Customer Reviews

New York - Addis - London: The Story of Ethio Jazz

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If you've never heard the name Mulatu Astatke before or are wondering what "Ethio Jazz" is, listen to this CD immediately. Mulatu creates sounds all of his own, fusing together subdued vibraphones, middle eastern riffs and latin jazz rhythms all in low-fi ambiance. It's sad this style and period of jazz was so short lived but releases like this help increase awareness of the amazing sounds of this visionary artist. Some of the tracks are repeats from the more widely known Ethiopiques Vol. 4, but they are all fantastic.

Mulatu Astatke invented the genre known as ethio-jazz. This release is THE definitive artifact. Ethiopian traditional + afro-cuban jazz = a new twist on what I broadly describe as afro-beats. This one is a real groover, different (more of a middle-eastern sound) than the west-african forms I'm more familar with, but no less funky. A real party starter. If you're into this kind of stuff, Strut keeps their flame burning strong. Between Strut, Analog Africa and Soundway, we are in the midst of some kind of afro-beats perfect storm, and I'm getting blown away. Now, I understand Fela's entire catalog is about to get the overhaul from the Knitting Factory label, strap yourself to something strong !

sick sick album. the tone of the recording sounds like classic blue note. the grooves are funky latiny jazz with a strong ethiopean influence on groove and melody. one of my fav new purchases.