MULATU ASTATKE 黑胶唱片和CD

Review: Mulatu Astatke's 1972 album Mulatu of Ethiopia stands as a seminal work introducing listeners to the innovative sounds of Ethio-jazz. Born out of Mulatu's unique blend of Ethiopian melodies with Western instruments and influenced by his experiences in Boston and New York, the album exudes a captivating fusion of styles, as Mulatu's mastery of the vibraphone, paired with organ, flute and horns creates a mesmerising sonic landscape across seven tracks. Straying from traditional Ethiopian vocal-centric music, Mulatu's instrumental compositions showcase his singular vision. The album's reissue provides a deeper understanding of its creation, with additional outtakes revealing the bandleader's meticulous direction and experimentation. Over the years, Mulatu's influence has extended beyond jazz, inspiring artists across genres and spurring renewed interest in his timeless work.

Review: Ethio Jazz reissue from the Godfather of Ethiopian Jazz Mulatu Astatke.

Review: Because of the savage delays during the pandemic year, it feels like Record Store Day 2020 has only just finished. But we go again with this year's celebration of all things waxy with another wealth of exciting releases, special editions and reissues (as well as plenty that are less desirable, as per.)
This one is a crucial one though - Mochilla's Timeless series reignites with a recordings from the famed Ethiopian artist when he played with Los Angeles jazz cat veterans. It's an album of visionary echo-jazz from front to back.

Review: While many avid Mulatu fans will no doubt already own a copy of the master's first - and perhaps most ingenious - work from 1972, one can certainly rely on the mighty Strut to put together a fine reissue. Of note, unlike the many versions which have been retrained by Worthy Records over the years, this new take includes many little extras that are special enough to tempt even the most munitioned Mulatu collectors; aside from seven tracks from Mulatu Of Ethiopia, an utterly inimitable psychedelic jazz journey that defined Ethiopia's entire sound in relation to the genre, this new version includes a whole selection of previously unheard cuts. There are mono album mixes of all the original tunes plus a wide selection of 'takes' from the original recording session, so this LP should have no problem in working up a bit of hype and hysteria from the original-pressing-junkies. This is an essential, highly recommended!

Review: 'Ethio Jazz' on L'Arome is mad grooves from the Ethiopian scene of the 70s by the
enigmatic Astatke Mulatu, plus some of the other extra-cool artists of that country's
groundbreaking soul and funk scene. Mulatu plays Fender Rhodes, and organ, featuring
Fekade Amhede.

Review: Mulatu Astatke is a legendary musician who is famous for his signature playing on the vibraphone. Here he blends his Ethio-jazz sounds with the Melbourne-based group Black Jesus Experience to serve up a mix of re-interpreted African folk songs and odes to his homeland. 'To Know Without Knowing' has a decidedly hip hop edge thanks to the vocal flow and 'Mascaram Setaba' is an Ethio classic. Another highlight is 'Living On Stolen Land' which is dedicated to the First Nations people of Australia and acknowledges the pain and injustice of them not being recognised as the traditional owners of Australia.