Mad grooves from the Ethiopian scene of the 70s – featuring work by the enigmatic
Mulatu, plus some of the other extra-cool artists on that country's groundbreaking soul
and funk scene!
Mulatu plays Fender Rhodes
and organ on his tracks – grooving with a slow, snakey approach that's almost a bit like the work of Sun Ra, but which also has distinct African touches. The sound here is quite different than the Nigerian funky work of the 70s – much more laidback
and open-ended, with less American influences,
and a really unique approach! Titles include "Yekermo Se", "Yegele Tezeta", "Munaye", "Metche Dershe", "Kasalefkut Hulu",
and "Tezeta" by
Mulatu Astatque; "Heywete"
and "Bemgnot Alnorem" by Bahta Gebre Heywet;
and "Yetesfa Tezeta" by Tesfa-Maryam Kidane. Vinyl release of tracks pulled from the Ethiopiques CD-only series, done with some good notes.
(Early 00s French L'Arome reissue.)