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
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)
