Mulatu Astatke: Mulatu Of Ethiopia (Colored Vinyl) Vinyl 2LP

Those in the know have long spoken of the dopeness of this man's music in hushed tones, and this sole US release from 1972 has been one of those holy grails that's more heard about than actually seen or heard. This is an essential (and long overdue) repress, and allows those unwilling to spring for those 8 volumes or so of the Ethiopiques CD series to sample Mulatu's sound in more ways than one. Languid, zooted, and stretched-out but very deeply funky, this music has something for funk heads, jazz heads, 'world-music' aesthetes and hip hop producers alike - not to mention those like me who've already purchased two crates' worth of Cal Tjader LPs (Mulatu's a vibist too). All 7 tracks are equally intriguing, but check out "Mulatu," "Dewel" and "Chifara" for starters. Essential listening for those interested in Ethio-jazz.

• special edition, contains original stereo album plus mono mix retrieved from the original 2" tapes
• translucent white colored double vinyl pressing
• limited edition
• original release year: 1972
• music label: Strut 2024

reviewed by gregcaz 03/2011

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