Ethio-jazz is an evocative fusion genre, blending traditional Ethiopian music scales and rhythms with the improvisational elements of jazz. Developed during the 1960s and 1970s under the influential guidance of Mulatu Astatke, this genre marries the pentatonic scales and modal sounds of Ethiopian folk with funk beats, soul, and jazz harmonies. Instruments like the masinko and the krar provide an authentic Ethiopian sound, while horns, keyboards, and guitars infuse a broader musical conversation. Ethio-jazz is known for its ethereal grooves and captivating melancholy, often accompanied by a lively brass section that resonates with a deep cultural heritage. The genre's raw and passionate energy manifests in its haunting melodies, which reflect Ethiopia’s rich musical legacy reimagined through a cosmopolitan lens.

Tension

Mulatu Astatke•

Hoodna Orchestra

Ep - 6 Tracks - Released November 8, 2024