Today is the holiday, and while I don’t always recognize these public events, I am today. So my blog is on vacation, even though I’m actually just taking the opportunity to complete some projects that have to be done quickly and smartly. But there’s a music feature to listen to and wonder what I’ll write tomorrow (-:
Music – Nostalgia (Tezeta)
Here’s what I’ve been listening to this morning at work.
This is the “father of Ethiopian jazz” – Muratu Astak – Who is one of the great vibraphone players (not to mention his skills in conga drums, percussion and organ).
He’s not a big name in the western jazz scene, but for me he’s a real pioneer, and I love his album sequence, from early Latin elements (studied while studying in the US) to his later compositions that incorporate pure African influences, using Ethiopian instruments such as stringed or Clare).
In the latter case, the standard pentatonic scale (to which Krar has tuned) is the perfect way to incorporate more Western instruments into his jazz style.
The song – Tezeta (Nostalgia) – from the 1972 release – Ethiopian Modern Instrumental Golden Melody (Published by Amha Records).
Amha Records – Fleeing Ethiopia in 1975 after the military government took over.
It was reissued in the 1998 volume — Ethiopiques 4: Ethiopian Jazz and Instrumental Music 1969-1974 – (Buda Records), featuring music by Mulatu Astatke.
This CD is still available.
Very mellow.
You can learn about- Tizzita – A form of Ethiopian music that Westerners consider to be blues music.
The form uses – been – Pentatonic scale
Here’s an interesting resume for 2018 – Ethiopian jazz father Mulatu Astatke is still an active musician.
Enough for today!
(c) Copyright 2022 William Mitchell. all rights reserved.
