Customer Reviews

Ethiopiques 7

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This is a powerful CD, with raw intesity, complex rhythm patterns, a fabulous, energetic brass section, and the artistry of Mahmoud Ahmed, who's gritty, strong and sensual voice is terrific, and should have a wider audience.

There isn't a weak track on this CD, which is a reissue of recordings done in '75 and '78. In the same way that one can hear the echoes of North African music in Spanish flamenco, one can hear a common ancestry between the music on this CD and American jazz...if you're comfortable with 1969 Miles Davis, the dissonance and intricacy of this music (especially tracks 9 + 10, which combine to make a single 9'14 minute composition), won't seem foreign at all.
It's hard to pick a favorite track, but the voluptuous melody of # 11, "Fetsum deng ledj nesh" ("You are Sublime"), make it a front runner.

The booklet insert, in English and French, is excellent, with translations of the songs, photos, and a history of the music and political chaos that affected it at the time.
This CD is 61'25 in total time, and is dynamic, potent music...if you like jazz, or exotic "world music", you might find it to be, as described in the liner notes, a "jewel of African soul".

I can't believe I'm the first to review this! This is an incredible album of moody Middle Eastern-infused soul from the mid-70's. With arrangements heavy on grinding organ, scratchy guitar, and punchy horns worthy of the JBs, this is an album not to be missed by fans of world music or rare groove. This was first reissued in the U.S. in the mid-80's, and it was the first album to really spark an interest in Ethiopian music in the West. It's a shame more people haven't heard this guy--he's practically a household name in Ethiopia.

If you have never heard Ethiopian music before, then you are in for a real treat with this CD. While it focuses on the music of one particular artist (the famous Mahmoud Ahmed, who bears the unique distinction of being perhaps the only Ethiopian artist to ever win widespread fame outside of his home country) it is still the best place to start exploring the music of Ethiopia. It is beautiful and exotic, and yet at the same time easily approachable (and appreciable) for westerners. You can detect a strong Middle-Eastern/North African feel to his music, as one would expect, but there is also a Jazzy feel to it. Even despite its age this music is pretty sleek and stylish. Just listen to the track "Ere Mela Mela" and you'll be blown away.
This whole series, focusing on the musicians and styles of Ethiopia, is quite nice, and there is a further volume (number 6) exploring the music of Mahmoud Ahmed, but this CD stands head and shoulders above the rest. Check this one out first if at all possible.

In general, there is a rolling, hynoptic quality to Ethiopian music. When those qualities are joined by the voice of Mahmoud Ahmed, the mix is irresistable. The influence of soul/funk is clear. It is also clear that this music contains the roots of African American music as well.

There is a dark blue, almost scary feel to this stuff, like that of some the best early blues. Western ears may need to adjust to the dissonant horns. But there is much pay off. There is a richness here and seeming simplicity that can only come from a ancient culture. That the music seems so contemparary at the same time makes it all the more amazing.

The entire Ethiopiques series is wonderful. This, however, may be the best of the lot. Track after track on this disc carries you along with moody intensity. Ahmed, combined with his incredible orchestra, create a trance-like mood throughout, which completely envelopes the listener. Anyone who appreciates hypnotic music will love this collection.

this collection is with out any doubt one of the best EVER.Translations of some lyrics-and they express a true human experience very true and rarely found. THE MUSIC IS ALSO AMAZING.must must have. a 30 year old treasure!

It starts with the first track, Ere Mela Mela, and never let's up. This music is defines the term DOWN, with Mahmoud's hallucinatory arabic-sounding vocal over fractured horn-driven funk refracted to the nth power in a cracked funhouse mirror. Music for the opium den at 4 am. A must for all lovers of the truly original. One of the great world music classics. All hail Mahmoud Ahmed!!!