Imperial Tiger Orchestra - Winterthurer Musikfestwochen [partial FM] [2014] [swiis+eth]

       Imperial Tiger Orchestra is a Swiss group of modern popular Ethiopian music. Its name hints at the Imperial bodyguard band of the Halie Selassie era and Monty Python’s “Tiger in Africa” sketch. It was formed after a jam organized by Genevan trumpet player Raphaël Anker.The band has released three albums and played in Europe, Southern Africa and Ethiopia.It also worked with renowned Ethiopian musicians, like Endress Hassen or the singer Hamelmal Abate.

Imperial Tiger Orchestra & Hamelmal Abate 

Arte Live Web / Cosmo Jazz 2012

          When Imperial Tiger Orchestra first started unravelling the yarn of Ethiopian Music from the Golden Age (1969 – 1975), no one expected the thread to be so long and no one knew where it might end. Inspired by original albums that the band found while shopping for rare musical gems on a first visit to Addis Ababa in 2009, Imperial Tiger Orchestra released a first record in 2010, the aptly-named Addis Abeba, which explored Ethiopian music from the 70s – when traditional Ethiopian brass bands began feeding off American soul. The second release, Mercato, veered towards a more pop-inspired repertoire from the 80s, and the latest release goes one step further, taking the listener deeper into Ethiopian culture, from the unique sounds of the azmari repertoire to the hypnotic groove of the major tribes. 

       After three years touring Europe, Imperial Tiger Orchestra has acquired a solid reputation as a mighty groove machine. The band has also taken its acid riffs to the African continent, touring South Africa, Mozambique and Zimbabwe back in 2010. Having been invited to Addis Ababa by the renowned producer of the Ethiopiques series, Francis Falceto, the Tigers were proud to meet many of the local musicians who work to reshape traditional Ethiopian music. Based in and around Geneva, Switzerland, Imperial Tiger Orchestra has also worked with musicians and dancers from the Ethiopian diaspora, receiving their rewarding approval and blessing for their own original take on Ethiopian music.

Imperial Tiger Orchestra - 01. Konso

Imperial Tiger Orchestra - 02. radio announcer

Imperial Tiger Orchestra - 03. Tigrinia

Imperial Tiger Orchestra - 04. Lelele

Imperial Tiger Orchestra - 05. radio announcer

Imperial Tiger Orchestra - 06. Che Belew

Sun Hop Fat - Sun Hop Fat [EP] [2013] [usa+eth]

          For years Sun Hop Fat has been at the forefront of introducing the unique sounds of Ethiopian Jazz to the masses. The music blends the rhythms of traditional American funk (James Brown, Parliament) and jazz (Yusef Lateef, Miles Davis) with harmonies and melodies from East Africa. The result is an up-tempo groove machine that borrows harmonies from the Middle East. The music focuses primarily on arrangements from the “golden era” of Ethiopian Jazz but includes original compositions as well. This all-star band includes standout musicians from other popular San Francisco Bay Area groups.

           Sun Hop Fat has developed a solid following throughout Northern California by playing a number of clubs and festivals. The ability of the band to captivate sit down jazz crowds as well as steal the spotlight in prime festival slots, encouraging crowds to get up and dance, makes the group flexible in its appeal and garners support from diverse audiences.

      

Sun Hop Fat @ DNA Lounge

Sun Hop Fat - 01 - Dewel (3:20)

Sun Hop Fat - 02 - Kasaleftkut Hulu (9:08)

Sun Hop Fat - 03 - Sabye (6:09)

Anthony Ant - Trumpet 

Dave Eagle - Congas 

Jeremy Greene - Tenor/Alto Saxophone 

Nicholas Gyorkos - Trombone 

Dii Martin - Guitar 

Harrison Murphy - Keyboards  

Christopher Noonan - Baritone Saxophone 

Daniel Silberstein - Percussion 

Randy Schwartz - Drums 

Jesse Sheehan - Tenor Saxophone 

Jesse Toews - Bass 

Sun Hop Fat just released their first album. You can find it here on bandcamp site > Sun Hop Fat debut album

uKanDanZ - Lantchi Biyé / Endè Iyèrusalèm [7''] [2014] [france-ethiopia]

       uKanDanZ ... a unique style, an unusual meeting between an electric quartet and Asnake Guebreyes, charismatic lead singer originates from the vibrant music scene in Addis Abeba. 

          Their music is inspired by traditional and popular Ethiopian songs. uKanDanZ has a real crunch energy. Between rock, jazz, noise... 

With impertinence, they rock it wildly. Without compromise. Guitar, saxophone, bass, drums and vocals shuffle our bearings. 

What a pleasure! The stage presence of uKanDanZ swings alternately between energy and emotion... then the public, transcended, dances and shivers.

uKanDanZ - Endè Iyèrusalèm

Rock In Opposition festival 2015, 18/09/2015

uKanDanZ - 1 - Lantchi Biyé 04:26

uKanDanZ - 2 - Endè Iyèrusalèm 04:09

Damien Cluzel - Guitar
Asnaque Guebreyes - Vocals 
Lionel Martin - Sax
Guilhem Meier - Drums

Benoit Lecomte - Bass

Dawit Getachew - Memory of the Future [2015] [ethiopia]

       Dawit Getachew  (born September 25, 1986) is one of the greatest gospel singers in Ethiopia, and east African music award winning Ethiopian singer, song writer , arranger and producer. 

      He is one of the best-and most influential artists in Jazz Christian music. Dawit not only sings but also teaches music at “Mekane Yesus Seminary” school of JAZZ music. This young and intelligent artist is one among the group of Zema for Christ choir.  His first CD “ Ethibekehalehu” has been a blessing since it was released.  Dawit is a great growing artist and is an expectation of everybody.  

Dawit Getachew - Ewedihalew

Early life 

     Dawit Getachew  was born to Mintayesh Cherinet and Getachew Abraham in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia at a place known as “Shiromeda”.and grow up in “Debrezeit” with his 3 sisters and 4 brothers.  He grew up in a Christian family, with the word of God and having devotional times with his parents, as a kid Dawit knew that he could sing in those devotional times. Having this talent as a kid Dawit joined his Sunday school choir. The love of music grew in his heart. And he knew that there was nothing on earth that would make him feel good than music. So having this passion Dawit graduated high school from Bishoftu’s preparatory school. 

        After graduating high school, he moved back to “Addis Ababa” and joined Mekane Yesus Seminary” Jazz Music school, majoring piano. As a student Dawit was one of the best students. His interest and passion for music made him to give all his time and heart, by doing that he was one of the top students found in the school. After spending 3 years at the music school, he completed his studies with a heart to serve God and his people.then he start to lecture in the same school. 

        In 2007 a choir known as Zema for Christ released their first album known as  “Bemamene Bicha”. Dawit was one of the founder members of the group. The album was amazing in all its musical arrangement and song contents. He arranged most of the songs and produced along Mihret Tegafaw (a member of Zema for Christ). Starting from then Dawit Getachew along with Zema for Christ performed their songs in most churches found in Addis and other parts of the country.  Then Dawit started arranging and producing songs to different gospel artists, including Bethelhem Tezera, Pastor Mesfin Mamo, Samuel T/Michael, Endalkachew Hawaz, Endrias Hawaz and others. Along this journey the biggest encouragement in his life came from his mother and his older sister Addis Kidan , supporting everything he does and helping him by their prayers. so, their prayer played the biggest role in his life. 

     The first challenge in Dawit's life came from his father. As any Ethiopian, christian parent his father wanted him to continue with his acadamic studies because he believed that the music life of most christians was believed to be difficult for both economical and spiritual life. Deep in side Dawit new that his father purpose is LOVE. Therefore, listening to his father's advice, he was convinced that he should also do more to his life by studying another field of study. He joined the management and leadership college at Mekane Yesus Seminary . Studying for 3 years he got his first Bachelors Degree (B.A) in leadership and development in in June 25,2011.

      In 2010 Dawit released his first album known as “Tebekehalehu”. He amazed his audiences in this album. It was beyond anybody’s expectation. Dawit played the major role in his first album joined by Zema for Christ as his back up singers. He wrote all the songs and produced it on his own by bringing a new and spectacular flavor to the existing music industry.

Dawit Getachew - 01 - The Power of Faith (8:19)

Dawit Getachew - 02 - Hope (8:41)

Dawit Getachew - 03 - Memory of the Future (11:07)

Dawit Getachew - 04 - Gheralta (8:27)

Dawit Getachew - 05 - Worthy of All Praise (9:09)

Dawit Getachew - 06 - Love (Live) (6:17)

Dawit Getachew - 07 - Mercy (4:38)

Dawit Getachew - 08 - Rejoice (8:23)

Dawit Getachew - 09 - Thank You (9:48)

Ester Rada - Life Happens ЕP [2012] [israel / ethiopia]

   R   E   U   P   L   O   A   D   

Ester Rada - Life Happens (Official Video)

       Ester Rada is an Israeli actress and singer.

      Ester Rada’s cross-cultural sound is a deep reflection of the Israeli born Ethiopian’s heritage. Growing up in a highly religious Jewish family in more than modest conditions in Israel, gave Rada the drive to change her way of life and fulfill her dream of creating music.

      Ester recently released her debut album "Ester Rada", after releasing her acclaimed first self-written and composed solo EP called "Life Happens", which was produced by Israeli producers Kuti (Kutiman/Thru-You) and Sabbo (Soulico), at the beginning of 2013. 

      Rada gained worldwide popularity on a tour across Europe, the United States and Canada. She has recently performed at the Glastonbury Festival. She performed at the opening act of Alicia Keys' concert in Israel. Rada's music video "Life Happens" has been broadcast on MTV France, East Europe, and Israel, as well as on VH1 UK. Rada credits Nina Simone, Ella Fitzgerald and Aretha Franklin as her musical influences, alongside Eryka Badu, Lauryn Hill and Jill Scott.

         Rada started her acting career in musical theater, and won an award for her role in Habima Theatre's The Troupe. In 2007 she played a major role in the TV serial "Deus". In the same year she also acted in Habima's play Sdakim bebeton. Filmography and TV Appearances: Still Walking Zrubavel Kirot The Special. Yes's series New York.

    In the end of 2012 Ester Rada released an EP entitled "Life Happens" with four of her songs. The album was positively received by critics, who describe her music as "cross-cultural sound that is a deep reflection of the Israeli born Ethiopian's heritage" and "graceful composition of Ethio-Jazz, funk, soul and r&b, with mixed undertones of black grooves"

1. Ester Rada - Life Happens (3:56)

2. Ester Rada - Monsters (4:53)

3. Ester Rada - Anything from you (4:52)

4. Ester Rada - Could it be (3:17)

         + BONUS TRACK   

5. Ester Rada - Life Happens (Shimi Sonic remix) (4:17)

interview with Ester Rada : read here >

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

Black Flower - Abyssinia Afterlife [2014] [b]

      Born out of a surreal experience and with strong devotion Black Flower takes you on a lucid voyage through the gardens of the Abyssinian afterlife. A highly remarkable place, far away from what you and I would call reality. It is a place where strange creatures and unfamiliar sounds merge into a harmony of the weird and the beautiful.

       It is said that these are the secret realms of the long past legendary ruler of Ethiopia, Sir Prester John. Some even claim that he composed these sounds as a way of ruling his ancient land. Whether this is fact or myth, nobody knows for sure...

     Now, for the first time, we have the chance to get a glimpse of this mystical empire. It is no secret any more that Nathan Daems has been chosen to witness this special place. Being such an overwhelming experience, he felt the urge, even the obligation, to share this with the real world. The result is a record he applicably called “Abyssinia Afterlife”.

     It was no easy task finding the right people for this job. In his years of musical exploration, Nathan kept searching for the right people to team up with. A challenging process, because they needed to embrace the idea of looking to music from a whole new perspective. They needed to be able to capture the Abyssinia Afterlife as if they had visited it them-selves. Finally he found four young and dedicated spirits who could do the job.

 This is the moment Black Flower was born.

  Black Flower - Upwards  

 Track list:

    1. Solar Eclipse 6:39 

    2. Upwards 4:59 

    3. I threw a lemon at that girl 5:20 

    4. Jungle desert 4:50 

    5. Winter 5:35 

    6. Star fishing 5:42 

    7. The legacy of Prester John 3:41 

    8. Again I lost it 4:57 

    9. Abyssinia afterlife 7:45

 Nathan Daems - Soprano saxophone, Tenor saxophone, Melodica, Flute 
 Jon Birdsong - Cornet 
 Simon Segers - Drums 
 Wouter Haest - Piano and keyboards 
 Filip Vandebril - Bass, Effects 

 [http://www.dewerfrecords.be/en/catalog/abyssinia-afterlife][http://www.jazzinbelgium.com/album/black.flower_abyssinia-afterlife]

 [http://www.discogs.com/master/view/681766]

Akalé Wubé - Sost [2014] [fra+ethiopia]

         Akalé Wubé’s third album, Sost (“three” in Amharique) is perfectly in line with their previous records, it is also a testament to a more mature and experienced band, who have proved able to win over different audiences in different circumstances with their infectious grooves. While touring in Ethiopia, the band realised that local musicians had stopped playing music from the Swinging Addis golden age. A puzzling but liberating discovery that convinced the band to completely stand behind their project, and release three albums to date.

       More than half of the tracks in “Sost” are original compositions, with the other half being songs discovered on old cassette tapes brought back from Ethiopia. Akalé Wubé have invited the radiant Genet Asefa on three tracks, an Ethiopian singer with whom they have often shared the stage. Cautious to give precedence to authentic encounters, the band have chosen only to invite musicians with whom they have already played in a live context. Manu Dibango’s presence on the album is not an opportunistic move: there are strong human and musical ties between the afro-jazz pioneer and Akalé Wubé. Another sign of the band’s high quality expectations is that the album has been recorded in a studio set up by the band itself in the heart of Paris. This is a space that Akalé Wubé have made their own and which has permitted them to master completely the process of recording this album.

Akalé Wubé - Anbessa (feat Manu Dibango)

       Akalé Wubé's third album is aptly-titled Sost, which means 'three' in Amharic--the official language of Ethiopia. The music is highly groove-based and follows the early traditions of Ethiopian jazz, which is not too unlike the popular Ethiopiques series. About half of the music is based on traditional recordings and cassettes found in Ethiopia, while the other half of the songs are original compositions. The emotive vocalist, Genet Asefa, leads a few tracks with her seasoned voice in line with tradition Ethiopia music. The blurt of a trumpet, the beat of a drum, and a jazzy melody with Afro-jazz flavorings rounds out the gist of each song. However, each song brings something new to light--whether it be a hook, a sound, or a rhythm. Akalé Wubé know how to tease the feet with danceable grooves and lush sounds. This is another acclaimed album. ~ review by Matthew Forss

Akale Wube - Alegntaye (ft. Genet Asefa)

Akalé Wubé - 01 - Anbessa  (feat. Manu Dibango) (3:41)
Akalé Wubé - 02 - Alègntayé  (feat. Genet Asefa) (4:19)
Akalé Wubé - 03 - Mèmona (5:59)
Akalé Wubé - 04 - Kidus à cent dix (5:17)
Akalé Wubé - 05 - Ashewa (4:36)
Akalé Wubé - 06 - Gab's Trap (4:00)
Akalé Wubé - 07 - Addis Abèba Bété (4:40)
Akalé Wubé - 08 - Fikratchin (3:26)
Akalé Wubé - 09 - Erikum (5:28)
Akalé Wubé - 10 - Spring No Come (feat. Genet Asefa)(4:26)
Akalé Wubé - 11 - Meri Tekikil (4:54)

Etienne de la Sayette - flutes, sax

Paul Bouclier - krar, trumpet, percussions

Loïc Réchard - guitar

Oliver Degabriele - bass

David Georgelet - drums

Ethio Cali - various tracks [2014] [usa+eth]

       Ethio Cali is a Los Angeles-based Ethio-Jazz ensemble, led by trumpeter, arranger, and composer Todd Simon. The ensemble’s sublime sound is inspired by the golden age of Ethiopian music of the 1960’s and 70’s, filtered through a lens that is uniquely Los Angeles.  

           

           Acknowledging the diverse musical foundations of Ethio-Jazz, the ensemble also draws inspiration from the rhythmic and melodic textures of Sudan, Somalia, Ghana, and Colombia.  Ethio Cali’s published cassette Live at The Blue Whale.  [ find it : HERE ]

Todd Simon's Ethio-Cali Ensemble - Fowler Museum at UCLA 8/14/11

 Ethio Cali features:

Todd Simon – Trumpet, Flugelhorn, Music Director
Kamasi Washington – Tenor Saxophone
Randal Fisher – Tenor Saxophone
Mark de Clive-Lowe – Keys
Alan Lightner – Steel Pan
Damon Aaron – Guitar
Pat Bailey – Bass
Steve Haney – Percussion
Te’Amir Yohannes Sweeney – Percussion
Dexter Story – Drums

Extended Family: 

Kamasi Washington - Tenor Sax 

Justo Almario - Tenor Sax/Clarinet 

Richi Panta - Percussion 

Geoff Mann - Percussion 

Elizabeth Lea - Trombone 

Mark Cross - Keys 

Thomas Lea - Viola 

Tylana Renga - Vioin 

Peter Jacobson - Cello 

Special Guests: 

Dereb the Ambassador 

Kelela Martin 

Perna (Antibalas/Ocote Soul Sounds) 

Jared Tankel (Budoes Band) 

Aaron Johnson (Antibalas/FELA!) 

Vardan Ovsepian 

Semere-Ab Etmet 

Yohannes Tutu 

Sweeney Rickey

EthioCali - 01 - Azmar (11:19)
EthioCali - 02 - Mulatu (13:14)
EthioCali - 03 - Sabye (My Saba) - Live @ Del Monte Speakeasy March 17,12 (7:10)
EthioCali - 04 - Sidama de Cali (5:11)
EthioCali - 05 - Tadias - Live @ Del Monte Speakeasy March 17, 2012 (7:10)
EthioCali - 06 - Tiny Pyramids (8:08)
EthioCali - 07 - Zafari Live at the Blue Whale (9:37)
EthioCali - 08 - Zafari (8:50)