Tags: Ethiopian Jazz

Review: The fact that Ethiopian Modern Instrumentals Hits has been reissued on numerous occasions over the last two decades is testament to the enduring quality of this most obscure of compilations. It first appeared on Amha Eshete's Amha Records label way back in 1972, and was the imprint's tenth and final album. An all-star affair featuring many of Eshete's most trusted musicians and producers, its ten tracks gleefully join the dots between dusty rhythm and blues, jazz, funk, soul, Brazilian rhythms and African grooves. It's genuinely "all killer" and "no filler", which may go some way to explain Heavenly Sweetness's decision to put it out again.

Review: Afro 45's / Mr Bongo show no signs of stopping their tireless run of form and, 7" after 7", they just keep on producing the goods. There's yet more '70s goodness with this new little scorcher: the A-side is 1973's "Tessassategn Eko" by Bahta Gebre Hiwot, a pensive Ethiopian pop hit for all sorts of music fans to enjoy, but "Ayalqem Tedqem" by Alemayehu Eshete on the B-side is where it's at... just listen to that bass and you'll instantly recognize this wonderful little cover.

Review: The Invisible Sessions new album Echoes of Africa is the first on the newly launched Space Echo label out of Italy and is richly rooted in black music. It's been 15 years since a breakout release put this group on the map and now trombonist and multi-instrumentalist Gianluca Petrella and poet, rapper and MC Martin Thomas Paavilainen (aka Benjamin "Bentality" Paavilainen) link once more to great effect as they use jazz as a vehicle to convey their messages of cultural synergy, unity and love. Afro-beat and Ethio-jazz, funk, psychedelia, and modal music all colour the most compelling grooves.

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: Jorga Mesfin's debut album marks a significant milestone in the realm of Ethio-jazz, showing his exceptional talent as a saxophonist and composer. Under the mentorship of the legendary Mulatu Astatke, Mesfin takes a courageous leap into spiritual experimentation, fusing elements from various traditions within Ethiopian music and jazz. Widely acclaimed as one of Ethiopia's most talented contemporary musicians, Mesfin's journey began at the age of 17, leading to collaborations with esteemed artists such as Mahmoud Ahmed, Aster Aweke, and Vijay Iyer. His residency at Astatke's African Jazz Village in Addis Ababa further shaped his musical prowess. With this debut album, Mesfin continues to push the boundaries of Ethio-jazz, cementing his position as a visionary in the genre.

Review: "Danama" is a Bambara word meaning "trustworthy" that reflects the essence of Arat Kilo's fifth album, which was recorded in Spring 2024. The album embodies optimism, collective strength and cultural blending, while advocating confidence during these times which are so marred by wars, nationalism and environmental crises. Arat Kilo is France's leading Ethio-jazz ensemble and they take a fresh approach by experimenting with sound production by adding new instruments like synths, bass clarinet and Malian n'goni, alongside their signature grooves. These tunes are influenced by genres like Jersey club and 2-step and merge with Ethiopian jazz and global rhythms. Mamani Keita's poignant lyrics and social critique from Mike Ladd make this a resounding call for hope and unity.