Megan Quartet - Roadside Picnic

Megan Quartet, led by Tarvo-Kaspar Toome, performed actively up to 2000, blending psychedelia, free-jazz and fusion as well as improvisation and experimentation already at the late 1990s, before other Estonian bands such as Phlox, BF, Luarvik Luarvik et al began playing in similar style. Even though acts like Phlox have developed this kind of a post-fusion sound in even more exciting directions, MQ's third album Roadside Picnic (Estonian for "Väljasõit Rohelisse") is nonetheless a worthwhile record. Since this record includes more professional jazz musicians than could be expected from the latter post-fusion bands (bassist Mihkel Mälgand, Aulis Nemvalts on saxes and even guitarist Iljo Toming for one cut), I expected a slightly more drier and scholastic approach. Actually the record sounds more interesting than much of conventional jazz-rock. In terms of dymanics, development and juxtaposition of textures, the interplay is masterful, but diverting and tasteful. For the fans of the MKDK scene in Estonia, Roadside Picnic is a priceless historical document.