The Ex - Ethiopia Tour 2004 [with Han Bennink]

         Formed in 1979, The Ex has developed over the years into a melting-pot of diverse musical styles: noise, rock, jazz, improvisation, and ethnic musics have been interweaved under one unique umbrella: “Ex-music”. Discordant, highly rhythmic guitars, the rolling, almost African drumming style, and the intense delivery of the often ironic lyrics give the music of The Ex its special character.

       So far, in almost 30 years, The Ex has played 1371 concerts all over Europe, North America and Africa, and released over 20 albums. Never pigeon-holed into one of pop music’s corny corners, The Ex is continuously in development, and always open for new ideas and collaborations with people of all kinds, people whose spirit inspires and appeals to the group. 

       The main principle remains; to make music with heart and soul, out of reach of commercial trends or expectations. The consequent independent approach of the group and the manner in which they organize their concerts and release and distribute their records themselves, has set a significant example for the alternative music circuit.

1. The Ex - Mesak Esekalhu [Tilahun Gessesse] (5:19)

2. The Ex - Eayu Leyu (6:07)

3. The Ex - Tezeta (6:50)

4. The Ex - Belomi Benna (4:25)

5. The Ex - Goben (7:08)

6. The Ex - Dink Naw (3:28)

7. The Ex - Laley Guma [Aha Begena] (7:41)

v.a. - Ethiopia Bleeding [Bleeding Panda Blog] (2009)

original source : Bleeding Panda Blog

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01. Alemayehu Eshete - Telantena Zare (3:47)
02. Shebele's Band (Vocals: Alemayehu Eshete) - Tequr Gessla (3:13)
03. Tèsfa-Maryam Kidané - Yètèsfa Tezata (2:39)
04. Beyene Habte - Embi Ila (4:03)
05. Tewelde Redda - Milenu (5:02)
06. Hirut Beqele - Essu Nèw Mèssèlègn (2:47)
07. Tlahoun Gèssèssè - Sego Mènor (2:52)
08. Mulatu Astatke - Yègellé Tezeta (My Own Memory) (3:18)
09. Girma Bèyènè - Ené Nègn Bay Manèsh (4:02)
10. Girma Bèyènè - Sét Alamenem (5:28)
11. Bahta Gebre-Heywet - Ewnet Yet Lagegnesh (2:46)
12. Heywete - Tesfa-Maryam Kidane (5:16)
13. Menelik Wesnatchew - Tezeta (4:32)
14. Mulatu Astatke - Tezeta (Nostalgia) (6:16)
15. Alem Girma Band - Ambassel (Fast) (4:20)
16. Alemayehu Eshete & Shebelle's Band - Tashamanaletch (4:09)
17. Ayalew Mesfin & Black Lion Band - Gedawo (4:05)
18. Wallias band - Musicawi silt (3:47)
19. Lèmma Dèmissèw - Adrashash Tèfabegn (2:52)
20. Alemayehu Eshete - Mekeyershin salawq (1:45)
21. Mahmoud Ahmed - Etu Gèla (5:53)
22. Mahmoud Ahmed - Bèlomi Bènna (3:54)
23. Mulatu Astatqe - Yekatit (3:58)
24. Getatchew Mekurya - Yègènèt Muziqa (4:33)
25. Mulatu Astatke - Asmarina (My Asmara) (4:58)
26. Getatchew Mekurya - Ambassèl (5:44)
27. Tsegue-Maryam Guebrou - Mother's Love (3:38)
28. Alemu Aga - Abatatchen Hoy (Pater Noster) (3:33)

Fikru Aligaz - Instrumental music

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       For me, Fikru Aligaz is completely unknown saxophonist. " State of internet" doesn't offer any information about him. His music is nostalgic, instrumental, modern but also deeply rooted into musical heritage of ethiopian traditional and church music. Rip is poor, only 56 kbps, but I don't care. Enjoy ... 

01. Fikru Aligaz - Mesganaye Kef Belowal (6:18)

02. Fikru Aligaz - Egziabeher Yatsenanal (4:54)

03. Fikru Aligaz - Mesgana Beken Belelit (6:18)

04. Fikru Aligaz - Kef Kef Bel (4:57)

05. Fikru Aligaz - Menfes Kidus (6:37)

06. Fikru Aligaz - Wodet Ehedalehu * (5:21)

07. Fikru Aligaz - Eyesus Geta New (5:10)

08. Fikru Aligaz - Manew Manew (5:08)

09. Fikru Aligaz - Yekirb Wodaje (6:58)

10. Fikru Aligaz - Temesgen (6:22)

Biruk Kifle - Yegodash Yigoda [1996]

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01. Biruk Kifle - Sinewader (5:54)
02. Biruk Kifle - Yegodash - Yigoda (7:09)
03. Biruk Kifle - Simot - Sinik - Aeyihonegn (4:43)
04. Biruk Kifle - Tizita (5:19)
05. Biruk Kifle - Kalipso (3:03)
06. Biruk Kifle - Ene - Eshalishalhu (4:31)
07. Biruk Kifle - Simaeda - Aegabachign (4:35)
08. Biruk Kifle - Saniganegn - Keren (3:35)
09. Biruk Kifle - Lebonash - Bifedidegn (4:21)
10. Biruk Kifle - Gedam - Endegeba (4:53)
11. Biruk Kifle - Bemela - Besebeb (4:16)

Quantic - Traditional Ethiopian selection by Quantic [2011]

           Quantic is an umbrella name for UK-born, Will Holland : acclaimed producer, musician, and DJ for over 15 years, who’s projects incorporate various influences, from funk & jazz to electronic & folk music, to Latin, reggae, dub and cumbia.  

         He recently put together this mix of rare 45s he found in Ethiopia, calling it ”a mix of folkloric and outer-regional music of Ethiopia, all 45s and some records that I think need to be heard. Less of breaks & wah wah and this time more of krar, claps, howling sounds and organ melodies. For fans of previous mixes Axum to Addis and Addis Sheckla Explosion.”  

        Listen to and download the whole mix by clicking on the link below, and let’s he hope he continues the crate digging!

Dereb Desalegn - Dereb The Ambassador [2010]

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                       Dereb The Ambassador (Dereb Desalegn)

       Dereb Desalegn is well known in his homeland of Ethiopia, but he now lives in Australia. This new album features songs from famous Ethiopian singers, traditional songs, and Dereb's own compositions. 

  

              Dereb Desalegn, also known as Dereb The Ambassador, is based in Sydney and originally derives from Ethiopa. Sydney producer Tony Buchen has put together this project for the whole world to enjoy, including Australia. Dereb is a renowned and well-respected artist in Ethiopa. So far, Aussies have responded enthusiastically to Dereb’s music and his fans keep multiplying.

                  Dereb’s self-titled album has come to knock on the door of your heart with its soulful timbre. His music is best described as raw, Ethiopian vintage soul and funk with a pinch of jazz and Motown vibes.

                   Although the language within the music is foreign, that does not hinder the listener to get the most from this rare musical experience. The album contains a good blend of party-like anthems and tranquility. Dereb takes the listener into his world for about forty-eight minutes of your life - if only it was longer.

         The music is complete with a 9-piece band with pre-1970s instruments and equipment, which produces uncommon and raw sounds. One can hear the richness of sound coming from the musical instruments used in this LP, some of which are the 5 piece horns, trumpets, percussion, drums and amazing guitar riffs with the electric guitar on tracks like “Gedawo (Traditional)” and “Setaleygn (Tilahun Gesese)”. The real rhythm of soul music is evident in the instrumental song “Yelage Tizeta (Mulatu Astaqe)” with the harmonious trumpet, the organ and drum beats.

      Most of the tracks on the LP are quite upbeat soul and funk rich in the use of instruments, however there is a beautiful acoustic track called “Hiwot (Tilahun Gesese)” which is quite a soothing track to listen to. The vocals, piano, clapping and African sekere are the sole and dominant sounds used in the track “Kulun (Traditional)”, which makes it such a smooth track to listen to.

      A really great adventure of an album!

01. Dereb Desalegn - Addis Ababa Bete (Alamayetu Eshete) (5:46)

02. Dereb Desalegn - Etu Gela (Tesfaye Lemissa) (4:03)

03. Dereb Desalegn - Ney Denun Tiseshe (Seyfu Hayle) (3:08)

04. Dereb Desalegn - Gonde (Dereb Desalegn) (3:15)

05. Dereb Desalegn - Kulun (Traditional) (4:32)

06. Dereb Desalegn - Setaleygn (Tilahun Gesese) (3:45)

07. Dereb Desalegn - Gedawo (Traditional) (4:17)

08. Dereb Desalegn - Yelage Tizeta (Mulatu Astaqe) (3:27)

09. Dereb Desalegn - Mela Mela (Traditional) (3:20)

10. Dereb Desalegn - Aynei (Dereb Desalegn) (5:28)

11. Dereb Desalegn - Hiwot (Tilahun Gesese) (4:21)