Ethio-Jazz: Vibraphone & Addis

Mulatu Astatke's Ethio-jazz blends Ethiopian scales with Western rhythms, sparking Addis Ababa's "Swinging Addis" era before the Derg junta sends it worldwide.

Tracklist

  1. Yègellé Tezeta — Mulatu Astatke
  2. Ere Mela Mela — Mahmoud Ahmed
  3. Addis Ababa Bete — Alemayehu Eshete
  4. Munayé — Mulatu Astatke
  5. Muziqawi Silt — Girma Bèyènè
  6. Wede Harer Guzo — Hailu Mergia
  7. Mascaram Setaba — Mulatu Astatke
  8. Ambassel — Getatchew Mekurya

Transcript

Welcome to OffStereo. Good morning — let's get into it.

Yègellé Tezeta — Mulatu Astatke

Mulatu Astatke's vision of Ethio-jazz fused traditional Ethiopian pentatonic scales with Western jazz and Latin rhythms, creating a sound that would define an era. As the first African student at Berklee College of Music, he specialized in vibraphone, paving the way for this unique blend. Mulatu once stated, "I took the four modes of Ethiopia and, on top of them, I built the world." This track, "Yègellé Tezeta," embodies that foundational blend.

Ere Mela Mela — Mahmoud Ahmed

Mulatu's return to Addis Ababa in 1969 ignited a cultural explosion, transforming the city into a 'Swinging Addis' alive with creativity. He worked extensively as an arranger for Amha Records, Ethiopia's first independent label, collaborating with local stars. This vibrant atmosphere fostered tracks like Mahmoud Ahmed's spirited "Ere Mela Mela," showcasing the era's infectious energy.

Addis Ababa Bete — Alemayehu Eshete

Addis Ababa’s music scene flourished with imported sounds from Europe and the USA, inspiring local artists to innovate. The city charts were soon dominated by Ethiopian pop, with stars such as Alemayehu Eshete rising. His track "Addis Ababa Bete" reflects the exciting fusion and the thriving nightlife of this golden age.

Munayé — Mulatu Astatke

Mulatu's innovative spirit initially met resistance when he introduced instruments like the Fender Rhodes piano, vibraphone, and wah-wah pedals. Accused of imposing Western sounds, he shrugged it off, stating, "But I never thought of jazz as American music." His track "Munayé" demonstrates this commitment to his distinctive Ethio-jazz sound.

Muziqawi Silt — Girma Bèyènè

The Golden Age of Ethiopian music was characterized by widespread innovation, with many musicians contributing to the rich instrumental landscape. Girma Bèyènè, a key figure, was another master arranger and pianist who shaped the Ethio-jazz sound. His composition "Muziqawi Silt" captures the intricate rhythms and melodies that defined this period.

Wede Harer Guzo — Hailu Mergia

The vibrant musical era of Addis Ababa faced a dramatic shift around 1974 with the rise of the Derg military junta, which suppressed musical expression. Many artists, including Hailu Mergia and the Walias Band, eventually left Ethiopia to tour internationally, carrying the Ethio-jazz sound to new audiences. "Wede Harer Guzo" offers a glimpse into their dynamic output.

Mascaram Setaba — Mulatu Astatke

Long before global recognition, Mulatu Astatke was developing his unique sound in Ethiopia. His early recordings laid the groundwork for Ethio-jazz, blending Latin rhythms with Ethiopian scales. "Mascaram Setaba," a 7" released in Addis Ababa in 1966, stands as a testament to his pioneering efforts.

Ambassel — Getatchew Mekurya

Mulatu Astatke's music gained significant international attention with the "Éthiopiques" series, initiated in 1998 by producer Francis Falceto, leading to global rediscovery. Director Jim Jarmusch further expanded Mulatu's Western audience by featuring his songs in the 2005 film *Broken Flowers*. This reissued track by Getatchew Mekurya, "Ambassel," shows the wider impact of the Éthiopiques series, bringing diverse Golden Age artists to the world.

Thank you for tuning into OffStereo. May the vibrant spirit of Addis, carried by those unforgettable vibraphone melodies, continue to echo in your thoughts.

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