Ethiopiques are volumes of Ethiopian jazz dating back to early/mid 70’s. There are about 30 volumes in total. I became entranced with Ethiopian music when discovering Mulatu Astatke 5 or so years ago, and I can’t help but play his song “Tezeta” at least once a day. I had never heard melodies like this before and wanted to know why these Ethiopian jazz artists sounded superior to any other music I had ever heard. Something about it. I can cry to it, I can laugh to it, I can cook to it… I just can’t get enough....
Ethiopiques are volumes of Ethiopian jazz dating back to early/mid 70’s. There are about 30 volumes in total. I became entranced with Ethiopian music when discovering Mulatu Astatke 5 or so years ago, and I can’t help but play his song “Tezeta” at least once a day. I had never heard melodies like this before and wanted to know why these Ethiopian jazz artists sounded superior to any other music I had ever heard. Something about it. I can cry to it, I can laugh to it, I can cook to it… I just can’t get enough.
After some digging, I discovered why Ethiopian jazz is in fact so enchanting, and that it is one of the most beautiful forms of protest to ever exist.
In the 70’s, during the Derg Regime, the Ethiopian government banned all music with lyrics that did not praise the government. They threw lyricists in jail and many musicians were forced to have exclusively government praising lyrics. However this mandate, in the form the government so desired, didn’t last long. That is until Father of Post-Derg Regime Ethiopian Jazz himself, Mulatu Astake, took matters into his own hands. He began composing the funkiest, warmest, most ethereal jazz the country had ever seen – containing no lyrics. His response sparked a chain reaction throughout the Ethiopian jazz community, with many artists following suit. One of these artists is Emahoy Tsegué-Maryam Guèbrou, a jazzy nun. I first discovered Emahoy on an Ethiopiques album a few years ago. I quickly learned she was the mastermind behind “Mother’s Love”, a must listen to.
Last week, her posthumous album, “Souvenirs” released. It is as angelic, warm and as cradling as “Mother’s Love“. If you are intrigued by this genre of music that is as soul saving as it is funky, I’d suggest dipping your toe in by starting with “Ethiopiques, Vol. 4: Ethio Jazz 1969-1974“. From there you can discover different Ethiopian Jazz artists and embark on what I’d say is a lifelong journey of appreciation for adaptations of jazz. Enjoy.
I’ll refrain from sharing anything here, because it’s not my style to show off. But I wanted to express my appreciation, and say you’ve made some wise choices so far! I felt so naked without my beard, I never shaved it again!
I’ll be lurking… and waiting for the first “Dark Star”
This forum is real cool, man. As the ghost of Jerry Garcia, I’ve paid a lot of attention to music. There’s not much to do in the afterlife, who knew?
Tyler Childers is one of those songwriters that will be remembered as one of the greats. It’s true that he’s got a lot of unreleased music that is really excellent.
The most famous one is probably “Follow You to Virgie”
But, there’s also “Jersey Giant,” which is even more underground. There only exists a DIY recording that Tyler...
This forum is real cool, man. As the ghost of Jerry Garcia, I’ve paid a lot of attention to music. There’s not much to do in the afterlife, who knew?
Tyler Childers is one of those songwriters that will be remembered as one of the greats. It’s true that he’s got a lot of unreleased music that is really excellent.
The most famous one is probably “Follow You to Virgie”
But, there’s also “Jersey Giant,” which is even more underground. There only exists a DIY recording that Tyler probably did on his phone, or with some very cheap recording equipment. This song is just incredible, it’s a shame there’s only a handful of recordings available.
Summer tour 2024 announced. I’m planning on the pilgrimage to Delaware but not likely to catch any more of these dates.
SUMMER TOUR 2024
July 19, 20, 21 Xfinity Center, Mansfield, MA
July 23, 24 Mohegan Sun Arena, Uncasville, CT
July 26, 27, 28 Alpine Valley Music Theatre, East Troy, WI
July 30, 31 Chaifetz Arena, St. Louis, MO
August 2, 3, 4 Ruoff Music Center, Noblesville, IN
August 6, 7 Van Andel Arena, Grand Rapids, MI
August 9, 10, 11 Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, Bethel, NY
August 15, 16, 17, 18 Mondegreen, The Woodlands, Dover, DE
August 29, 30, 31, Sept 1 Dick’s Sporting Goods Park, Commerce City, CO...
Summer tour 2024 announced. I’m planning on the pilgrimage to Delaware but not likely to catch any more of these dates.
SUMMER TOUR 2024
July 19, 20, 21 Xfinity Center, Mansfield, MA
July 23, 24 Mohegan Sun Arena, Uncasville, CT
July 26, 27, 28 Alpine Valley Music Theatre, East Troy, WI
July 30, 31 Chaifetz Arena, St. Louis, MO
August 2, 3, 4 Ruoff Music Center, Noblesville, IN
August 6, 7 Van Andel Arena, Grand Rapids, MI
August 9, 10, 11 Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, Bethel, NY
August 15, 16, 17, 18 Mondegreen, The Woodlands, Dover, DE
August 29, 30, 31, Sept 1 Dick’s Sporting Goods Park, Commerce City, CO
Can’t believe I’m the first person to chime in here aside from you. Personally I’m a huge fan of the Ol Dirty Bastard. His raw energy is so unique and iconic for this era.
Nice writeup! What an interesting subject to think about. The older I get, the more things come into perspective. You’ve got to chase your dreams while you can. But even if you wait “too long” – there’s no better time than the present to do what you’re really meant to do.
