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

Afro-Zen Allstars - Live @ WRIR!!! [2015] [usa+eth]

                 Afro-Zen Allstars' primary inspiration is the the haunting and danceable sounds created during Ethiopia's "Golden Age" (late '60's-mid '70's). This is music that takes hold of both mind and body and never let's go, and Afro-Zen Allstars present it in updated form with compelling new arrangements and world-class soloists.

            Established by guitarist/arranger George M Lowe, Afro-Zen Allstars features the formidable talents of past and present members of such luminary Richmond ensembles as Bio Ritmo,   No BS Brass!, Rattlemouth, Fado Nosso, Glows In The Dark, Hotel X, Monk's Playground, The Flavor Project, Ululating Mummies, and more. 

Afro-Zen Allstars - Bemin Sebeb Litlash

CJ Alicea, drums
Adrien Bayo, percussion
Brian Cruse, bass
John Lilley, alto and tenor sax
George M Lowe, founder, guitar and arrangements
Chris Sclafani, baritone and alto sax
Chris Vasi, guitar
Toby Whitaker, trombone



Afro-Zen Allstars - 01 - Yekermo Sew (6:00)
Afro-Zen Allstars - 02 - Lemon (Lomiwen Teqebeletch) (4:53)
Afro-Zen Allstars - 03 - Netsanet (6:27)
Afro-Zen Allstars - 04 - The Pillar of Truth (Yewnet Messosso) (5:00)
Afro-Zen Allstars - 05 - Muziqawi Silt (6:27)
Afro-Zen Allstars - 06 - Here Is Freedom (4:57)
Afro-Zen Allstars - 07 - Yekatit (4:21)

v.a. - Eshet Eshet [2012] [ethiopia]

Seifu Yohanes  - Mela Mela

Tracklist :

A01 – Menelik Wossenachew         Tezeta
A02 – Mulatu Astake                 Emnete
A03 – Mahmoud Ahmed                 Yeshiharegitu
A04 – Alemayehu Eshete        Enkoy Nat Yabay Dar
A05 – Tamirat Mola                 Meleyetish Keffa
A06 – Lemma G. Hiwot                 Yeweya Abebaye
A07 – Selamawit G. Selassie         Ahua Demeksh
A08 – Zenebetch Tesfaye & Lemma G. Hiwot Asha Gedawo
A09 – Zenebetch Tesfaye        Indalayish
A10 – Hirut Bekele                   Woine Alew Beju
A11 – Alemayehu Eshete        Ayalkem Tedenko


B01 – Lemma Demisew                 Akale Wubie
B02 – Tlahoun Gèssèssè                 Kulun Manqualesh
B03 – Menelik Wossenachew  Belew Bedubaye
B04 – Seifu Yohanes                 Mela Mela
B05 – Tlahoun Gèssèssè                 Sema
B06 – Alemayehu Eshete        Ney Ney Welera
B07 – Menelik Wossenachew  Eshet Eshet
B08 – Belaynesh Wubante & Asegedetch Asfaw    Alemiye
B09 – Tamerat Ferenj                 Anchin Yagengulet
B10 – Alayew Mesfin                 Wegene



Recording made from old 7" records. 

Zerfu Demissie - Akotet: Songs of the Begena [2008] [ethiopia]

   R   E   U   P   L   O   A   D   

      In March 2001, Andy (also guitarist in The Ex) and I (Terrie Ex) were in Addis Abeba, checking out possibilities for The Ex to play some concerts in Ethiopia. But also to check out other music. There is so much amazing stuff there. One day, in the middle of the Mercato, we were struck by something that we had never heard before. Out of the street speaker of a little cassette shop, flowed a sound that was dark, heavy and serious, but also light, fragile and spiritual. We couldn't quite pin it down. We knew the great Ethiopiques 11 of Alemu Aga, but this was different. Slightly embarrassed at the fact that the shopkeeper had had to take the cassette out of the machine and that the street was suddenly silent, we bought the tape. It turned out to be Zerfu Demissie. 

        In March 2004, we organized a series of concerts in Holland called "An Ethiopian music night". The programme consisted of The Ex + Han Bennink, nine of the greatest Azmaris from Addis and Alemu Aga on the begena. Quite a contrasting line-up! In Ethiopia, the Azmaris and Alemu are from completely opposite sides of the musical spectrum. 

     The Azmaris' music is about drinking, politics, sex, dancing, jokes. Playing the begena, on the other hand, is rooted in meditation, concentration and prayer. Deeply devoted to the Orthodox Christian tradition, Alemu was in his fasting period during the tour, which for him meant an even stronger spiritual commitment and no meat and alcohol. He played his songs and right after, The Ex performed. A very different music from a very different background. But when we were finished, Alemu was there standing at the side of the stage, offering us some cold beers. This is not a rigid religion and culture. This is about people.

     We became more and more intrigued by Ethiopian music and culture. We were also intrigued by the begena, an instrument that dates back thousands of years; with its mesmerizing buzzing sound and its special role in the musical, sociological palette. There are the fascinating lyrics, sometimes hundreds of years old and occasionally very contemporary. At times biblical, at other times tapped from different sources. But all including this typical Ethiopian phenomenon known as "Wax 'n' Gold", the subtle poetry with double meaning, which is deciphered as an abstract art form.

     This music is unique to this worid. We had to find out more. August 2006, and we were back in Ethiopia. Jeroen took his mobile studio and Emma her camera. We were hoping to find Zerfu to make a recording with him. And we did find him. He agreed to the project, and a few days later, we recorded him in his empty bedroom at home. Beautiful! Enjoy the sounds within!

Terrie Ex - Wormer, November 2007

01. Zerfu Demissie - Alayenem Belu, Alsemanem Belu (5:42)
02. Zerfu Demissie - Degwawen Kitetut (5:41)
03. Zerfu Demissie - Arb Yetaredewn (8:05)
04. Zerfu Demissie - Ahadu Belo K'idus (8:32)
05. Zerfu Demissie - Arb, Rob, Inegedef (5:10)
06. Zerfu Demissie - Ne'i, Ne'i Kidane Mehret (6:29)
07. Zerfu Demissie - Efoy Ta'ageseke (4:48)
08. Zerfu Demissie - Sek'let (3:27)
09. Zerfu Demissie - Dingelim (4:01)
10. Zerfu Demissie - Esme Ante (2:46)
11. Zerfu Demissie - Godana (7:06)

v.a. - Nahom Favorite, Vol. 18 - Eskista [2008] [ethiopia]

       Eskista is a traditional Ethiopian dance performed by both men and women that is known for its unique emphasis on intense shoulder movement. The dance is characterized by rolling the shoulder blades, bouncing the shoulders, and jilting the chest. 

      Eskista is typically performed to traditional Ethiopian music, but can often be incorporated into modern forms of music such as is played in modern Ethiopian music videos. The complex nature of eskista makes it one of the most highly technical forms of traditional dance.

Traditional Ethiopian Dance - Eskista 

Chalachew Ashenafie - 01 - Yeabay Dar Amora (6:40)
Amanuel Mengiste - 02 - Gojam (5:00)
Meharie Degefaw - 03 - Yenie Kifu Aywetashe (5:13)
Neshanet Ayele - 04 - Hobel (5:15)
Alemayehu Herepo - 05 - Nishit (7:06)
Abebe Fekadu - 06 - Suger Daddy (6:13)
Amanuel Mengiste - 07 - Aba Tatek (4:10)
Neshanet Ayele - 08 - Ytawej Beyfa (5:27)
Fasiel Demoz - 09 - Ahoho Belulet (6:35)
Neshanet Ayele - 10 - Labejaj Bietin (6:17)
Habitemichel Demissie - 11 - Washintu (6:33)
Damtew Ayele - 12 - Anetatreh Mita (7:06)

Ephrem Tamiru & Roha Band - The Reunion [2015] [ethiopia]

          Ephrem Tamiru (also Efrem Tamru) stands side by side with the legendary Ethiopian singers Mahmoud Amhed, Tilahun Gessesse, Hirut Bekele and others. 

        Ephrem's career began in the 1970s and came to fame shortly after. Ephrem still actively performs and hosts shows around the world.

Ephrem Tamiru & Roha Band - Yefikirin Kitat

Ephrem Tamiru & Roha Band - 01 - Neylgne (5:02)
Ephrem Tamiru & Roha Band - 02 - Endegebsu Zala (6:36)
Ephrem Tamiru & Roha Band - 03 - Yefikirin Kitat (5:21)
Ephrem Tamiru & Roha Band - 04 - Gedam Endegeba (8:15)
Ephrem Tamiru & Roha Band - 05 - Godanayie (4:32)
Ephrem Tamiru & Roha Band - 06 - Melkam Wleta (6:11)
Ephrem Tamiru & Roha Band - 07 - Meshe Dehina Ederu (5:14)
Ephrem Tamiru & Roha Band - 08 - Kaguwaguwazegne (7:50)
Ephrem Tamiru & Roha Band - 09 - Zemamie (5:16)
Ephrem Tamiru & Roha Band - 10 - Akalie (7:18)
Ephrem Tamiru & Roha Band - 11 - Kir Kir Eyalegne (6:11)