Ethiopians’ deep-seated ethiocentrism, the legacy of a thousand years of history, has contributed in no small way to their music’s strong national identity, particularly impervious to any African influences. Latin influences, so pervasive in the great musical centers of West Africa and the Congo, have been similarly rebuffed, despite the brilliant attempts of a musician like Mulatu Astatke.
Mulatu Astatke and the Birth of Ethio-Jazz
He was the first and for a long time the only Ethiopian to have studied music abroad (England and the USA). In the late ‘60s, he brought back ’ethio-jazz’, as well as a passion for Latin rhythms that was not readily shared by the Ethiopian audience. As early as 1966, he released a single and two LPs in the US entitled Afro-Latin Soul (and a third LP, Mulatu of Ethiopia in 1972), with his Ethiopian Quintet composed of American and Latin-American musicians (Worthy Records).
That was three years before Fela’s first American tour and six years prior to Manu Dibango’s key breakthrough with the release of Soul Makossa in the Western ‘pre-World music’ market.
History of Ethiopian music...
Key Albums and Performances
"Promises" is a strong contender for the greatest piece of art of this decade so far. This album appeals to the classical nerd, jazz nerd, and electronic nerd parts of me all at once. Even at 80 years old, Pharoah Sanders played his tenor sax with the conviction of a gospel preacher. Every second of this album is arrestingly beautiful. As far as I'm concerned, this is essential listening for anyone who considers themselves a fan of music. Immerses you in a world both joyful and haunting, as beautiful sounds arise from fuzzy static. Essential stuff for lovers of the outernational movement.
African Scream Contest Vol.2 - Benin 1963-1980 (Analog Africa Nr. June 2023 - An excellent comp. The second pairing of the father of Ethio-jazz and the Australian group is another winner. This album was featured in the Matt Berry episode of "What's in my Bag", but it was King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard who brought me here. Originally released on Amha Records.
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Licence exclusive from Buda Musique / Amha Eshèté - Amha Records. Mastered, transfered and restored at Digital Edge. Vinyl Cut - Translab. Made in France. Front cover says AELP 10 and back cover and label LAP006.Track B4 "Yèkèrmo Sèw" is a cover of Horace Silver's "Song For My Father" from "Song For My Father = Cantiga Para Meu Pai" (1964) performed by The Horace Silver Quintet.Barcode (Text): 0 826596 018010Matrix / Runout (A-side): "LAP006LP / A", "MPO", "10.
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