Friday, 04.08
Compromise Blue is one of the oldest, and maybe even the oldest, continuously active Eastern Europe blues band.
Compromise Blue was born in 1988 in the worker’s canteen of a Soviet plastic factory, where young musicians – Raul Ukareda, Ain Kalme, Hannes Pikkat, and Eri Kask used to go to jam. Spontaneous performances at underground youth parties followed. The name of the band had to be invented in a hurry when the first “big” gig was offered in the summer of 1988 at Elva Rock festival.
Compromise Blue’s current charismatic singer, Emil Rutiku, who is celebrating his 60th anniversary this year, joined the band in 1989. Under Emil’s leadership, the band’s sound became more upbeat, and in less than a year, Compromise Blues became the most sought-after band in the country. Emil is also known as an energetic TV host and MC, actor, and activist, but above all, he is a musician. A rough-voiced and extremely charismatic showman, he has been compared to Tom Waits, Howlin’ Wolf, Omar Dykes, and even James Brown.
Today, Compromise Blue has grown into a 9-member band, whose integral component and trade mark is a 4-member horn section.
Compromise Blue has traveled the world and performed on big stages with many blues legends such as The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Gene Taylor, Rufus Thomas, Omar Kent Dykes, and likes.