Mulatu Astatqe

Posted almost 6 years ago

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Mulatu Astatke

I decided to write about Ethiopiques Vol.4 because every single time I play this cd, someone begs me for a copy. It is just that good. If you've seen the Jarmusch movie "Broken Flowers", then you may remember hearing some of these songs. I always love the music choices in Jarmusch films, but this time for me the music was wayyyyy better than the film. "Ethiopiques" is a great series of discs for African music fans, but Vol. 4 is just golden. The music on this disc is seductive, timeless instrumental jazz with a little Latin flavor played by Mulatu Astatqe and his orchestra. Most people I play this for are amazed that it is Ethiopian music (a lot of folks don't seem to realize that African music is not just worldbeat/Ladysmith Black Mambazo type stuff) and that it is from 1969-74. Unfortunately, after 1974, Ethiopia was plunged into an 18-year dark age ruled by a supressive military junta. We are lucky to have a beautiful time capsule of music from this period of hope before the darkness.Please check this excellent album out: http://www.emusic.com/album/10607/10607857.html

Comments (5)

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DJKidKobe says That sounds like a great album. Do you have volumes 1, 2, and 3?

Permalink posted 07/08/2006
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fistula spume says I love this album. I recommend any of the discs in this series. Disc 4 is really good with the smooth instrumentals. If your into seeing other timecapsules I highly recommend Cambodiian Cassette Archives Khmer Folk and Pop Music Vol.1.

Permalink posted 07/08/2006
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Kate says I don' t have any other Ethiopiques volumes as of yet, but since there's at least 20 of them, I better get listening! I've heard the Cambodian disc mentioned above- very cool.

Permalink posted 07/08/2006
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max says god, i love that people keep putting up posts about good comps, it's my favorite way to get interested in a genre i know little about, but you need a really good one to get you interested, thanks so much

Permalink posted 07/09/2006
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rock or death says wow - I had no idea. thanks for turning me on to this series and this pre-"darkness" Ethiopian jazz!

Permalink posted 07/10/2006