The selections on ETHIOPIQUES VOL. 4 are taken from two previously released albums, ETHIOPIAN MODERN INSTRUMENTAL HITS and YEKATIT: ETHIO JAZZ. Personnel includes: Mulatu Astatke, Fekade Amde Meskel. The fourth in a series of compilations of early-to-present Ethiopian jazz, this release focuses on instrumentals. Heavily horn-based, the ensembles are sonically multi-faceted, including an almost psychedelic electric guitar and acoustic and electric bass, vibes, and piano. This volume focuses on the arrangers and composers of the late '60s and early '70s, highlighting both the Amha Records label and innovative bandleader Mulatu Astatke. The arrangements combine traditional jazz elements with Ethiopian folk tunes, creating a foreign yet pleasantly familiar feel. From the lilting saxophone of "Tezeta" (Nostalgia), to the jumping organ of "Yegelle Tezeta" (My Own Memory), each song carries its own story, relayed by many tempos. The most percussive, "Munaye" (My Muna), speaks with African beats accompanied by bongos and bell-like sounds accented with jazz guitar solos and well-timed horn bursts. Various stringed instruments provide a warmly personal feel. The cover photo, featuring Duke Ellington holding an African instrument as he jams with Mulatu Astatke, highlights the album's Ethiopian jazz sound.
Reviews & Samples

Tracklisting:
01. Mulatu Astatqé - Yèkèrmo Sèw (A Man of Experience and Wisdom) [4:15]
02. Mulatu Astatqé - Mètché Dershé (When Am I Going to Reach There?) [4:00]
03. Mulatu Astatqé - Kasalèfkut Hulu (From All the Time I Have Passed) [2:45]
04. Trad.Arrangements Mulatu Astatqé - Tezeta (Nostalgia) [6:16]
05. Mulatu Astatqé - Yègellé Tezeta (My Own Memory) [3:18]
06. Mulatu Astatqé - Munayé (My Muna) [5:03]
07. Trad.Arrangements Mulatu Astatqé - Gubèlyé (My Gubel) [4:40]
08. Fèqadu Amdè-Mesqel - Asmarina (My Asmara) [4:58]
09. Mulatu Astatqé - Yèkatit (February) [3:57]
10. Mulatu Astatqé - Nètsanèt (Liberty) [5:36]
11. Mulatu Astatqé - Tezetayé Antchi Lidj (Baby, My Unforgettable Remembrance) [6:04]
12. Trad.Arrangements Mulatu Astatqé - Sabyé (My Saba) [5:28]
13. Girma Hadgu - Ené Alantchi Alnorem (I Can't Live Without You) [5:02]
14. Mulatu Astatqé - Dèwèl (Bell) [4:16]
*Including 3 titles from the soundtrack of "Broken Flowers" by Jim Jarmush*