» Tasavallan Presidentti

Introduction of Tasavallan Presidentti band

Tasavallan Presidentti band is the first internationally known progressive rock band from Finland. They were the first Finnish band ever to play in places like RONNIE SCOTT’S and MARQUEE CLUB in London and THE CAVERN in Liverpool. In 1969-1974 the band performed also a lot in Sweden and UK. During those years the band released four albums, which are still icons of the progressive rock music. The band got together in 1999 with the original line-up and released a live CD in 2001. In October 2006 they will release a CD with new material. The title of the CD is SIX complete.

Current Line-up:

Jukka Tolonen, guitar,one of the most appreciated guitarist in the world. Founder of Tasavallan Presidentti Band together with Vesa Aaaltonen. Jukka has performed with such artists as, Christian Sievert (Dk), Coste Apetrea (Swe), Bill Öhrström (Swe), Charlie Mariano (USA), Joachim Khün (G) Kamal Sabri (India) and Enver Izmailov (Ukraine). Jukka has been awarded by Finnish Jazz association’s Yrjö reward in 1975.

Juhani Aaltonen, saxophone, flute, is internationally most respected and known Finnish player of jazz, fusion, classical and church music in his instruments. Juhani is one of the Tasavallan Presidentti bands original members from 1969. He has also performed with artists such as, Arild Andersen (N), Jan Garbarek (N),Reggie Workman (USA), Andrew Cyrille (USA) Edward Vesala (Fi), Heikki Sarmanto (Fi) and Otto Donner (Fi). Juhani has been awarded by Finnish Jazz association’s Yrjö reward in 1968.

Vesa Aaltonen ( no relation to Juhani), drums, is the founder of Tasavallan Presidentti band together with Jukka Tolonen. Vesa being one of the most appreciated drummers in Scandinavia has performed with artists and bands such as, Made in Sweden, George Wadenius, Tommy Körberg and Pekka Pohjola Group. He has also participated to hundreds of recordings and live music sessions in Finland.

Frank Robson, vocals, keyboards, is an Englishman, who has lived in Finland since 1969. Frank is a talented singer/songwriter and has written beside many Tasavallan Presidentti songs and lyrics hundreds of songs to Finnish and international artists. Before coming to Finland, Frank was working together with such bands in UK as Small Faces and Jimi Hendrix Experience. Frank is also an original member of the Tasavallan Presidentti band.

Heikki Virtanen, bass,the follower of Måns Groundstroem, who was both in 1970’s and in 1999 the original bass player of the band, is one of the most appreciated bass players (both double and electric) in Finland. Heikki has performed in Pori Jazz 30 years on the row with Finnish and international musicians and has been awarded by Finnish Jazz association’s Yrjö reward in 1986. Heikki has participated in recording sessions more than any other of his Finnish collages.