Record #81: Ethiopiques Volume 4: 'Ethio Jazz & Musique Instrumentale 1969-1974'
This is a collection of Ethiopian jazz almost entirely composed by Mulatu Astatqè, the legendary “Father of Ethio-jazz.” There are a few tracks here that weren’t composed by Astatqè, but the bulk of the work is his. First off, I have to say that I’ve listened to very little jazz. I don’t know much about the history of the genre, and I can’t say whether or not this is an obscure collection for serious fans of jazz. But I can say it’s some of the most smoothly played and composed music I’ve listened to in weeks. With virtuosity spilling out from every conceivable instrument—primarily saxophone, piano, guitar, percussion and bass—these winding, mellow instrumentals are intoxicating and unique. I’m removed from my comfort zone with this one, but these songs remain enchanting—the sort of music that easily launches you into an introspective, film noir-style haze. A friend of mine refers to it as “spy jazz,” and that feels just about perfect.
