Krieger must have had advance warning of the new tourism slogan the muck a-mucks in Estonia’s government dreamed up, the highly “original and ringing” Welcome to Estonia. A slogan that does not stand out, but, must be acknowledged satisfies necessary requirementas - short, and to the point, and does not ring untrue.

Much the same could be said about Erich Krieger’s 2001 CD - G’morning Estonia, the title tune penned by Krieger himself. The CD is solid, technically sound, nothing to cavil about. But there is a certain spark missing, that has marked Krieger’s live and recording career. It would be unfair to make any comparison with aging rockers like the Stones, who have been floating on their reputation for decades. Yet, there is a feeling that Krieger could have done more with the material.

Especially so, when he says in his liner notes that this third solo CD is a logical continuation of his musical soul-searching, and a return to the earliest period of his performing career. Krieger notes the Virmalised as being an influence; more of their sound would have been welcome here. The singer also makes direct reference to being a “Knight of freedom”, and covers the chestnut “Põgene, vaba laps”, from the movie Viimne Reliikvia, a song that everybody of his generation knows by heart. Unfortunately, by applying a 2002 sound, complete with the eurotümps rhythm feel, the song comes out lame. Not so, though another original, “”Kukununnu laul” which is a delight, particularily for its whimsical lyrics. Other solid cuts are “Tallinn on lähedal” ( sung with ex-NBA’er, professional basketball player Martin Müürsepp, who, surprisingly sings quite well, performing much better than when he was tossing airballs for the Dallas Mavericks) and”Naer”.

Krieger has recruited quite the colourful crew to help him on this recording, all in the hopes of regaining the old “Kriegeri vaim” - the spirit of his music. In most respects, the job is done competently, sometimes with a flash of flair, but as an entity fails to completely excite.

In comparison, listening to his 1995 recording, “Ma kuulun sulle” - I belong to you -, one realizes what could have been. That disc is a delight from the first note to the last, infused with a level of pranksterish glee, even on the love songs that make the listener comprehend how enjoyable the project was for the musician. That 1995 disc has the bold experiment of Amor Fati, an almost 8 minute long liturgical/pop experiment, that ranks as one of the better experimental works in Estonian popular music.

Tere hommikust Eestimaa was produced by Peeter Kaljuste, mastering by Glen Pilvre. Sponsors of the disc were Raadio Elmar - the best radio station in Estonia, concentrating on older, traditional-style Estonian language pop, avoiding hip-hop, rap and euronoise - and the Tallinn Eesti Maja, run by Viido Polikarpus. Both sponsors must be satisfied, for while the disc is not Krieger’s best, it does serve well as an introduction to his music. Neither bland nor startling, it is nevertheless professional and polished, lacking only that sparkle, the petit frisson of genuine excitement.

Krieger, Tiit Saluveer and Rain Poolen will be in Ontario in November, performing two shows at Toronto’s Tartu College (310 Bloor S t. W.)on Nov. 1st, a concert at 2 pm and another concert, followed by a dance at 7 pm. The next day sees them travel to Ottawa for a gig at the local Latvian church. Krieger live will certainly demonstrate the enthusiasm and flair that his music is known for, mark the dates on your calendar.

Märkmed: