Mulatu of Ethiopia

by Mulatu Astatke

Mulatu of Ethiopia cover art
  • Type: Album
  • Released: 1972
  • Label: Worthy
  • Country: US
  • Length: 57:56
  • Community rating: 3.93/5 from 3 ratings

Album Notes & Community Reviews

A landmark album from the father of Ethio-jazz, Mulatu Astatke. Recorded in New York City, this album finds Astatke masterfully blending traditional Ethiopian melodies with the sounds of Latin jazz, funk, and psychedelic rock. His vibraphone playing is the central voice, creating a sound that is cool, mysterious, and deeply soulful. The album was a key step in the development of Ethio-jazz and has become a hugely influential cult classic.

Genres

Descriptors: groove-laden, percussive, polyrhythm, traditional, dreamy

Tracklist

  1. Mulatu (5:04)
  2. Mascaram Setaba (2:48)
  3. Dewel (4:13)
  4. Kulunmanqueleshi (2:12)
  5. Kasalefkut-hulu (2:26)
  6. Munaye (3:33)
  7. Chifara (7:08)
  8. Mulatu (5:32)
  9. Mascaram Setaba (3:06)
  10. Dewel (4:16)
  11. Kulunmanqueleshi (2:12)
  12. Kasalefkut-hulu (2:29)
  13. Munaye (5:25)
  14. Chifara (7:32)

Credits

  • Mulatu Astatke - primary artist, arranged by, written-by
  • Gil Snapper - liner notes

More from Mulatu Astatke: full discography