Mellow funky exotic
ginsu | tv land | 11/25/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"sick sick album. the tone of the recording sounds like classic blue note. the grooves are funky latiny jazz with a strong ethiopean influence on groove and melody. one of my fav new purchases."
Definitive Ethio-Jazz groover
attentive listener | Joysey | 12/09/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Mulatu Astatke invented the genre known as ethio-jazz. This release is THE definitive artifact. Ethiopian traditional + afro-cuban jazz = a new twist on what I broadly describe as afro-beats. This one is a real groover, different (more of a middle-eastern sound) than the west-african forms I'm more familar with, but no less funky. A real party starter. If you're into this kind of stuff, Strut keeps their flame burning strong. Between Strut, Analog Africa and Soundway, we are in the midst of some kind of afro-beats perfect storm, and I'm getting blown away. Now, I understand Fela's entire catalog is about to get the overhaul from the Knitting Factory label, strap yourself to something strong !"