Beyond Addis Vol 2

The legacy of Mulatu Astatké rolls on splendidly on this second volume of contemporary interpretations of his Ethio-jazz style. Astatké formulated his style in the late 60s and early 70s by fusing traditional Ethiopian music with the jazz that he had learned while studying at the Berklee College of Music in Boston. Despite being recorded by 13 different groups, there is a cohesion to this compilation that makes it sound like a full album by one artist. Several tracks have the production involvement of compiler Jan Weissenfeldt (also known as JJ Whitefield) and he clearly has an ear for the authentic sound of 70s Addis Ababa – or ‘Swinging Addis’ as it was known. This is a 14-track extravaganza of Ethio-jazz instrumentals with more than a nod to psychedelic soul, funk and Afrobeat.

It is all very organic, with cheesy keyboards, a vintage drum-kit, exotic horns, flute and vibes and funky wah-wah guitars. The compiler has wisely included the emblematic track ‘Musicawi Silt’. Originally recorded in 1974 by the Walias Band (and featuring the vibraphone of Astatké), the spectacular version here is by Brooklyn group The Daktaris, whose excellent album was cheekily dressed up as a long-lost Afrobeat LP. There is also a track from French group Akale Wube, featuring Afro-jazz experimenter Manu Dibango.