Artist: Tõnu Naissoo Electric Trio
Title: Different Directions
Label: Frotee
Catalog: CD - FROCD2. LP - FRO011
Year: 2021
Recorded: 2019

Release date: CD (Estonia) 16.08.2021, LP/CD (Worldwide) April 2022

Accompanied by his synthesizers and two of the best Estonian jazz musicians, bassist Mihkel Mälgand and drummer Ahto Abner, Tõnu Naissoo began recording his album “Different Directions” in the autumn of 2019 at the legendary Linnahall studio that he had booked for that purpose several years in advance. The new tracks he composed for the album flow from jazz-rock to smooth jazz, lingering briefly on the frequency of free jazz.
The popular Estonian jazz pianist Tõnu Naissoo was born in Tallinn, Estonia in 1951. His father Uno Naissoo was a renowned composer and an organizer of jazz festivals, who encouraged Tõnu to take an interest in jazz and improvisation. By the age of 15 he had already begun participating in local jazz orchestra. He performed first time with his trio and presented his jazz music compositions at the international Tallinn Jazz Festival of 1967 in Tallinn. The next year he was given an opportunity to record his own album. Since then he has dedicated himself to jazz music and recorded around 30 albums that have been released in Estonia, Japan and Russia.
“Different Directions” feels like Tõnu Naissoo’s ’missing piece’ album from the 1980s. It will be a worthy addition to Tõnu Naissoo’s and Frotee’s discography.

Different Directions

Blue Rider

Tõnu Naissoo Electric Trio - Different Directions LP FRO011 A1 Blue Rider

A1  Loodus 4:32
A2  Inimesed vaatavad merele 2:53
A3  Väsimus 4:03
A4  Ma olen nahktiibadega väntorel 6:11
A5  Maailm ilma rohukõrreta 3:08
A6  Kollaste lillede org 4:58
A7  Kuusiku metalne lainetus 2:20
B1  Julgus 3:13
B2  Kas sa suudad 3:15
B3 Otu ja Mari 2:20
B4 Hot Sun 2:43
B5 Hääled 3:28
B6 Sa tulid tuppa 5:09
B7 Väntoreli lein 4:46

Frotee is proud to present compilation LP and CD by Estonian psychpop group Väntorel. Those 14 self-penned tracks were recorded in September 1971, just a few months before group disbanded. Väntorel was too underground to release record on Melodiya and studio tapes got lost in 70s. Compilation of their tracks taken from second-rate copies was released on tape and limited CDR in 1997, both long out of print. Newly remastered Väntorel songs are first time available on vinyl record.
Väntorel started under name Keldriline Heli, but got into trouble with authorities, so they changed  name after a title of their biggest hit. They were very unique in Estonian music scene back then due to sincere lyrics in Estonian, complex songwriting and psychedelic sound.
Release date: 16 May 2014

Väntorel - Väntorel LP/CD FRO003 sampler

Even though disco music was considered harmless in Soviet Union – you really can’t sing about politics to dancers – there wasn’t released many Estonian disco tracks on vinyl records. Frotee found from archives two incredible previously unreleased disco tracks by Elektra. Sung in beautiful Estonian language by young highschool girls and backed by pretty tight instrumental group. While "Meid kaasa muusika viib" (originally "Jump To The Beat") is good for busy dancefloors, the cover version of "You Might Need Somebody", "Keegi", sounds even smoother in Estonian. Limited picture sleeve 7” with liner notes.

Now available http://frotee.net/en/shop

Elektra - Keegi / Meid kaasa muusika viib 7" FRO004 sampler

First track from next Frotee release, coming on 20.01.2015.

Estonian label Frotee discovered 6 previously unreleased instrumental tracks by Jaak Jürisson. Jürisson was prolific singer, composer and keyboard player during 80s, though he rarely recorded his instrumental compositions. In 1990 he took his new synthesizer and bass player to studio and recorded 6 tracks, which we now can call Estonian own new age sound.

Jaak Jürisson "Laste mängutuba" (Jaak Jürisson LP FRO005)

Suvi 7" (FRO006)
A Heidy Tamme „Suvi ei jää” 3:59
B Tiit Paulus „Selle suve laul“ 4:23

Frotee has compiled two songs inspired by Estonian summer for their sixth release on 7“ single. „Suvi ei jää“ is old favorite at Frotee office. While it’s a cover version of Roberta Flack’s song “What a Woman Really Means”, it was given new lyrics which eloquently describe the summer season and its brevity (title translates as “Summer Doesn’t Stay”). It’s sung by popular Estonian singer Heidy Tamme, recorded in 1982, and arranged by Tiit Paulus, one of the best Estonian jazz guitarists. On B-side you’ll find solo guitar track “Selle suve laul” (“This Summer’s Song”), written and played by Tiit Paulus. He wrote the song as an ode to his new home he had bought “this summer” on the biggest island of Estonia, Saaremaa.

Release date: July 2015

Heidy Tamme "Suvi ei jää" - Suvi 7" FRO006 sample

Velly Joonas "Stopp, seisku aeg!" 7" (FRO007)
A "Stopp, seisku aeg!" 4:23
B "Käes on aeg" 2:53

Velly Joonas is a mysterious singer, who once wanted to become a soul singer, but later choose folk music instead. Frotee has released two recordings of cover versions from Estonian Radio archives, both tracks have Estonian lyrics written by herself. In 1983, she recorded incredible version of "I See Red". Few years earlier she recorded lovely version of classic "Feel Like Makin' Love". Both previously unavailable, now released on 7" single!

B - Velly Joonas "Käes on aeg" - 7" FRO007 sample

A - Velly Joonas "Stopp, seisku aeg!" - 7" FRO007 sample

Frotee is back on track with the search for forgotten pearls in Estonian Radio archive. For our first compilation “Valgusesse - 8 shiny tracks from Estonian Radio archive” Frotee team has hand-picked 8 previously unreleased songs by 8 Estonian artists. These tracks, with their range of styles from soul to AOR, jazz to ambient, have long ago earned their rightful place in Frotee's heart but are only now being released in a form of a record.

On “Valgusesse” compilation you’ll find tracks from groups from Frotee’s earlier discography. Elektra, under their initial name Kooli-prii, had recorded another charming soul cover. Fusion-disco-reggae group Tornaado surprises us with an Estonian version of Kraftwerk's hit single “Das Model”. It might well be the first opportunity for you to discover some early Estonian ambient sounds by Tiit Aunaste or hear the songs from the previously underrated pop-singer Kristi Tammik. The collection also features pop sounds by the well-known Estonian jazz musicians Sven Kullerkupp and Lembit Saarsalu. The pianist Sven Kullerkupp recorded perfect Balearic beat in 1990 and Estonian best saxophonist Lembit Saarsalu found time to play disco-funk with Estonian Radio orchestra in 1979. Both sides of LP end with authentic Estonian yacht rock, played by Salamander and Radar, respectively.

A
1 Kooli-prii – Päikeselaik
2 Kristi Tammik – Haldjalaul
3 Sven Kullerkupp – Fiesta
4 Salamander – Kui mu kõrval käid
B
1 Eesti Raadio estraadiorkester – Ma ootan sind
2 Tornaado – Seitse
3 Tiit Aunaste – Valgusesse
4 Radar – Kui mind kutsud sa

B4 - Radar & Sergei Pedersen "Kui mind kutsud sa" FRO009 sample

B3 - Tiit Aunaste "Valgusesse" FRO009 sample

B2 - Tornaado "Seitse" FRO009 sample

B1 - Eesti Raadio estraadiorkester & Lembit Saarsalu "Ma ootan sind" FRO009 sample

A4 - Salamander "Kui mu kõrval käid" FRO009 sample

A3 - Sven Kullerkupp "Fiesta" FRO009 sample

A2 - Kristi Tammik "Haldjalaul" FRO009 sample

A1 - Kooli-prii "Päikeselaik" FRO009 sample

@Tintura
A Liisa pehmes süles 3:48
B Liisa pehmes süles - instrumentaal 3:48

Available at Biit Me records store (Tallinn), Juno Records, Good Crates (Helsinki) or directly from Frotee records (info@frotee.net) - €9+shipping

Estonia’s premiere record label, Frotee surprises again with a brand new single by contemporary Estonian group Tintura. The group consists of beat maker Lauri Täht and folk musician Karoliina Kreintaal. The pop masterpiece "Liisa pehmes süles" finally gets the much needed vinyl treatment, the melody and the song features elements of hip-hop, traditional Estonian folk and features samples from an old Estonian jazz lp. Flip it and you have the instrumental. Enjoy!

Tintura - Liisa Pehmes Süles 7" FROE01

Distributed by Rush Hour Distribution

A-side:
1 Naksitrallide avamäng 0:45
2 Naksitrallid 3:41
3 Klaabu 3:40
4 Linalakk ja Rosalind 2:50 
5 Karsumm 3:00
6 Klaabu kosmoses 2:41
7 Klaabu hõljung 1:03
8 Klaabu tiitrid 1:06
9 Kassid ründavad 1:55
10 Rotid ründavad 1:46
11 Kingpool ja harakas 1:39
12 Õhtu 2:14
B-side:
1 Lunapark 2:21
2 Lepatriinude algus 1:48 
3 Liigub 1:24
4 Lepatriinude talv 2:54
5 Salvadore 1:30
6 Lumivalgeke 2:25
7 Kadunud lumivalgeke 2:16
8 Lumivalgekese öö 0:45
9 Päkapikud 2:12
10 Jingle Bell 2:05
11 Lepatriinude arm 0:56
12 Lepatriinude jõulud 3:18

Estonian archival label Frotee is honoured to welcome Estonian electronic music pioneer Sven Grünberg to its discography. Frotee releases a 24-track compilation featuring Grünberg's work for 10 animated films and 1 puppet-play, all music is previously unreleased on any physical format. Therefore, the release of "Anima 1977-2001" can be considered as a notable contribution to the acclaimed soundtrack composer's discography that hopefully cheers up the audiences who have been waiting for this issue to be released. 
Regardless of the fact that he still continues writing and recording music for films, the latest recording, that was included to this compilation, was made in year 2001.

The selected tracks cover a full musical spectrum from electronic music to more classical works of Sven Grünberg. He has never put out any of his musical pieces that are strictly ‘experimental’, even though he can be introduced as the first composer in Estonia, who has been using electronic soundscapes in his music already since mid-70s. However, synthesizers were always mixed with natural instruments. On this compilation you can hear both ideas that pull off as fully fleshed-out and complete compositions to some excerpts or more rough ideas he would re-use later on for bigger works. For example using organ or wordless scat vocals for “Linalakk ja Rosalind” become later known as his main trademarks that he also used on his first solo album "Hingus" as well on the soundtrack of a sci-fi feature film “Dead Mountaineer's Hotel” based on a novel written by Arkady and Boris Strugatsky. 

Grünberg has masterfully chosen 24 tracks for this compilation to make the album sound as a whole. First side can be described more as 'electronic' and 'experimental', including sounds from late 70s to 1980s guiding the listener from Estonian children’s film "Naksitrallid" title theme to more rhythmic theme from "Klaabu kosmoses". Grünberg’s music has some noticeable parallels with the early Berlin School of electronic music, but he certainly adds his own twist to it.  On some earlier tracks, you can also hear interesting and unique sounds produced by hand-built synthesizers. Second side introduces Grünberg’s more classical approach to film music. It reveals why he is still recognized as one of the best film music composers in Estonia. Most tracks on this side have been recorded after 1992, but you'll also find here his first soundtrack work from 1977, that surprisingly also fits among his more recent work. Grünberg always paid full attention to the subject of each film he worked on, never losing his focus while playing around with sound and experimenting with composition. It was always the content, that dictated the form, not the other way around.

B6 - Sven Grünberg "Lumivalgeke" FRO008

B1 - Sven Grünberg "Lunapark" FRO008

A-side:
1 Naksitrallide avamäng 0:45
2 Naksitrallid 3:41
3 Klaabu 3:40
4 Linalakk ja Rosalind 2:50 
5 Karsumm 3:00
6 Klaabu kosmoses 2:41
7 Klaabu hõljung 1:03
8 Klaabu tiitrid 1:06
9 Kassid ründavad 1:55
10 Rotid ründavad 1:46
11 Kingpool ja harakas 1:39
12 Õhtu 2:14
B-side:
1 Lunapark 2:21
2 Lepatriinude algus 1:48 
3 Liigub 1:24
4 Lepatriinude talv 2:54
5 Salvadore 1:30
6 Lumivalgeke 2:25
7 Kadunud lumivalgeke 2:16
8 Lumivalgekese öö 0:45
9 Päkapikud 2:12
10 Jingle Bell 2:05
11 Lepatriinude arm 0:56
12 Lepatriinude jõulud 3:18

Estonian archival label Frotee is honoured to welcome Estonian electronic music pioneer Sven Grünberg to its discography. Frotee releases a 24-track compilation featuring Grünberg's work for 10 animated films and 1 puppet-play, all music is previously unreleased on any physical format. Therefore, the release of "Anima 1977-2001" can be considered as a notable contribution to the acclaimed soundtrack composer's discography that hopefully cheers up the audiences who have been waiting for this issue to be released. 
Regardless of the fact that he still continues writing and recording music for films, the latest recording, that was included to this compilation, was made in year 2001.

The selected tracks cover a full musical spectrum from electronic music to more classical works of Sven Grünberg. He has never put out any of his musical pieces that are strictly ‘experimental’, even though he can be introduced as the first composer in Estonia, who has been using electronic soundscapes in his music already since mid-70s. However, synthesizers were always mixed with natural instruments. On this compilation you can hear both ideas that pull off as fully fleshed-out and complete compositions to some excerpts or more rough ideas he would re-use later on for bigger works. For example using organ or wordless scat vocals for “Linalakk ja Rosalind” become later known as his main trademarks that he also used on his first solo album "Hingus" as well on the soundtrack of a sci-fi feature film “Dead Mountaineer's Hotel” based on a novel written by Arkady and Boris Strugatsky. 

Grünberg has masterfully chosen 24 tracks for this compilation to make the album sound as a whole. First side can be described more as 'electronic' and 'experimental', including sounds from late 70s to 1980s guiding the listener from Estonian children’s film "Naksitrallid" title theme to more rhythmic theme from "Klaabu kosmoses". Grünberg’s music has some noticeable parallels with the early Berlin School of electronic music, but he certainly adds his own twist to it.  On some earlier tracks, you can also hear interesting and unique sounds produced by hand-built synthesizers. Second side introduces Grünberg’s more classical approach to film music. It reveals why he is still recognized as one of the best film music composers in Estonia. Most tracks on this side have been recorded after 1992, but you'll also find here his first soundtrack work from 1977, that surprisingly also fits among his more recent work. Grünberg always paid full attention to the subject of each film he worked on, never losing his focus while playing around with sound and experimenting with composition. It was always the content, that dictated the form, not the other way around.

Anima 1977-2001

A8 - Sven Grünberg "Klaabu kosmoses tiitrid" FRO008

Estonian archival label Frotee is honoured to welcome Estonian electronic music pioneer Sven Grünberg to its discography. Frotee releases a 24-track compilation featuring Grünberg's work for 10 animated films and 1 puppet-play, all music is previously unreleased on any physical format. Therefore, the release of "Anima 1977-2001" can be considered as a notable contribution to the acclaimed soundtrack composer's discography that hopefully cheers up the audiences who have been waiting for this issue to be released. 
Regardless of the fact that he still continues writing and recording music for films, the latest recording, that was included to this compilation, was made in year 2001.

The selected tracks cover a full musical spectrum from electronic music to more classical works of Sven Grünberg. He has never put out any of his musical pieces that are strictly ‘experimental’, even though he can be introduced as the first composer in Estonia, who has been using electronic soundscapes in his music already since mid-70s. However, synthesizers were always mixed with natural instruments. On this compilation you can hear both ideas that pull off as fully fleshed-out and complete compositions to some excerpts or more rough ideas he would re-use later on for bigger works. For example using organ or wordless scat vocals for “Linalakk ja Rosalind” become later known as his main trademarks that he also used on his first solo album "Hingus" as well on the soundtrack of a sci-fi feature film “Dead Mountaineer's Hotel” based on a novel written by Arkady and Boris Strugatsky. 

Grünberg has masterfully chosen 24 tracks for this compilation to make the album sound as a whole. First side can be described more as 'electronic' and 'experimental', including sounds from late 70s to 1980s guiding the listener from Estonian children’s film "Naksitrallid" title theme to more rhythmic theme from "Klaabu kosmoses". Grünberg’s music has some noticeable parallels with the early Berlin School of electronic music, but he certainly adds his own twist to it.  On some earlier tracks, you can also hear interesting and unique sounds produced by hand-built synthesizers. Second side introduces Grünberg’s more classical approach to film music. It reveals why he is still recognized as one of the best film music composers in Estonia. Most tracks on this side have been recorded after 1992, but you'll also find here his first soundtrack work from 1977, that surprisingly also fits among his more recent work. Grünberg always paid full attention to the subject of each film he worked on, never losing his focus while playing around with sound and experimenting with composition. It was always the content, that dictated the form, not the other way around.

A-side:
1 Naksitrallide avamäng 0:45
2 Naksitrallid 3:41
3 Klaabu 3:40
4 Linalakk ja Rosalind 2:50 
5 Karsumm 3:00
6 Klaabu kosmoses 2:41
7 Klaabu hõljung 1:03
8 Klaabu tiitrid 1:06
9 Kassid ründavad 1:55
10 Rotid ründavad 1:46
11 Kingpool ja harakas 1:39
12 Õhtu 2:14
B-side:
1 Lunapark 2:21
2 Lepatriinude algus 1:48 
3 Liigub 1:24
4 Lepatriinude talv 2:54
5 Salvadore 1:30
6 Lumivalgeke 2:25
7 Kadunud lumivalgeke 2:16
8 Lumivalgekese öö 0:45
9 Päkapikud 2:12
10 Jingle Bell 2:05
11 Lepatriinude arm 0:56
12 Lepatriinude jõulud 3:18

A3 - Sven Grunberg "Klaabu" FRO008

A1 - Sven Grünberg "Naksitrallid avamäng" FRO008

Estonian archival label Frotee is honoured to welcome Estonian electronic music pioneer Sven Grünberg to its discography. Frotee releases a 24-track compilation featuring Grünberg's work for 10 animated films and 1 puppet-play, all music is previously unreleased on any physical format. Therefore, the release of "Anima 1977-2001" can be considered as a notable contribution to the acclaimed soundtrack composer's discography that hopefully cheers up the audiences who have been waiting for this issue to be released. 
Regardless of the fact that he still continues writing and recording music for films, the latest recording, that was included to this compilation, was made in year 2001.

The selected tracks cover a full musical spectrum from electronic music to more classical works of Sven Grünberg. He has never put out any of his musical pieces that are strictly ‘experimental’, even though he can be introduced as the first composer in Estonia, who has been using electronic soundscapes in his music already since mid-70s. However, synthesizers were always mixed with natural instruments. On this compilation you can hear both ideas that pull off as fully fleshed-out and complete compositions to some excerpts or more rough ideas he would re-use later on for bigger works. For example using organ or wordless scat vocals for “Linalakk ja Rosalind” become later known as his main trademarks that he also used on his first solo album "Hingus" as well on the soundtrack of a sci-fi feature film “Dead Mountaineer's Hotel” based on a novel written by Arkady and Boris Strugatsky.

Grünberg has masterfully chosen 24 tracks for this compilation to make the album sound as a whole. First side can be described more as 'electronic' and 'experimental', including sounds from late 70s to 1980s guiding the listener from Estonian children’s film "Naksitrallid" title theme to more rhythmic theme from "Klaabu kosmoses". Grünberg’s music has some noticeable parallels with the early Berlin School of electronic music, but he certainly adds his own twist to it. On some earlier tracks, you can also hear interesting and unique sounds produced by hand-built synthesizers. Second side introduces Grünberg’s more classical approach to film music. It reveals why he is still recognized as one of the best film music composers in Estonia. Most tracks on this side have been recorded after 1992, but you'll also find here his first soundtrack work from 1977, that surprisingly also fits among his more recent work. Grünberg always paid full attention to the subject of each film he worked on, never losing his focus while playing around with sound and experimenting with composition. It was always the content, that dictated the form, not the other way around.

A2 - Sven Grünberg "Naksitrallid" FRO008

Suvi 7" repress (FRO006)
A Heidy Tamme „Suvi ei jää” 3:59
B Tiit Paulus „Suvi ei jää“ 3:25

Estonian archival label Frotee’s 6th release “Suvi ei jää” by Heidy Tamme is available again as 7” single with new B-side. While “Suvi ei jää” is a cover version of Roberta Flack’s song “What a Woman Really Means”, it was given new Estonian lyrics which eloquently describe the summer season and its brevity (title translates as ‘Summer Doesn’t Stay’). It’s sung by popular Estonian singer Heidy Tamme, recorded in 1982, and arranged by Tiit Paulus, one of the best Estonian jazz guitarists. After original release of 7” in 2015, Frotee has discovered another version of the title track. Tiit Paulus had played guitar over instrumental version of “Suvi ei jää” and this version is now essential for our Balearic summers.

Distributed by Rush Hour Distribution

Suvi

Tiit Paulus - Suvi ei jää FRO006 repress sample

ARTIST: Olev Muska
TITLE: Laulik-elektroonik
LABEL: Frotee
CATALOG NR.:FRO010
FORMAT: LP
YEAR: 2018
"Laulik-elektroonik" LP by an ex-pat Estonian musician Olev Muska is the new release of Estonian archival label Frotee Records. The compilation subtitled as "Explorations in Estonian Electronic Folk Music - The First Years, 1979-1983" brings together all Muska's Estonian-themed songs recorded prior to his debut album from 1985, "Old Estonian Waltzes". It includes previously unreleased material and tracks from limited edition tapes and 7" single. For its 10th release, Frotee has expanded its scope and is now also offering insights into quality music by Estonians all over the world.

Olev Muska was born to a family of expatriate Estonians in Australia. From 1979 onwards he recorded unique versions of Estonian folk songs on various electronic music instruments at his home studio. As Muska was into contemporary experimental music and also bored with the conservative take on Estonian culture prevalent in the activities of the Australian ex-pat community, he decided to combine these two influences to create his unique brand of electronic Estonian folk music. As Muska had access to more advanced musical equipment, he achieved a level of quality in his arrangements that would not have been possible in Soviet Estonia. He managed to create surprisingly amazing Estonian minimal wave with his group Elektrio but wasn't ashamed to make medley of Estonian themes with cheesy-sounding small Casio synthesizer either. His early versions of some folk songs, like "Kaera-Jaan" or "Saaremaa", are less crazy than on his debut LP and as such a welcome addition to Frotee's collection of balearic sounds.

Although Muska was not a stranger to the contemporary Australian underground music scene, he continued to record with a couple of close friends and performed only at local Estonian events. Thus Olev Muska has been a well kept secret amongst Estonian music fans, one that remained entirely unknown to Australian record collectors until Chris Bonato from Left Ear Records introduced "Old Estonian Waltzes" LP to a wider audience. Left Ear Records has now licensed "Karjapoisi lugu" off the 1985 LP for their Australian underground music compilation "Antipodean Anomalies". Hopefully both of these compilations will help to bring more recognition to Estonian musical genius in Australia!

Olev Muska - Laulik-elektroonik LP FRO010 B2 Elektrio - Eidekene Ketrab

Olev Muska - Laulik-elektroonik LP FRO010 B01 Elektrio - Pohjavaim

ARTIST: Olev Muska
TITLE: Laulik-elektroonik
LABEL: Frotee
CATALOG NR.:FRO010
FORMAT: LP
YEAR: 2018

"Laulik-elektroonik" LP by an ex-pat Estonian musician Olev Muska is the new release of Estonian archival label Frotee Records. The compilation subtitled as "Explorations in Estonian Electronic Folk Music - The First Years, 1979-1983" brings together all Muska's Estonian-themed songs recorded prior to his debut album from 1985, "Old Estonian Waltzes". It includes previously unreleased material and tracks from limited edition tapes and 7" single. For its 10th release, Frotee has expanded its scope and is now also offering insights into quality music by Estonians all over the world.

Olev Muska was born to a family of expatriate Estonians in Australia. From 1979 onwards he recorded unique versions of Estonian folk songs on various electronic music instruments at his home studio. As Muska was into contemporary experimental music and also bored with the conservative take on Estonian culture prevalent in the activities of the Australian ex-pat community, he decided to combine these two influences to create his unique brand of electronic Estonian folk music. As Muska had access to more advanced musical equipment, he achieved a level of quality in his arrangements that would not have been possible in Soviet Estonia. He managed to create surprisingly amazing Estonian minimal wave with his group Elektrio but wasn't ashamed to make medley of Estonian themes with cheesy-sounding small Casio synthesizer either. His early versions of some folk songs, like "Kaera-Jaan" or "Saaremaa", are less crazy than on his debut LP and as such a welcome addition to Frotee's collection of balearic sounds.

Although Muska was not a stranger to the contemporary Australian underground music scene, he continued to record with a couple of close friends and performed only at local Estonian events. Thus Olev Muska has been a well kept secret amongst Estonian music fans, one that remained entirely unknown to Australian record collectors until Chris Bonato from Left Ear Records introduced "Old Estonian Waltzes" LP to a wider audience. Left Ear Records has now licensed "Karjapoisi lugu" off the 1985 LP for their Australian underground music compilation "Antipodean Anomalies". Hopefully both of these compilations will help to bring more recognition to Estonian musical genius in Australia!

Olev Muska - Laulik-elektroonik LP FRO010 A10 Tuljak 1980

Olev Muska - Laulik-elektroonik LP FRO010 A05 Kuldne Õhtu Päike

Olev Muska - Laulik-elektroonik LP FRO010 A03 Oi Kaera Jaan

Tornaado "Instrumentaaltsükkel "Regatt"" 10" (FRO001)
A1: Tornaado
A2: Jahiklass 470
A3: Finn
B1: Lendav Hollandlane
B2: Soling
B3: Star

Recorded in 1979, licensed from ERR. Previously unreleased.
Vinyl-only release, limited edition of 500 copies worldwide

It was pretty hard to release your record during the communist regime in Eastern European countries. Most of them had only one state-owned record company. While some East-Euro vinyl records have also attracted attention outside their native countries, a lot of unreleased music from the Eastern Bloc has only been heard by selected ears.
The new Estonian reissue label Frotee is proud to present a vinyl record with the unreleased instrumental cycle “Regatt“ by Tornaado, a pop group from Tallinn, the capital of Estonia. In 1979, Tornaado recorded 6 instrumental tracks which were named after the Olympic sailing classes to attract more attention – the Moscow Olympics sailing regatta in 1980 was held in Tallinn. Their idea was successful and the songs were often played on TV and radio. As Tornaado was actually a pop group (half of the songs in their repertoire had lyrics), their approach to instrumental jazz-rock was different from the contemporary fusion groups; the tunes were shorter and blended together influences from different styles - jazz, reggae, disco, funk and rock’n’roll.
"Instrumentaaltsükkel "Regatt"" 10" is limited edition of 500 copies. The record sleeve includes the full history of the group. All 6 songs are previously unreleased. The tracks were taken from the original studio tapes and re-mastered by Lynn Petrin at Ebony Cuts.

Release date: 06.07.2013 (Estonia), 06.08.2013 (worldwide)

Tornaado - Instrumentaaltsükkel "Regatt" 10" FRO001 sampler

Keeris "Öö ja päev" 7" (FRO002)
A: Öö ja päev
B: Kujutlus

Recorded in 1982, licensed from ERR, released courtesy of Jaan Laur. Previously unavailable in any format.
Vinyl-only release, limited edition of 300 copies worldwide.

Keeris was a pop group from Pärnu, Estonia – a resort town on the coast of the Baltic Sea. The group’s leader and keyboard player Jaan Laur wrote gorgeous pop melodies and “Öö ja päev“ is a great example of his skills. It might sound like smooth yacht rock in an indecipherable language with cheap East German synth sounds but Frotee Records thinks it is one of the most beautiful Estonian songs from the 1980s. Despite that, no one had released it on record until now. The other side of the 7’’single features the unreleased instrumental pop song “Kujutlus“ - both sides were recorded in 1982. The tracks were taken from original tapes and re-mastered by Lynn Petrin at Ebony Cuts. The history of Keeris in Estonian is included on the sleeve and the full translation of it will be available on the Frotee web site. Only 300 copies of the 7’’ single were released.

Keeris - Öö ja päev/Kujutlus 7" FRO002 sampler

Frotee Records releases unreleased pop music from the Estonian recent history. In search of the Balearic beat of the Baltics, Frotee is interested in disco, soul, fusion, yacht rock, jazz, idealpop, reggae, psych pop and several other types of music. 

Frotee Records

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