Various
Ethiopian Modern Instrumentals Hits
Repress! Reissue on Heavenly Sweetness of this great Ethiopian compilation, first released by L'Arome. Ethiopia's deep seated ethiocentrism, the legacy of hundreds of years of history, has contributed in a great way to the country's strong musical identity. Already in the late '60s, influenced by Latin and European music, they came up with "ethio jazz". The main innovators were MULATU ASTATKE, MARYAM KIDANE and BAHTA GEBRE HEYWET. These are recordings of the late '60s. Amazing orchestral 'ETHIO-GROOVE' filled with US soul, jazz, sometimes Latin and the deepest eastern rhythms, even including some great nasty and dirty FUZZ guitars. A true gem of Ethiopian modern instrumental music, which illustrates perfectly this symbiosis of strong rhythms with quality arrangements of subtle yet deep Ethiopian melodies. A must for all '60s/'70s collectors!