Dub Colossus - Dub Will Tear Us Apart [2010] [ethiopia]

   R   E   U   P   L   O   A   D   

    In 2006 Nick 'Dubulah' Page, British producer, multi-instrumentalist and founding member of Transglobal Underground and Syriana, first travelled to Ethiopia's capital Addis Ababa. His aim was to collaborate with musicians and explore traditional Azmari styles, 60s Ethiopian pop, Ethiojazz and 70s Jamaican Dub Reggae. He came across some amazingly talented artists – female vocalists Tsedenia Gebremarkos and Sintayehu 'Mimi' Zenebe, Ethiojazz pianist Samuel Yirga, tenor sax player Feleke Hailu and Teremage Woretaw on messenqo (one-string fiddle) and vocals. 

       Dub Colossus was born. The first recordings were exclusively previewed on Society of Sound. Then followed the critically acclaimed debut album 'A Town Called Addis,' (2008) and a series of outstanding live shows.

        Especially for Society of Sound, the band have put together ‘Dub Will Tear Us Apart’, featuring ten brand new tracks fresh from studio sessions in Real World, Edinburgh and Addis Ababa. Highlights include Dub Colossus’ Anglo-Ethiopian version of the reggae classic, “Uptown Top Ranking”, written and originally performed by Jamaican girl duo Althea & Donna, which topped the UK singles chart in 1978. "It had a big effect on me," explains Nick Page, "seeing it on Top Of The Pops… it was a first in many ways." 

       The connection between Ethiopia and Jamaica has been well documented, especially with regards to the lyrical content of a lot of Jamaican Roots Reggae music. Dub Colossus’ dread Abesha version is fronted by Sintayehu and Tsedenia, with UK/Jamaican guest MC JP Higgins. 

      

     Other highlights include "Guragignia", a ferociously funky Ethiopian song which sounds like a blue taxi going at full speed with no brakes during rush hour in Addis Ababa. A live show favourite, it features lead vocals by Sintayehu. "Selemi" is another live favourite, an Ethio-Funk stomper fronted by Tsedenia supported by the keyboards of Samuel Yirga and saxes of Feleke Hailu, that morphs into a southern Ethiopian rhythm of release. In contrast, "Medina" is a Teremage Woretaw traditional solo track, for voice and messenqo. A gospel song performed to mark a period of fasting, Teremage sings in growling wild swoops as he bows his messenqo with an intense energy. 

        Dub Will Tear Us Apart features members of the current live band for the first time: drummer Nick Van Gelder (ex Jamiroquai, Brand New Heavies), bass player Dr Das (ex Asian Dub Foundation), vocalist PJ Higgins (Natacha Atlas, Almamegretta, Kenneth Bager), as well as the wonderful Horns of Negus, who recently worked with Dr John, Dizzee Rascal, The Streets, consisting of Ben Somers (tenor and baritone sax), Robert Dowell (trombone) and Jonathan Radford (trumpet).

01. Dub Colossus - Dub Will Tear Us Apart (6:41)

02. Dub Colossus - Wey Fikir (4:21)

03. Dub Colossus - Yeh Shimbraw Tir Tir (4:21)

04. Dub Colossus - Dub Me Tender (4:23)

05. Dub Colossus - Satta Massagans (inst version) (3:43)

06. Dub Colossus - Kuratu (5:09)

07. Dub Colossus - Uptown Top Ranking (5:03)

08. Dub Colossus - Guragigna (5:13)

09. Dub Colossus - Medina (3:07)

10. Dub Colossus - Selemi (6:42)

Kegnete Mesele - VII - [Ethiopian Traditional Instrumental Music]

Kegnete Mesele - Le Le Le

Kegnete Mesele - 01 - Ererna Gedamu (8:31)

Kegnete Mesele - 02 - Shegiye Selitu (11:55)

Kegnete Mesele - 03 - Yeshrishri (5:32)

Kegnete Mesele - 04 - Ney Ney yagere lij (6:45)

Kegnete Mesele - 05 - Damay Anchin new (4:52)

Kegnete Mesele - 06 - Yager Fikir tizitaw (7:28)

Kegnete Mesele - 07 - Le Le Le (4:57)

Kegnete Mesele - 08 - Yalew gelel (4:43)

Kegnete Mesele - 09 - Ahay Lalay Lalay (5:46)

Kegnete Mesele - 10 - Weyin Abeba Nesh (7:35)

Qwanqwa - Live [November 6 2014] [2014] [ethiopia]

       Qwanqwa is an experimental rock and traditional band that plays beloved and rare Ethiopian tunes with a unique twist. At its core, is instrumental, the band believes that to reach the widest audience, a single singer can limit the effect. However, the list of guests and collaborations is long, including both beloved and famous singers such as Fikeraddis, Habte Michael, Amelmal Abate, as well as beloved Azmari singers Selamnesh Zemene and Etenesh Wassie. Not limited to only singers, Qwanqwa also has invited the virtuoso masinqo player Endris Hassen, washint player Johannes Aferwork, Dawit Frew, Ethiopia’s foremost clarinetist and many other treasures of traditional instrumentalists to join them.

Qwanqwa - Tizita (Live at Mulatu's African Jazz Village)

      Qwanqwa comprises four members: Mesele Asmamaw, kirar, has been a composer and arranger in Ethiopia for over 20 years. He has released many albums of his compositions as well as traveled extensively throughout Europe and Africa. Dawit is a master of the bass kirar, his interests and experience have informed his unique sound which is at times funky, at times sentimental but always solid and appropriate. Sami, Qwanqwa’s rhythmic backbone, brings a young fresh enthusiasm to the group’s sound. He incorporates tambourine, bells and other homemade percussion to increase the variety of moods. Kaethe Hostetter, five-string electric violin, has been playing Ethiopian music for more than six years. She is a founding member of the critically acclaimed Debo Band, the first Ethiopian band based in the US.

Qwanqwa - Live November 6 2014 (62:45)

                                                                               143 MB (320 kbps)

Ethio Cali - Live at The Blue Whale [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 across Africa, Central/Latin America and the Caribbean.

Ethio Cali features:

Todd Simon – Trumpet, Flugelhorn, Music Director

Randal Fisher – Tenor Saxophone, Baritone Saxophone, Flute

Mark de Clive-Lowe – Keys

Alan Lightner – Steel Pan

Damon Aaron – Guitar

Pat Bailey – Bass

Kahlil Cummings & Steve Haney – Percussion

Te’Amir Yohannes Sweeney – Drums

Tylana Renga – Violin

Ethiocali

            Ethio Cali – Live At The Blue Whale is an album composed of songs selected from various performances at The Blue Whale jazz venue located in the Little Tokyo neighborhood of Los Angeles. 

           The recordings on this cassette are lo-fi in nature. They were recorded on a portable Webcore tape recorder by our friend, supporter, and avid field recorder, Moises Garcia. During each of our shows Moises would set up his recorder in various locations and record each of our sets. Sometimes he would hang the microphone from the ceiling and other times he would tape it to a wall. All of this happened unbeknownst to the members of Ethio Cali. 

          Months later, we heard these recordings during a casual late night hang in Highland Park. We were all taken aback by what we heard. The hiss, hums, and wobbly quality of the recordings had a vintage and endearing appeal that we couldn’t deny. We decided to share these recordings in hopes that you’ll appreciate some of the special and candid moments we’ve shared together on stage during this past year. We thank you for taking the time to listen. 

Side A: 

1) Green Tej 
2) Ambasselita 
3) Mela Mela feat. Dereb The Ambassador 


Side B: 

1) A Mother's Love feat. MdCL 
2) Fitsum Dink Lij Nesh 
3) Ambassel (Fast) 

v.a. - Music Of Ethiopia [Eto Records - MG 4989] [vinyl rip] [ethiopia]

Music Of Ethiopia - World Folk 

Music Of Ethiopia - A 01 - Dinbush Gellan [a Love Song] (2:23)
Music Of Ethiopia - A 02 - Harrari Festival (1:58)
Music Of Ethiopia - A 03 - Yefikir Kaitema [an Amhara Symphony] (3:42)
Music Of Ethiopia - A 04 - Hiliawsho (1:52)
Music Of Ethiopia - A 05 - Ahay Lominai [a Love Song from Eritrea] (2:03)
Music Of Ethiopia - A 06 - Denai Belew Belew (2:54)
Music Of Ethiopia - A 07 - Bare Konda [a Concert] (1:19)

Music Of Ethiopia - B 01 - Demamai [a Gojam Love Song] (1:23)

Music Of Ethiopia - B 02 - Addis Ababa Yejanhoy (1:10)

Music Of Ethiopia - B 03 - Tinitina [Tigre Song-Dance] (2:11)

Music Of Ethiopia - B 04 - Gamai (1:19)

Music Of Ethiopia - B 05 - Yambulo [Song-Dance of the Wollamos] (1:15)

Music Of Ethiopia - B 06 - Wollamo Shilela [a Song of Patriotism] (1:09)

Music Of Ethiopia - B 07 - Hileliawsho (1:00)

Music Of Ethiopia - B 08 - Lembo (1:11)

Music Of Ethiopia - B 09 - Imimha [a Chant for Eskista] (0:41)

Music Of Ethiopia - B 09 - Aderegna [a Solo in Falsetto] (1:38)

Yezina Negash - Mengedegnawu [2009] [ethiopia]

Yezina Negash - Gojjam

Yezina Negash - 01 - Gela (5:13)

Yezina Negash - 02 - Gojam (6:06)

Yezina Negash - 03 - Sekota (6:19)

Yezina Negash - 04 - Yagere Leg (5:44)

Yezina Negash - 05 - Enresew (5:40)

Yezina Negash - 06 - Gonder (7:04)

Yezina Negash - 07 - Mengedegnawu (5:24)

Yezina Negash - 08 - Godamu (4:40)

Yezina Negash - 09 - Yene-Alem (6:20)

Yezina Negash - 10 - Sintun Asalefo (6:18)

Yezina Negash - 11 - Tefatenaw (6:41)

Yezina Negash - 12 - Gedamu (5:04)

Jazzmaris - [2011] - Concert in Paris [ethiopia]

   

         Jazzmaris is a quartet from Ethiopia and Germany, playing since 2007 in Addis Ababa and elsewhere.The composition of the group is: drums, bass, electric guitar and alto saxophone.

          Their music’s are Ethiopian melodies played as own arrangements with various influences like Jazz, Rock and improvised music.

         The group’s name is a combination of the words Jazz and Asmaris. The Asmaris are the traditional musicians (troubadours) of Ethiopia. They play and sing since centuries, expressing the feelings and opinions of the people.

      The repertoire of Jazzmaris is mostly modern Ethiopian songs of singers like Mahmoud Ahmed, Girma Beyene, Muluken Melesse, Telahoun Gessesse and others. The aim of the group is to play Ethiopian music in a fresh way, giving the music a new expression and sound.

Jazzmaris in Paris 2011

drums (Nathaniel Tesemma) 

bass (Henock Temesgen) 

electric guitar (Jörg Pfeil) 

alto saxophone (Olaf Boelsen)

1. Lanchi Biye

2. Yekatit

3. Almaz Ye Hararwa

4. Musicawi Silt

5. Ene Negn Bai Manesh

6. Meche New

7. Meche Dereshe

8. Aynotche Terabu

v.a. - ethio jazz compilation [2012] [ethiopia]

                             
   R E U P L O A D   

       


       One of my first compilations made for this blog. Brief introduction to the beginings of ethiopian jazz music, with some newer authors.

         Enjoy and comment!

1. Mulatu Astatke - Maskaram Setaba (1:47)
2. Teshome Mitiku - Yekrmo Sew (4:18)
3. Tesfa Maryam Kidane - Heywete (5:16)
4. Bahta Gebre-Heywet - Ewnet Yet Lagegnesh (2:47)
5. Charles Sutton quartet - Uuta ayaskefam  (5:40)
6. Girma Beyene - Set Alamenem  (5:28)

7. Sax Summit - Feker ende sekuar  (8:18)
8. Addis Acoustic Project - Selam Yihoun Lehoulachin (4:43)
9. Mulatu Astatke - Netsanet (5:35)
10. Arat Kilo - Get a Chew (4:48)
11. Akalé Wubé - Ragalé (5:10)
12. Imperial Tiger Orchestra - Selam Temagwet (5:36)

13. Debo Band - Akale Wube [trad.] (4:53)
14. Asmara All Stars - Bloom Brothers Mood (6:36)
15. Tesfa Mariam Kidane - Victim of Famine (4:35)
16. Girma Wolde Michael - Loga [Nesh Loga] (6:23)
17. Daniel W/Gabriel - Befikirish Meyaze (6:10)
18. Abiyou Solomon - Munane Agew (5:54)

19. Nebiyu T. Kebede - Groovy (3:46)
20. Ethio Band - Ethiopian melody (7:29)
21. Theodros Mitiku - Teddy's Mood (6:29)
22. Moges Habte - Alchalkum (6:17)
23. Yared Tefera - Anchi Hoyew Lene (6:01)
24. Tilaye Gebre - Yenigat Kokeb/Yelelit Berehane (9:31)

Abbush Zallaqaa - Jaala Jiloo [2013] [ethiopia]

Abbush Zallaqaa - Ee Malawwee

Abbush Zallaqaa - 01 - Jaala Jiloo (6:10)

Abbush Zallaqaa - 02 - Mappenzii (6:13)

Abbush Zallaqaa - 03 - Fullaanneey (6:01)

Abbush Zallaqaa - 04 - Na’baarsisin (4:53)

Abbush Zallaqaa - 05 - Ee Malawwee (6:57)

Abbush Zallaqaa - 06 - Na’baarbaadin (4:42)

Abbush Zallaqaa - 07 - Heellemmaa (6:07)

Abbush Zallaqaa - 08 - Sila Jiraattee (5:37)

Abbush Zallaqaa - 09 - Hinandaa (6:06)

Abbush Zallaqaa - 10 - Guyyaa Suni (6:23)

Abbush Zallaqaa - 11 - Mala-Mali (5:32)

Abbush Zallaqaa - 12 - Agarttaan (5:14)

Abbush Zallaqaa - 13 - Ashamitu (4:32)

Abbush Zallaqaa - 14 - Amoo Tee (5:16)

Temesgen - Ethio-banjo [2007] [ethiopia]

   R   E   U   P   L   O   A   D   

       Temesgen was born and raised in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. He has studied with Alemayehu Fanta and Teshome Shenkute at the Yared School of Music in Addis Ababa. It is Temesgen's dream to keep alive the ancient musical traditions of Ethiopia. He is in the process of setting up a school to teach the Begena and the Krar.

     

        "Listen to the stark, haunting sounds of traditional Ethiopian music and you will be elevated to a place free from worries and strife. The wisdom and knowledge of centuries of culture are communicated by the nimble fingers and resonant voice of Temesgen. Temesgen sings songs of life, of love and of devotion. Deeply spiritual, with the simple truth of folk music, sanded and distilled by generations of musicians, these songs have evolved over the ages to shine with the pristine beauty of the very roots " 

- liner notes from Begena Bedtimes (2006).

 A versatile singer-songwriter, Temesgen has begun to explore the frontiers of ethio-fusion. His non-traditional work is a soulful stew of reggae, ethiopian, and jazz. He is currently working on Begena Fusion, an album that features the begena in a modern milieu. And, Krarization a collection of popular contemporary songs re-interpreted with the help of the krar. Temesgen has also created instructional DVDs on how to play the krar and the begena.

Techome Wolde - Ethiopian Soul Revue [1998] [ethiopia]

         A soul singer in the style of Mahmoud Ahmed, Teschome (or Teshome) Wolde first found success in the mid-70s with a series of acclaimed performances at the City Hall Theatre in Addis Ababa. In 1981 he released his first cassette in Ethiopia and he has subsequently released eight more for the local market. He has performed throughout Ethiopia and in neighbouring countries including Djibouti and Saudi Arabia. He has also toured in Europe and the USA. 

         His debut CD, The Ethiopian Soul Revue, was recorded at a concert at the Rocket Hall in London in 1994, with backing supplied by the Ethio Stars. Released four years later it features a mixture of high-energy dance tunes and soulful ballads and resembles an intense North African version of the Memphis Soul Reviews of the 60s.

Teshome Wolde - Yeshewa Alemena

Techome Wolde - 01. - Wey Fikir (4:54)

Techome Wolde - 02. - Leba Negn Leba (7:59)

Techome Wolde - 03. - Sema Eda Aegebachign (4:13)

Techome Wolde - 04. - Yeweray Semelie (2:25)

Techome Wolde - 05. - Al Metam Qerehughne (6:20)

Techome Wolde - 06. - Liebo Ney (5:32)

Techome Wolde - 07. - Megebema Moltwal (2:31)

Techome Wolde - 08. - Aweyo (4:14)

Techome Wolde - 09. - Yematbela Wef (5:25)

Techome Wolde - 10. - Nanu Nanu Ney (5:08)

Techome Wolde - 11. - Yehagerie Lidge Bale Gamie (6:43)

Techome Wolde - 12. - Eweyu Lielawo (3:06)

Ermias - Mystic Groove [1998] [usa + ethiopia]

          Originally from Ethiopia, Ermias T. Kebede lived in different parts of the world including France and Italy. He currenly resides in the US, in the city of Chicago, IL. 

        Picked up the guitar in SJS High School in Addis Ababa and has been playing every kind of music since. He joined a variety of bands in his career, some of whose members have played with the likes of Dizzy Gillespie and Ziggy Marley. 

        Currently a member of ABOGIDA band touring with Teddy Afro, he also runs his own independent label, ETK MUSIC, under which he has released two albums "Mystic Groove" and "Glimpse of Victory". 

      A combination of world, jazz and Reggae music like never mixed before, "Mystic Groove" transports you into the planes of strong rhythms and hypnotic grooves with subtle yet distinct melodies paving the way. 

       "My primary motivation for completing the project "Mystic Groove" is to bring forth the mystical rhythms of Reggae to a wider audience. I have always been moved by the subtle yet powerful rhythm of the "one drop" beat that mainly categorizes Reggae music from the rest. I believe different types of music affect different parts of the human self and Reggae goes right to the spirit"

Ermias - 01. Mystic Groove (3:56)

Ermias - 02. Colors Of Home (3:49)

Ermias - 03. Journey (3:51)

Ermias - 04. Above The Ocean (4:43)

Ermias - 05. Abeba (3:48)

Ermias - 06. In The Space (4:42)

Ermias - 07. Celebration (3:09)

Ermias - 08. Galloping Through (4:25)

Ermias - 09. Caribbean Morning (3:49)

Ermias - 10. Melancholic Trance (4:48)