The Sixth Ethiopian Music festival was held between January 9, 2007 through January 17, 2007. This year, the festival was dedicated to Amha Eshete, Ethiopia’s first independent music producer. Though I was in Addis during some of these dates, prior engagements and unforseen events prevented me to attend all but one date.
The closing date was at the Alliance Ethio-Francaise. There were two events set for that date, a documentary film on a live performance by Mahmoud Ahmed with the Either Orchestra and a live concert of Getachew Mekuria and the Dutch band, The Ex with their guests. The show was beyond remarkable. To say that the 72 year old Getachew, dazzled and mesmerized me was an under statement. It was at this concert that I picked up the their CD.
A little background on Getachew Mekuria. Getachew Mekuria was born in Yefat,Shewa, Ethiopia in 1935. At the age of 13, quit school and joined the Municipality music band. He started off by playing the clarinet first but then moved to the saxophone. In 1948 he took a music test and passed to join the Municipality Orchetra. During his career, he also played at the Haile Selassie I Theatre and the Police Orchestra.
Getachew is well known to have transposed the shellela (war chant) to the sax. Though his technique is often compared to free jazz performer Albert Ayler, Getachew’s technique precedes Ayler’s by at least a decade. Getachew Mekuria, The Ex & Guests’ “Moa Anbessa” is an 11 track CD, of which 5 of the tracks were recorded live on April 8, 2006. The Ex, is a dutch band who dabbles in Free Jazz and punk. The Ex have been in existence since 1979. Their members include Terrie Ex (guitar), Andy Moore (guitar), Katherina Ex(drums) and GW Sok (vocals). Their guests were Colin McLean(bass), Xavier Charles (clarinet), Brodie West (Alto Saxophone), Joost Buis (Trambone) and Cor Fuhler. The CD itself sports a detailed liner notes with amazing pictures. (Note to Ethiopian producers and record companies: please, please for the love of God, take note)
The first track was Ethiopia Hagere, this song originally penned and performed by Frew Hailu was given a major twist when GW Sok English vocals appeared. In fact of the 11 tracks five of them have English vocals. I wasn’t expecting the vocals and I still haven’t made my mind whether I like it or not but I was definitely different. Most of the tracks Getachew picked are very famous and easily identified by Ethiopians alike.
I love the guitar introduction on “Almaz Yeharerwa.” The instrumentation on “Moa Anbessa” is beyond stellar. The hard work and long rehersals have paid off in creating something beautiful. Getachew Mekuria with the Ex have a few tour dates in September, all in Europe.
I’ve included two tracks for your listening pleasure. Also included is a live performance I filmed using my not so high quality Sony camera.
Track list for Moa Anbessa: 1. Ethiopia Hagere, 2. Sethed Seketelat, 3. Eywat Setenafegagn, 4. Che Belew Shellela, 5. Aynamaye Nesh, 6. Aynotche Terabu/Shemonmwanaye, 7. Musicawi Silt, 8. Tezeta, 9. Almaz Yeharerwa, 10. Tezalegn Yetentu, 11. Aha Begena
Published by August 15th, 2007 in Music and Podcast.
love it, i will definitely get his album.
Thanks again Jazzy. I always get Goosebumps when I hear him play. I like the two tracks you posted. I, like Munit, will definitely get the album.
when can we get his CD’s please?
Eth Jazz – You continue to impress me with your musical knowledge…keep it coming! Love the songs.
By the way, can you buy me the CD and I will give you the money when I see you next time:-)
EJ…..nice piece….you never fail to amaze me when it comes to choice of music and artists…..I’m learning a lot. Thank you so much! you are awesome.
oh and i too shall buy the CD today!!
EJ did you mean funk and not punk
i am thinking getachew mekuria is the ethiopian george clinton
anyways can you also buy me the album and i will give you money next time i see you!
EJ man,
Great stuff, yet again.
I think I like the English part. It helps attract new listners while retaining old fans like you an me and also helps the CD penetrate the non abesha market. Besides, this is a remix and somrthing has to change. Otherwise, it will be the same old thing.
Betam, betam arif. I too would love to get the CD.
Thanks for the post EJ. Really lovely read and selection of sounds… Please continue showering us with your knowledge of Ethiopian musicians.
I’m so loving ‘Ethiopia Hagere’
Thanks everyone for your comments!
Dawit and Nol that was actually very funny.
Nol, I did mean Punk and not Funk, because of Getachew’s colaboration with The Ex Band, a Punk band.
I guess there is a slight resembelance betwen Getachew wering the gofer and cloak with George Clinton.
As for the CD, unfortunately I have not seen it around here (The DC area). Amazon and iTunes don’t carry it. The Ex’s website does have it for sale but the process is quite complicated and archaic.
Dinich, I love your idea opening up to new things. I, on the other hand have a little ways to go. I mean I’ve gotten better but not there yet.
thank u ej…
this man is a musical genius…I would love to get my hands on a CD as well.
Jazzy, I found the CD on SquidCo – http://www.squidco.com
It is a company out iof New York and the CD is in stock now.
Great Post EJ, Getachew is one of the gems in Ethiopian music we still have around. I admire you for paying adequate tribute to people who otherwise are not much talked about or even forgotten. I remember admiring him playing the saxophone bending backwards till his back almost touched the ground and with that heavy body too. Thanks a lot for the post man.
BeTam beTam arif post. I love love love GM & his sax. Lib new yeminekaw. Thank you EJ……… my boss just told me to lower the volume !
peh peh peh
EJ, alah yistih abo! those two were dinQ
Thank you EJ; I am learning a lot about Ethiopian music and musician; in additional to the entertainment.
EJ,
you are one hell of guy who knows our music history…
today i was reading “Guilty mentality” by Nolawi and this..and i was thinking how our music is getting worst just because producers and arrangers are focussing just for consumer. Those old people you are introducing us, are real passionate people..
Thank you so much for the post EJ. Getachew’s play gives me goosebumps. Keep up the good job!!
Great you guys love it!! I didn’t really understand the #7 remark remix idea, unless you mean it in the sense of analog real-time now-time remix. I was heavily impressed with their combination while both retaining their own identity. There-s enough fusion already in the world. Was and is great to record it. Abesha Abet!!
mrdevis
wow that was off the hook! I would like to get the CD too. If I do get it then it would be my first in over 5 years. Thanx EJ
I always say EJ you are my official teacher of music. Really nice post.
Thank you Kiki for the info. I bought the CD from http://www.squidco.com .
So everyone, now you know where you can get the CD. I can wait till it gets delivered. Hope to enjoy all songs!
Thanks for this post. I love these music entries.
EJ, thanks so much for introducing us to e-punk. and i hope they pay you commission for this coz i’m sure this post has seriously boosted the CD’s sales figures.
folks in europe, recommend you order your copy online from this dutch record store. nice folks, fast service. i ordered mine on friday and got it monday.
I’m placing an order for this CD as well. This is Ethio fusion jazz at its best…
*gulp*
good goddamn.
i’m at a loss for words.
thank you so much, EJ. this is ridiculously good … i’m goosebumped out.
… oh and the live version of “belomi benna” sounded incredible. wish there was more footage of that
Arif…
Ive heard the name and music before on another site.
where can you buy a CD and not have to place the order online with a credit card??
my god…im in love. Mekuria has always beena genuis but the collab with The Ex Band sounds like prefection. it’s a bitch to purchase the CD but i went through Subdist.com like the band’s website suggests.
got the album today.
simply the shit.
He will be performing in DC August 13 at The Black Cat
Baltimore on August 14 at Otto Bar
Boston on August 15 at The Middle East and
New York on August 20 at the Lincoln
I will be there on august 13ths…
nice
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