TITLE: Ethiopian Ocean
LABEL: self-released
Here’s some world-class Ethio-jazz from right up the road in Washington, DC (which is actually the second-largest Ethiopian city in the world, behind only Addis Ababa). Feedel Band is a septet fronted by veteran saxophonist Moges Habte, who played with one of his home country’s most famous bands, Walias Band, back in the 70s. They’ve been supporting superstar singer Aster Aweke in concert, and they’re currently working on a full-length for Electric Cowbell Records with producer Thomas Gobena (bassist in Gogol Bordello and producer of Debo Band’s first album); in the meantime, here they are at their jazziest. Track 1 starts with a long piano intro by Araya Woldemichael then launches into a Mulatu-esque pentatonic groove complete with groovy organ playing. 2 is a slower, expansive number; 3 is a jazzy arrangement with a characteristically Ethiopian melody and plenty of solo space for guitarist Kaleb Temesgen and bassist Alemseged Kebede; and 5 is back in Ethio-groove territory like track 1. If you dig the Ethiopiques series, Mulatu Astatke or Richmond’s own Rattlemouth, this will be right up your alley.
TOP TRACKS: 1 2 3 5
ALSO RECOMMENDED: 4
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