Moges Habte - Kebena Godana [1999] [ethiopia]

     



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         Moges Habte was member of the school band at the Kokebe Tsbah Haile Sellasie primary school. He later joined the St.Yared Music School and studied music. He used to play saxophone at the Zula night club. Moges and his friends later set up the Walias Band, which regularly played at the Hilton and Wabe Shebele hotel. Moges had a big role in the production of Hailu Mergia’s instrumental. He as well toured America with the Walias Band in 1980 and never came back. He established himself in America and besides accompanying famous singers. Moges had released albums of instrumental music.

       Moges Habte's talent is well known to many avid listeners of Ethio Jazz. For those who may not know, however, Moges is an amazing saxophone player whose musical roots date back to the fourth grade at Kokebe Tsibah Haile Selassie Day School and the Yared School of Music. After studying music for years and performing in some of Ethiopia's best marching bands, Moges began playing in nightclubs. 

     In the 1970s, Moges and other musicians formed the Walias Band -- a group whose music is highly sought after by music collectors 30 years later! (One Walias LP sold for US$120 a few years ago!!!) In "Kalen Alatefewm," a hit originally popularized by Mulatu Astatke and Teshome Mitiku, Moges seduces and hypnotizes you with his saxophone -- seamlessly blending Ethiopian melodies with jazz elements to create what I believe is a masterpiece! The percussion by Mikias Abebayehu perfectly reinforces Moges' playing while showing restraint so as to not overwhelm either Moges or keyboard playing by Brihane Kidan. 

     I can guarantee you will not be disappointed!!! Moges' interpretation of "Musicawe Silt," a timeless composition by Girma Beyene and made famous by the Walias Band, is amazing for what it is and for what it is not. Once again, Moges' saxophone playing is phenomenal!!! The Ethiopian melodies are given an update -- the playing is less funky and much more.

Moges Habte - 01 - Kisseh New Wodajeh (7:32)

Moges Habte - 02 - Kalen Alatfewem (5:58)

Moges Habte - 03 - Musicawe Silt (6:00)

Moges Habte - 04 - Kebena Godana (7:36)

Moges Habte - 05 - Alchalkum (6:17)

Moges Habte - 06 - Sewenetua (5:49)

Moges Habte - 07 - Walias Groove (6:41)

Moges Habte - 08 - Anchen Messay Konjo (7:48)