Ethiopiques, Vol. 14

I am actually reviewing two recordings by Getachew Mekurya: Ethiopiques, Vol. 14: Negus of Ethiopian Sax Moa Anbessa (IMPORT) How is it that there are only 2 CD's currently available from this wonderful artist? We can be grateful to Buda Records for bringing artist like Getachew Mekurya and Mulatu Atstatke to our attention. Unlike Mulatu, however, Mekuryah has gotten much less exposure. It's only because Dutch punk/industrial band The Ex sought him out that he ever got to record and tour in the west. A friend of mine saw him in New York City and said he was awesome.The Ethiopiques CD features recording Mekurya made in the late 60's/early 70's, during a period that was a sort of cultural Renaissance for Ehtiopia, which was brought to a harsh end with the rise of Mengistu's Stalinist regime. Much of the Ethiopiques series dates to this period. Unlike Mulatu Atstakte, who even played with Duke Ellington on at least one occasion, and refers to his music as "Ethio-jazz", Mekurya has stated that his music was not influenced by American jazz, and that he was not even aware of John Coltrane or Ornette Coleman at the time, despite comparisons. What you have here is a style developed completely autonomously. Many of the tracks are in fact based on traditional songs. As with much of the series, the recording technology is rather primitive, but the performances are spectacular. What these guys are able to do with limited resources is impressive. One song, "Shellela" is featured twice with completely different arrangements. the first is sax with electric organ, guitar and trumpet laying down a wonderful groove. the second sounds like a live performance with Mekurya in a call and response with a chorus of horns (not sure if they are all saxes or not). Both are highlights, although really all tracks ate good. I've listened to all kinds of music, but this stuff is truly unique. This CD is highly recommended.the other CD featuring Getachew Mekurya is the album  Moa Anbessa (IMPORT)  recorded with the Dutch band, The Ex in 2006. The Ex heard the Ethiopiques recording and went to Addis Ababa to seek Mekurya out and found him playing in hotel lounges. They brought him back to Europe to record, and then did a series of concerts in some European and North American cities. The sound of the album meshes his sound with The Ex's punk/industrial sound, and the fusion works very well. Mekurya's sax playing is anyway edgy and agressive (though lyrical). Many of the tracks on this album are songs featured on the original Ehthiopiques 14. I must say I am not a fan of the vocalist on the album. I don't feel he brings much to the party, but it doesn't keep me from recommending this album.In the liner notes of "Moa Abessa" Mekurya laments that in the West his country is only known for war and hunger crises. Ethiopia has a long history and very rich culture (and great cuisine). The Ehtiopiques series highlights the musical aspect of this rich culture. I can also recommend Vol. 1, 4, & 23.

This is the CD I have been waiting for. I expected much of it, but as is sometimes the case with good things, it exceeded my expectations.Getatchew Mekurya plays the saxophone like no one else. He has developed a style of playing the part of the singer and the traditional accompaniment to the singer (the masinqo) with the saxophone, thus creating a whole new approach to sax playing that has set apart Ethiopian sax players from the rest of the world.This CD features Getatchew Mekurya from the early seventies, with a small band of great Ethiopian musicians. It features two vesions of the Ethiopian war song - the Shilela - that has been Getatchew Mekurya's trademark. His playing is always emotional and committed, his sound is always raspy and human. His ability to talk with his sax reminds me of my favorite Jazz sax player - Lester Young.This CD has stayed on my CD player since I got it. It is just such a great and refreshing sound - I cant listen to other things (yet...). I recommend it to saxophone players, fans of Ethiopian music, or any other serious music fans.

I grew up watching Gashe Getachew on Ethiopian TV's Variety show. Whenever I listen to this CD, it takes me back to my roots and remember my country (Ethiopia) with moist eyes. Yet another great musician from the country that has given us great music personalities such as St. Yared, Dr. Ashenafi Kebede (founder of Yared music school), Mulatu Astatke (Ethiopiques Vol. 1), Tilaye Gebre, Tewdros Mekonnen ...

I just want to second the two other eloquent reviewers. I am amazed that as late as Vol. 14 there is still so much exquisite music to be found in the archives of Ethiopian Pop. And to think I was ready to stop with Vol. 10! Sometimes this music is hallucinatory. And the organ sounds! Indispensable.

I agree with the others -- at first, it sounds unfamiliar, but after listening a couple times through I was hooked. This music doesn't grow stale after repeated listenings -- instead it grows more interesting and engaging. I just wish I could find more music by this anazing performer.

I bought this as a present for my husband. He is collecting the ethiopiques series at the moment. I can only really base my comment on his appraisal of the music. In his opinion this is the best one he has listened to so far and he really loves the others!