New York - Addis - London - The Story Of Ethio Jazz 1965-1975

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Many listeners were first exposed to the entrancing sounds of Ethiopian vibraphonist, keyboardist, and bandleader Mulatu Astatke with <i>Ethiopiques, Vol. 4: Ethio Jazz & Musique Instrumentale, 1969-1974</i>. Astatke’s music is distinguished by its use of Ethiopian modes; stripped down, funky arrangements that recall soul jazz; and Latin music elements. The excellent compilation <i>New York – Addis – London</i> — three cities that shaped Astatke’s sound — opens with one of his better known songs, “Yekermo Sew,” which sports a great groove, nice horns, splashy keyboards and a fuzzed-out electric guitar solo. Among the tracks that display a Latin influence are the salsafied “I Faram Gami I Faram” and the Latin jazz-flavored “Girl from Addis Ababa.” “Ebo Lala,” a wedding of Afro-Cuban and Ethiopian stylings, finds the singer Seifu Yohannes backed by rough-hewn horns and a chanting chorus. One of the best cuts here, “Lanchi Biye,” features the intense, wailing vocals of Tilahoun Gessesse, which contrast with the cool, percolating accompaniment. An excellent collection.

via Apple Music

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