Lasta Sound - Lasta sound [2010] [usa +ethiopia]

       The name “Lasta Sound” evokes imagery of ancient Ethiopian culture and civilization. Lasta is one of Ethiopia's ancient regions, having been immortalized in songs and stories both from within Ethiopia and without. 

Lasta Sound - ጥቁር ሴት (Black Woman) - From the movie Journey to Lasta

          Lasta Sound exploded onto the scene in 2002, Lasta Sounds music was ultra modern in its arrangement, and production. It melded elements of Ethiopian music with Reggae, Funk and a dash of Afro-Cuban flava. The core of Lasta Sound consisted of Kirubel Assefa on Bass/Musical Director, Teferi Assefa on Drums and Tsegaye Selassie as Vocalist. 

        They introduced their self titled debut CD, “Lasta Sound”. They had conscious, forward thinking lyrics, with well thought out hooks and awesome driving bass lines. It was an auspicious debut. Lasta Sound was featured in Wondwossen Dikran's independent movie entitled “Journey to Lasta”. The soundtrack was also the recipient of Best Music Award at the New York International Independent Film and Video Festival in 2005. Kirubel, Tsegaye and Teferi were featured as the principal characters in the movie. 

      Subsequent appearances and performances cemented their appeal within their fans. Their fans response in Ethiopia was overwhelming. Lasta Sound is on the rise again.This time, Kirubel took on a larger role, as Musical Director/Producer/Writer and moved over as keyboard player. Tsegaye brings his incredible stage presence, and vocal talents. Mesgana Mulat on bass. Replacing Teferi on drums is Reggie Spivey. Kamasi Washington on Saxophone, and Ryan Porter on Trombone. 

The first single from the sophomore effort is entitled “Maraki”. In the context of the song, Maraki means “the girl who has captured my heart”. It’s an ode to a beautiful girl whose physical beauty and charm has rendered Tsegaye defenseless, and he professes his love and adoration for her. Sung for the most part in Amharic, it’s infused with reggae, while still retaining its Ethiopian musical sensibilities.

Lasta Sound - 01. Tekur Set (Black woman) (4:42)

Lasta Sound - 02. Mela Belu (5:37)

Lasta Sound - 03. Kidest Hagere Ethiopia (4:33)

Lasta Sound - 04. Kedashgn (4:49)

Lasta Sound - 05. Ethiopiawit Konjo (5:57)

Lasta Sound - 06. Negsalech (4:35)

Lasta Sound - 07. Prophecy (4:44)

Lasta Sound - 08. 6 Kilo (4:40)

Lasta Sound - 09. Mochalehu (5:28)

Lasta Sound - 10. Lasta Solution (3:37)

   band memebers :   

Kirubel Assefa – Bass, Keyboard & Hammond B3 Organ, & Background Vocals

Tsegaye Selassie – Lead & Background Vocals

Mike (Ras Mike) McTaggert - Guitar

Kamasi Washington - Saxophone

Ryan Porter - Trombone

Johnny Blackman - Drums

Aziz Saye - Percussions