One night in the not too distant past, my buddy James came over for some drinks and camaraderie. As usual, he brought some music with him. "Ethiopian jazz," he said. I was pretty certain that I'd never heard Ethopian jazz (or any music from the country, for that matter). So we threw it on. Within a couple of tracks, I was taken in.
The disc collects the works of composer/bandleader Mulatu Astatke. Apparently Jim Jarmusch included some of these tracks in Broken Flowers. I never got around to seeing it though. At any rate, these instrumentals are captivating and an unique take on this American form. If I could compare it to anything that I'm familiar with, I might point to John Zorn's Masada project, although I'm not entirely sure that would be a fair comparison for either party.
A little research on the Internet tells me that there are 22 volumes in this series! I'm definitely curious to hear more. But for now, enjoy volume 4.
Tracks:
1. A Man Of Experience And Wisdom
2. When Am I Going To Reach There?
3. From All The Time I Have Passed
4. Nostalgia
5. My Own Memory
6. My Muna
7. My Gubel
8. My Asmara
9. February
10. Liberty
11. Baby, My Unforgettable Remembrace
12. My Saba
13. I Can't Live Without You
14. Bell
Ethiopiques 4
