Mulatu of Ethiopia

Mulatu Astatke forged the intoxicating fusion known as Ethio-jazz by pairing traditional Ethiopian modal scales with Latin percussion and Western jazz harmonies. The original seven-track programme lasts around twenty-seven minutes, keeping the hypnotic grooves concentrated and wonderfully direct. The title track Mulatu provides the essential touchstone, letting cool vibraphone motifs glide effortlessly over syncopated rhythms.