Mulatu Astatke: Ethiopian Modern Instrumentals Hits (Japan Import, Colored Vinyl) Vinyl LP

This record holds 10 instrumentals culled from the Ethiopiques compilations, a series of CDs essential for any deep digging fan of Afro groove. This collection was never available on vinyl and the African originals are obviously next to impossible, so any appearance of this material on wax is cause for commotion. A solid and mesmerizing set featuring Mulatu Astatke and cohorts circa 1970, it has plenty of snap. These are Ethiopian takes of some of the same cuts Mulatu recorded in the US for his Mulatu of Ethiopia LP, including "Kasalefkut Hulu" (a faster, sax-led take sans drum break) and "Munaye." Other points of reference are "Yegelle Tezeta," where Mulatu busts some organ over textbook one-drop funk drums, and "Yetesfa Tezeta," a instrumental raveup over James Brown's "I Feel Good" changes. The intense exoticism of "Yekermo Sew" evolves into a wicked jazzy backbeat, a trancelike backdrop for the incredible musicians who invigorate the whole LP (guitarists check Huket Adhanom).

• red colored vinyl
• high quality Japan import
• includes obi-strip
• limited edition
• original release year: 1972
• music label: P-Vine 2025

reviewed by Monk 05/2005