Muluqen Mellesse - Ethiopiques 31 - COMPACT DISCS [CD]

Ethiopian traditional wedding songs.

This is the first new solo album by Mulatu Astatke himself since the 1980 s!! a rich new album of Ethio sounds, perfect for all fans of world music, Jazz and the outstanding selling Ethiopiques series. Following his acclaimed collaboration on STRUT with THE HELIOCENTRICS, the Father of Ethio Jazz now presents his brand new studio album, InchMulatu Steps Ahead?. The album explores new directions in fusions of Western Jazz with Ethiopian modes, moving forward the pioneering sound Mulatu developed during the '60 's and '70 's (as showcased on the recent Strut compilation InchNew York * Addis * London?). Tracks were recorded with members of EITHER/ORCHESTRA in Boston, with contributions by traditional Ethiopian musicians in Addis, members of the Heliocentrics and some of the UK's leading Jazz and African players during the final sessions in London in November 2009. The A-list line-up of musicians include BYRON WALLEN (UK), JACK YGLESIAS, JAMES ARBEN and DANNY KEANE from the Heliocentrics, members of Either/Orchestra in Boston and leading players from Addis Ababa.

Gétatchèw Mèkurya is the 'inventor' of a distinctive musical style. Amongst Ethiopia's vocal genres, there exists a form of singing that is purely warlik epic and declamatory, harsh and hoarse-voiced « shellela ». Gétatchèw had the idea of transposing the genre to his saxophone, creating a musical form that is daring, improvisational, angry and impetuous, a sort of free jazz before it's time.