Items12The creator’s order
  1. 1Éthiopiques, Vol. 4: Ethio Jazz 1969–1974 - Mulatu AstatkeÉthiopiques, Vol. 4: Ethio Jazz 1969–1974 - Mulatu AstatkeConsidered the foundational cornerstone of the genre, this landmark anthology compiled by Francis Falceto showcases Mulatu Astatke's defining works recorded in Addis Ababa and New York. Having trained at London's Trinity College and Boston's Berklee, Mulatu introduced vibraphone, congas and Fender…0
  2. 2Éthiopiques, Vol. 7: Erè Mèla Mèla - Mahmoud AhmedÉthiopiques, Vol. 7: Erè Mèla Mèla - Mahmoud AhmedBeginning his career as a handyman at the Arizona Club before rising to stardom with the Imperial Bodyguard Band, Mahmoud Ahmed possessed one of the most expressive and athletic voices in modern Ethiopian music. Backed by the incandescent Ibex Band on these 1975 recordings, Ahmed delivers soaring…0
  3. 3Tche Belew - Hailu Mergia & The Walias BandTche Belew - Hailu Mergia & The Walias BandRecorded in 1977 at the Hilton Hotel in Addis Ababa during a period of mounting political turbulence, Tche Belew represents the high-water mark of instrumental Ethiopian funk. Bandleader Hailu Mergia layers swirling electric organ, Moog synthesizer and melodic accordion over the airtight rhythm…0
  4. 4Wede Harer Guzo - Hailu Mergia & Dahlak BandWede Harer Guzo - Hailu Mergia & Dahlak BandCaptured on cassette in 1978 during a legendary residency at the Ghion Hotel, this session finds Hailu Mergia collaborating with the youthful Dahlak Band. Mergia's electric organ sings with unhurried grace, threading delicate pentatonic ornaments through spongy Rhodes comping and understated…0
  5. 5Éthiopiques, Vol. 9: Addis Ababa - Alemayehu EsheteÉthiopiques, Vol. 9: Addis Ababa - Alemayehu EsheteAffectionately dubbed the Ethiopian Elvis for his flamboyant stage presence and James Brown-inspired screams, Alemayehu Eshete injected raw American soul fire into Ethiopian pop. Backed by the legendary All Star Band and Soul Ekos, Eshete wails passionately against punchy horn charts and fuzz…0
  6. 6Éthiopiques, Vol. 14: Negus of Ethiopian Sax - Getatchew MekuryaÉthiopiques, Vol. 14: Negus of Ethiopian Sax - Getatchew MekuryaGetatchew Mekurya adapted the ancient vocal tradition of shellela: a ferocious warrior chant used by Ethiopian soldiers preparing for battle: into a blistering, free-jazz saxophone language. Recorded in 1972 with the Police Orchestra, Mekurya's raw, guttural overtones and wild microtonal shrieks…0
  7. 7Moa Anbessa - Getatchew Mekurya & The ExMoa Anbessa - Getatchew Mekurya & The ExWhen Dutch post-punk innovators The Ex heard Getatchew Mekurya's 1972 recordings, they invited the veteran maestro to Europe for an extraordinary cross-generational meeting. Moa Anbessa captures their volcanic synergy, pairing Mekurya's ferocious tenor horn with jagged guitars, guest brass and…0
  8. 8Guzo - Samuel YirgaGuzo - Samuel YirgaA prodigiously gifted classical and jazz pianist from Addis Ababa and core member of Dub Collettivo, Samuel Yirga brought Ethio-jazz into the twenty-first century with his debut solo release for Real World Records. Guzo weaves intricate acoustic piano solos, lush string quartets and traditional…0
  9. 9Inspiration Information - Mulatu Astatke & The HeliocentricsInspiration Information - Mulatu Astatke & The HeliocentricsTeaming up with London psych-jazz collective The Heliocentrics, led by drummer Malcolm Catto, Mulatu Astatke revisited his signature sound with dirty analogue studio textures and cosmic experimentation. Mulatu's shimmering vibraphone and piano chords glide effortlessly across crunchy hip-hop…0
  10. 10Éthiopiques, Vol. 30: Mistakes on Purpose - Girma Bèyènè & Akalé WubéÉthiopiques, Vol. 30: Mistakes on Purpose - Girma Bèyènè & Akalé WubéGirma Bèyènè was the chief architect, pianist and arranger behind many of the golden era's most sublime hits before spending decades in quiet exile in the United States. In 2017, Parisian Ethio-jazz quintet Akalé Wubé coaxed the maestro back into the studio for this emotional comeback. Bèyènè's…0