnson, guitar and associate producer. (Learn more about them here) Palangio’s guitar solo is top-notch as befits a tribute.
The local Estonian connection is strong, as the tribute was recorded, mixed and mastered by Urmas Soomet at Studio 13 Live Sound Recording.
Coalescence dedicates their version of Lennelda priiks to Riho Sibul’s memory and to his surviving bandmates. May their great music live on!
A most enjoyable – and successful recording. The link is to the radio version; the extended full-length version that perhaps captures the essence of Ultima Thule to more effect is to be found at the Coalescence site. That features Heiki Tamm’s solo on keyboards. Do check both out.
