Astatke, Mulatu - Ethiopian Modern Instrumentals Hits (Japanese Import, Red Coloured Vinyl)

Mulatu Astatke - Ethiopian Modern Instrumentals Hits (Japanese Import, Red Coloured Vinyl)

Released in 1972 on the eve of the release of Mulatu's masterpiece "Ethio-Jazz," this classic compilation was released by Ethiopian label Amha Records. It's also known as one of the most sought-after Afro-rare groove releases ever. 

After studying jazz in the West, Mulatu returned to Ethiopia and the new wave of Ethio-jazz emerged on the country's music scene. This ambitious album compiles the modern Ethiopian sound from 1969-1972, aiming to popularize what was considered a groundbreaking sound at the time. However, most of the content is actually composed of tracks credited to Mulatu and arrangements by Mulatu himself. It's no exaggeration to call it essentially a "Mulatu album." The fusion of Latin jazz, which was a major influence on Mulatu's time in the United States, with the indigenous Ethiopian Afro-American sound, creates a unique exoticism, rustic flavor, and smoky blackness that is hard to describe. 

Tracklisting:

1. Mulatu Astatke - Munaye
2. Mulatu Astatke - Meche Dereshe
3. Tesfa Mariam Kidane - Yetesfa Tezeta
4. Mulatu Astatke - Kasalefkut Hulu
5. Mulatu Astatke - Tezeta
6. Bahta G. Hiwot - Ewnet Yet Lagegnesh*
7. Mulatu Astatke - Yegele Tezeta
8. Bahta G. Hiwot - Bemgnot Alnorm
9. Mulatu Astatke - Yekrmo Saw
10. Tesfa Mariam Kidane - Heiwote