Mulatu!

Mulatu Astatqe: I Faram Gami I Faram (Heavy Latin), Ebo Lala, Mulatu
From the Albums: Afro Latin Soul [Worthy records, 1966] Mulatu Astatke [Soundway, 19??] Mulatu Of Ethiopia [Worthy, 1972]

Everything I here from this man never fails to blow me away, Mulatu's unique blend of Latin, Ethiopian and American Jazz is just sublime, this is how fusion should be done. Each time I think I've got used to Mulatu's Sound, I hear something new thats been dug up and it takes me off in a completly different direction. I've tried to illustrate my point with the three tracks I've put up for download, these are all perfect examples of his Ethio Jazz sound but each quite individual.

Astatqe has always described his music as 'experimental', experiments that were influenced from his extensive studies of music at University in Ethiopia, the U.K. and America. Mulatu never compromised or tried to conform with his music so that he could sell to the mass's, he was well aware at the time that his music would only ever be appreciated by a small audience but this didn't faze him, thank god

Original release's by Mulatu Astatqe sell for rediculous money but thankfully there are several labels who have reissued his work Soundway Records being one, thier 10" Mulatu EP is an essential record not only does it feature the absolutly banging Ebo Lala but also contains three other corkers!