Friday, September 19, 2008

V.A. ETHIOPIQUES VOL.4 - ETHIO JAZZ AND MUSIQUE INSTRUMENTALE 1969-1974

MASTERFUL MUSIC HIDDEN FROM THE JAZZ WORLD
ARTIST`````VARIOUS (MOSTLY MULATU ASTATKE)
ALBUM`````
ETHIOPIQUES VOL.4 - ETHIO JAZZ & MUSIQUE INSTRUMENTALE 1969-1974
GENRE`````JAZZ, AFRO-FUSION-PROGRESSIVE
YEAR````````1998


WHY:
One of my dearest discoveries are the Ethiopiques compilations - a brilliant series dedicated to the strange and bizzare world of vibrant Ethiopan popular and underground culture.

Soon I'll upload my selection of songs from the entire 25 disc set called "Ethiopiques: Ethiopia Bleeding".

ALBUM REVIEW:

To some, the term "Ethiopian jazz" might seem impossible; after all, it's a very American form. But what's truly surprising isn't the fact that these musicians play jazz so well, but the range of jazz they manage, from the George Benson-ish guitar workout of "Munaye" to the twisting sax of "Tezeta." Really, though, it's more Jimmy Smith than Duke Ellington in its aim (although Ellington is on the cover, on stage with Mulatu Astatke, the bandleader behind all these selections). The grooves often smoke rather than swing, with some fiery drumming, most notably on "Yekermo Sew," and throughout the guitar is very much to the fore as a rhythm instrument. Perhaps the most interesting cut, however, is "Yekatit," from 1974, which is Astatke's tribute to the burgeoning revolution which would oust Emperor Haile Sellassie.

Some of these pieces, certainly "Dewel," has seen U.S. release before; the track appeared in 1972 on
Mulatu of Ethiopia, which was Astatke's third American LP, showing that jazz aficionados, at least, had an appreciation for what he was achieving in the horn of Africa. Given that many of his musicians had graduated from police and military bands, they knew their instruments well, and had plenty of practice time, which shows in the often inventive solos that dot the tracks. Varied, occasionally lyrical, but interesting throughout, this shines a fabulous spotlight on a hidden corner of jazz.

DOWNLOAD

16 comments:

Anonymous said...

Any specific reason why you selected to present Vol. 4 specifically that would be worth sharing with us?

Anonymous said...

OK, now I know why: I recognized the first track from the movie "broken flowers". It's on the tape his neighbour gives him and that he listenes to while driving in his car! ;-)

Bleeding Panda said...

This is one of their best discs (its a 25 disc set) and one of my favourites. There is a brilliant "Ethiopiques: Best Of" compilation out there but I am planning on making my own "Best Of" so I didnt post that:)

And yes - there are several songs from "Broken Flowers" here:)

Copen-Z said...

nađe mi ti žicu. prija, baš baš, sedamdesete su čudo. fala

Anonymous said...

very impressive. can't wait for the best of!

**

off topic: here's the songs for crashing your car mixtape. we threw in a couple of tracks that weren't on your selection --just for good measure. :o)

hope you and your readers enjoy it: cliiick!

cheers,
alonso

Anonymous said...

Definitly a brilliant serie!
Though i only got a few of them.

By the way, i've got Mulatu Astatke's first album on LP, called Afro-Latin Soul from 1966.

When i have digitalized it i will let you know, and if interested you can post it on your blog.

bye

Bleeding Panda said...

I have the entire 25 disc set and it is magnificent:)

If you could post that Mulatu album I would be very grateful:)))

Copen-Z said...

probaj da iskopas na nechijem blogu Leon Thomas-a i njegov LP "Blues and the Soulful Truth", mislim da ce ti se uklopiti u ovo raspolozenje. a meni srezi taj 25 cD set, pliz.

Anonymous said...

Panda Stuffer, I've only just stumbled across your blog, and it's frankly fooking superb. Looking forward to getting stuck in. cheers.
Olly

Bleeding Panda said...

Enjoy Olly

Anonymous said...

hey , this is gabriel . just made a quick translation of our post so you can check it out . please , drop us an email : gravitysr at gmail dot com.

btb : long live the bleedin' panda.

luck,
·g·

Anonymous said...

Hi bleeding one,

i've promised you the mulatu album,
but apparently i've got problems with my recordplayer. (damn, damn, damn,...)

Anyway, i did a search and i found a copy here: http://tinyurl.com/6rtk3o
(Volume 1 & 2)

jezc said...

Thanks for the links Panda Stuffer - just come across the site - gonna enjoy!

Bleeding Panda said...

Tnx:) Enjoy my little blog:)

SeSo said...

Well, thanks!
This is great.

J Thyme...kind said...

There was so much buzz on this one in 1998 when it came out. It's not surprising to see how Nas & Damian Marley arrived at "As We Enter" with it's brilliant use of "Yègellé Tezeta" by Mulatu Astatqé. This should be the big talk of the year! A big-assed crossover.

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