Blogtrotters

Showing posts with label funk. Show all posts
Showing posts with label funk. Show all posts

Monday, October 17, 2016

Black Jesus Experience - Migration [2014] [aus+eth]











       BLACK JESUS EXPERIENCE (BJX) is an eight piece band playing an irresistibly danceable blend of traditional Ethiopian song and 21st Century groove. With backgrounds as diverse as the 5 countries the members of BJX hail from, their music reflects the multicultural vibrancy of the band’s hometown, Melbourne, Australia.

       Singer Enushu Taye began entertaining her local community as a child in Addis Ababa. Forced to leave Ethiopia, Enushu migrated to Australia bringing hauntingly beautiful compositions inspired by her remarkable life story and the unique vocal traditions of Ethiopia. Enushu is joined on vocals by poetic giant and lyrical miracle Mr Monk, Zimbabwe born and Outback bred.





Black Jesus Experience - ETHIOBOP






        When not touring BJX run a weekly session at cultural hub The Horn creating new songs live on stage featuring guest artists from all walks of life. The comfort BJX has with this practice lies in the improvising traditions of that feed BJX including Hip Hop, Jazz, Azmari and Funk.

        They have recently released their 5th studio album, a collaboration with their long time mentor, the inventor of Ethio-Jazz: Mulatu Astatke. The album Cradle of Humanity was recorded and mixed across 3 continents and completed at the end of their East Africa tour in 2015, including performances at MTN Bushfire Festival (Swaziland), AZGO Festival (Mozambique) and African Union Expo (Addis Ababa, Ethiopia).

       The rhymes and chimes of Black Jesus Experience deliver the power and beauty of Africa through the vocal prism of Hip-Hop and freedom of Funk.



Black Jesus Experience - 01 - Smile (3:31)
Black Jesus Experience - 02 - Africa (4:43)
Black Jesus Experience - 03 - Bati (3:52)
Black Jesus Experience - 04 - Migration (6:12)
Black Jesus Experience - 05 - Ethio Bop (5:23)
Black Jesus Experience - 06 - Ichilalo (4:25)
Black Jesus Experience - 07 - Mother Earth (4:35)
Black Jesus Experience - 08 - Gimash Akarley (3:19)
Black Jesus Experience - 09 - After (4:47)
Black Jesus Experience - 10 - BB (5:09)



Tuesday, September 13, 2016

Abdi Nuressa - [2009] - Irree Aadaa [usa+ethiopia]










             Another rising star is the Washington-based Oromo singer Abdi Nuressa. The 34-year-old singer-songwriter is a breath of fresh air, combining love, politics and empowerment. 

          Born in the Western part of Oromia region and brought up in Addis Ababa, Abdi emigrated to the US as a teenager. He was naturally influenced by the different cultures to which he was exposed but has remained true to his roots, as clearly seen in his music. He kicked off his singing career by performing cover versions of old Oromo classics such as those of Ali Birra. His debut album, Iree Adda, was released at the end of July 2009, marking his arrival on the music scene. The album, bearing an English subtitle The Power of Culture, can be seen as a political statement and an expression of the longing to return to his roots. The strong and energetic rhythms, taken from the Oromo tradition, are mingled in a subtle way with the sounds of reggae, funk, folk and hip-hop. 





Abdi Nuressa - Ayyaana Laalattuu



      One song in particular on that album, 'Ayyaana Laalattu' (Afan Oromo for 'opportunist'), put Abdi Nuressa on the map. Crossing the language barrier, the song was a big hit both in Ethiopia and abroad, among people who speak the language and those who don't. It proved the star's argument that "if we Oromo artists can deliver quality music, the language can never be a barrier, especially in our time."




Abdi Nuressa - 01 - Nutuu Laafe (4:50)
Abdi Nuressa - 02 - Ee Sobaan Wallolle (5:26)
Abdi Nuressa - 03 - Qotee Bulaa (4:32)
Abdi Nuressa - 04 - Utuman Sijaaladhuu (4:05)
Abdi Nuressa - 05 - Tokkummaatu Wayyaa (6:24)
Abdi Nuressa - 06 - Yaa Raahaa (6:05)
Abdi Nuressa - 07 - Sinbirree Ta'ee (3:58)
Abdi Nuressa - 08 - Wal-argaan Hinoolu (5:01)
Abdi Nuressa - 09 - Shaggoyee Xabanna (4:39)
Abdi Nuressa - 10 - Guyyaa Gammachuu (6:14)
Abdi Nuressa - 11 - Argee Laalee Laalee (5:58)
Abdi Nuressa - 12 - Ayyaana Laalattuu (4:48)
Abdi Nuressa - 13 - Bareeduu Baadiyaa (4:52)



Tuesday, August 30, 2016

Zvuloon Dub System - Anbessa Dub [2014] [isr+eth]









       Zvuloon Dub System is Israel's leading Reggae band. Adopting their name from one of the twelve tribes of Israel, the band was formed in 2006 by the Smilan brothers. They shared the same passion for roots reggae and dub, with influences from a variety of music styles, like Ethiopian jazz and rare grooves from the 70’s, USA's soul, funk and jazz, alongside with Israeli mizrahi (oriental) music.





   Zvuloon Dub System - Anbessa Dub [FULL ALBUM]   



band members:

Gili Yalo - lead vocals, 
Inon Peretz - trumpet, 
Ilan Adiri - tenor sax, 
Ilan Smilan - lead guitar, 
Simon Nahum - rhythm guitar, 
Lior Romano - piano and organ, 
Tal Marcus - bass, 
Asaf Smilan - drums and percussion 


guests artists:

Mahmoud Ahmed - vocals (5), 
Zemene Melesse - vocals (8), 
Yaacov Lilay - vocals (7), krar (1,7,10), 
Dejen Manchelot – masinko (10), 
Roei Hermon - trumpet (6, 9), 
Yonatan Voltzok - trombone ?(1-5, 7) 
Maayan Milo – trombone (6,8,9), 
Omri Abramov - alto Sax (1-3, 5-7,9),
Elad Gellert -? baritone sax (1), 
Shay Sattaman Jacovi - backing vocals (8) 








Wednesday, June 8, 2016

v.a. - Beyond Addis [Contemporary Jazz & Funk of Ethiopian sound from 70s] [2014]




   R   E   U   P   L   O   A   D   







       Beyond Addis is a collection of contemporary bands (compiled by J. J. Whitefield) inspired by Ethiopian music from the 70′s and features the likes of Akale Wube, Budos Band, Shawn Lee’s Ping Pong Orchestra, The Heliocentrics and more.

    The music of “Swinging Addis” of the 70′s was a clash of opposite elements: western instruments (drums, bass, guitar, horns) and the stylistic influence of Jazz, Soul, R&B and Rock’n’Roll bumping into traditional techniques of singing and composing, a legacy of Ethiopian popular music. 

    Mastermind of this revolutionary mix was Mulatu Astatke. Now, this compilation gives an overview of the work of young bands around the world inspired by Ethiopian music.









01. Akalé Wubé - Jawa Jawa (Alternate Take) (4:48)
02. The Heliiocentrics - Phantom of the Panther (2:21)
03. Imperial Tiger Orchestra - Yefikir Woha Timu (4:52)
04. Budos Band - Origin of Man (4:54)
05. Shawn Lee's Ping Pong Orchestra - Ethio (3:43)
06. Woima Collective - Woima (3:16)
07. Les Frères Smith - La Marche Des Smith (5:55)
08. Karl Hector & the Malcouns - Girma's Lament (2:55)
09. Zafari - Addis Ababa (3:39)
10. Whitefield Brothers - Sem Yelesh (3:22)
11. Transgressors - Beyond Addis (4:03)
12. Tezeta Band - Drop It! (4:53)
13. The Shaolin Afronauts - The Scarab (4:55)
14. Debo Band - Trek from Ethiopia (Part 1) (4:59)

bonus track - vinyl edition
15. International Ducks - The Green Cow (3:27)




Wednesday, April 27, 2016

Sheba Sound - Cassette Chichika – Dance-floor heavy [ethiopia]




    visit Sheba Sound official site : HERE                                  






  Cassette Chichika – Dance-floor heavy 


The second in a series of mixes of obscure Ethio-funk Chichika gems, direct from Sheba Sound.

None of the songs on this mix were ever pressed up on a record, or reissued on CD. They are all original sounds recently dug up from old cassette shops around Ethiopia.

In 1974 Mengistu crushed Haile Selassie and came into power in Ethiopia. By the late 70s, all the labels pressing up tunes on vinyl, such as Amha and Philips, had been forced to shut down their operations.

This left the cassette shops to continue the work of publishing the new music that was coming out. Notable heavyweight houses pushing Amaharic music, such as Electra and Anbassel, took the lion’s share of the big names.

Naturally, as time went by, the sound of the music evolved. In this mix, you will hear how the classic 70s ‘ethio-funk’ sound (represented in the first ‘Chichika’ mix on this site) transforms in the 80s into something much less frantic and more precise. The bands themselves tend to be smaller, allowing the bass players to take a more driving lead. This particular evolution of the bass defines the sound of Amhara music from this period.




Tracklist (Artist / Title / Label)

01 - Aregahegne Werash – Nafkot Yalefal (Electra)
02 - Haile Mikael – Lebe Gerageru (Anbassel)
03 - Muluken Melesse Lemezawaez (Electra)
04 - Ephrem Tamru – Akal Gela (Electra 1978)
05 - Kefel Bekele – Mela Alesh (Menaz 1984)
06 - Thiedros Tadesse – Bmewededachen (Electra)
07 - Ayalew Mesfin – Kalegne Fegshem (Ayalew Bet)
08 - Tsegaye Eshetu – Agerash Shegar
09 - Teshome Welde – Matewa (Genet)
10 - Fisseha Alamayehu – Endenesh
11 - Haile Mikael – Agebe (Anbassel)


Friday, April 15, 2016

Sun Hop Fat - Sun Hop Fat [EP] [2013] [usa+eth]












          For years Sun Hop Fat has been at the forefront of introducing the unique sounds of Ethiopian Jazz to the masses. The music blends the rhythms of traditional American funk (James Brown, Parliament) and jazz (Yusef Lateef, Miles Davis) with harmonies and melodies from East Africa. The result is an up-tempo groove machine that borrows harmonies from the Middle East. The music focuses primarily on arrangements from the “golden era” of Ethiopian Jazz but includes original compositions as well. This all-star band includes standout musicians from other popular San Francisco Bay Area groups.


           Sun Hop Fat has developed a solid following throughout Northern California by playing a number of clubs and festivals. The ability of the band to captivate sit down jazz crowds as well as steal the spotlight in prime festival slots, encouraging crowds to get up and dance, makes the group flexible in its appeal and garners support from diverse audiences.

      



Sun Hop Fat @ DNA Lounge









Sun Hop Fat - 01 - Dewel (3:20)
Sun Hop Fat - 02 - Kasaleftkut Hulu (9:08)
Sun Hop Fat - 03 - Sabye (6:09)









Anthony Ant - Trumpet 
Dave Eagle - Congas 
Jeremy Greene - Tenor/Alto Saxophone 
Nicholas Gyorkos - Trombone 
Dii Martin - Guitar 
Harrison Murphy - Keyboards  
Christopher Noonan - Baritone Saxophone 
Daniel Silberstein - Percussion 
Randy Schwartz - Drums 
Jesse Sheehan - Tenor Saxophone 
Jesse Toews - Bass 



Sun Hop Fat just released their first album. You can find it here on bandcamp site > Sun Hop Fat debut album




Tuesday, December 29, 2015

Sheba Sound - Deep Ethiopian Soul Cassette Selection [ethiopia]



visit Sheba Sound webpage HERE > _______









        “For new music, contemporary musicians outside Addis Ababa have little opportunity to record and proudly express their unique mesmerising sounds. 

            We at Sheba Sound are trying to re-address this balance. We are as committed to recording and introducing diverse music to Ethiopians themselves as well as to foreign communities. ??We have our work cut out; there are over 85 separately recognised tribes, all of whom define themselves through their unique language, music, customs, values and clothing. ??We bring traditional deep Ethiopian sounds, with a modern twist, to dance-floors and bars all over the world.”







Listen here :  

https://www.mixcloud.com/Sofrito/sheba-sound-deep-ethiopian-soul-cassette-selection/



Background info:


      In 1974 Mengistu crushed Haile Selassie and came into power in Ethiopia. By the late 70’s, all the music labels pressing up tunes on vinyl, such as Amha and Philips, had been forced to shut down their operations.

      This left the cassette shops to continue the work of publishing the new music that was coming out of Ethiopia. Notable heavyweight houses pushing Amharic music, such as Electra and Anbassel took the lion’s share of the famous vocalists.

      Naturally, as time evolved, so did the sound of music. In this mix, you will hear how the classic 70’s ‘ethio-funk’ sound (represented in the Ethiopiques collections through Buda Musique) digresses to the 80’s into something much less frantic and more precise. The bands themselves tend to be smaller, allowing the bass players to take a more driving lead. This particular evolution of the bass, for us, defines the sound of Amhara music from this period.




Tracklisting:


Atechekenbegnem – Ayalew Mesfin
Tezez Begalaye – Muluken Melesse
Ancbi Lij – Thiedros Tadesse
Tey Enekebaber – Kefel Bekele
Munaye – Ephrem Tamru
Tatche Alkarem – Neway Debebe
Tey Manesh – Solomon Shibeshi
? – Fisseha Alamayehu
? – Fisseha Alamayehu
Yangete Sew Honesh – Tamrat Molla
Kemekem – Muluken Melesse




Sheba Sound have more mixes available on their site, and don’t forget to check his & Fade 2’s stellar mix of off-kilter 90s dancehall versions.



Sunday, November 1, 2015

Ester Rada - Life Happens ЕP [2012] [israel / ethiopia]



   R   E   U   P   L   O   A   D   





Ester Rada - Life Happens (Official Video)





       Ester Rada is an Israeli actress and singer.

      Ester Rada’s cross-cultural sound is a deep reflection of the Israeli born Ethiopian’s heritage. Growing up in a highly religious Jewish family in more than modest conditions in Israel, gave Rada the drive to change her way of life and fulfill her dream of creating music.





      Ester recently released her debut album "Ester Rada", after releasing her acclaimed first self-written and composed solo EP called "Life Happens", which was produced by Israeli producers Kuti (Kutiman/Thru-You) and Sabbo (Soulico), at the beginning of 2013. 

      Rada gained worldwide popularity on a tour across Europe, the United States and Canada. She has recently performed at the Glastonbury Festival. She performed at the opening act of Alicia Keys' concert in Israel. Rada's music video "Life Happens" has been broadcast on MTV France, East Europe, and Israel, as well as on VH1 UK. Rada credits Nina Simone, Ella Fitzgerald and Aretha Franklin as her musical influences, alongside Eryka Badu, Lauryn Hill and Jill Scott.







         Rada started her acting career in musical theater, and won an award for her role in Habima Theatre's The Troupe. In 2007 she played a major role in the TV serial "Deus". In the same year she also acted in Habima's play Sdakim bebeton. Filmography and TV Appearances: Still Walking Zrubavel Kirot The Special. Yes's series New York.



    In the end of 2012 Ester Rada released an EP entitled "Life Happens" with four of her songs. The album was positively received by critics, who describe her music as "cross-cultural sound that is a deep reflection of the Israeli born Ethiopian's heritage" and "graceful composition of Ethio-Jazz, funk, soul and r&b, with mixed undertones of black grooves"




1. Ester Rada - Life Happens (3:56)
2. Ester Rada - Monsters (4:53)
3. Ester Rada - Anything from you (4:52)
4. Ester Rada - Could it be (3:17)

         + BONUS TRACK   

5. Ester Rada - Life Happens (Shimi Sonic remix) (4:17)




Thursday, October 15, 2015

Judy Teffera - Queen of the Nile [2010] [ethiopia]








                  Judith Teffera was born and raised in Arsi Asela, a city located in central Ethiopia. Bitten by the performing bug at a young age, Teffera performed with classmates at the Ras Dargie School. With her regular flashy attire and outgoing demeanor, she quickly acquired the nickname "Picture". Teffera received inspiration and encouragement from a well-respected musician in the Ethiopian National Guard, Zewdu Legese. Legese was also responsible for starting and leading the Ras Dargie School music band.




Judy Teffera - Wodaje



            With the support of her father, Teffera moved to Sweden to receive her high school education. A few years after, Teffera moved to the United States, continuing her college education in Boston. Then she moved to Washington D.C., becoming a member of the international community of the nation's capital. Music had not been taken out of the picture, as she continued to perform and sell her music in the U.S.A and Toronto, Canada. By the end of the 1990's, Teffera had drawn away from the Ethiopian music scene, concentrating on her career and furthering her education. She received her Master’s of Business Administration (MBA) in Technology from Southeastern University. Soon after her graduation, she was offered a position in the United States Federal Government in Washington D.C.

        Teffera writes and sings her own compositions in the Ethiopian language, while creating a unique style that still stays true to Ethiopian music. 

          With her return to music, Teffera wants to make her focus clear. Through the message in her music, she wants to raise educational awareness and boost the morale of youth in Ethiopia. 

        While spurring emotions for change and consciousness, Teffera wants Ethiopians to be proud of their heritage and culture. Proceeds from her music sales will finance the dream to empower Ethiopian youth.




Judy Teffera - 01 - Shamo (5:16)
Judy Teffera - 02 - Wodaje (5:51)
Judy Teffera - 03 - Atrakegn (6:16)
Judy Teffera - 04 - Degifegn (5:41)
Judy Teffera - 05 - Simagn (5:31)
Judy Teffera - 06 - Woubye (6:01)
Judy Teffera - 07 - Weretegna (6:07)
Judy Teffera - 08 - Lalebola (3:55)
Judy Teffera - 09 - Fikre (5:59)
Judy Teffera - 10 - Semonun (6:28)




Monday, July 20, 2015

Sheba Sound - Ethio-funk Amhara 'Chichika' beat [2014] [ethiopia]




visit Sheba Sound webpage HERE > _______











       Sheba Sound is the ongoing product of over six years of events, music digging and recordings, originating in Addis Ababa and spanning as many of the areas of the country as is physically possible to reach.

         Music drew us to this beautiful, historic country.

         Most of the old music is littered across cassettes, reels and vinyl in dusty corners. For new music, contemporary musicians outside Addis Ababa have little opportunity to record and proudly express their unique mesmerising sounds.

     We at Sheba Sound are trying to redress this balance. We are committed to recording and introducing diverse music to Ethiopians themselves as well as to foreign communities.

       We have our work cut out; there are over 85 separately recognised tribes, all of whom define themselves through their unique language, music, customs, values and clothing.


       We bring traditional deep Ethiopian sounds, with a modern twist, to dancefloors and bars all over the world.







Ethio-funk mix of songs that have never been re-issued.

I was asked a while back by a label in the UK if I could compile an album of ethio-funk songs from the 70's that were never re-issued.

Being a Dj in Addis, my immediate inclination was to do a comp on the Amhara, traditional Chichika beat - the one that gets everyone dancing.

I used to play this stuff in Fendika Asmari House in Addis with DJ Mitmitta.

The comp never happened, but here's a little mix of that Chichika magic that got the room all heated up.








tracklist :


01.  Abebaye  by  Alameyehu Eshete, PH-125
02.  Kulun Manqualesh  by  Tilahun Gessesse w/ Mulatu Astatke All Star Band, PH-105
03.  Yewyen Abeshie  by  Negash Tekie & Mulugueta Tilhaun, ER-6
04.  Tez Alegn Hagere   by    Alameyehu Borobor & The Walias, KF-7643,
05.  Yeshebelewa   by    Alameyehu Borobor & The Walias, KF-7644
06.  Band Igir Lay Tchama    by    Tamrat Molla, PH-240
07.  Kantchi Lela   by   Mulugueta H Mikael, PH-233
08.  Fikrishin Eshalehu   by    Getachew Kassa, PH-107
09.  Zimam Newhoy   by   Hirut Bekele & The Police Orchestra, PH-255
10.  Eswa Gin Teletchim   by   Tamrat Molla, PH-240
11.  Lemlemwa Hagere    by    Issatu Tessema & Orchestra Ethiopia, PH-179
12.  Goradew Na   by  Kebede Ali & Orchestra Ethiopia, PH-185
13.  Zematch Ashewyna   by   Tilaye Chewaka & The Army Band, PH-251
14.  Akale Wubie   by    Tefera Kassa & Lema Demissew '& his group,' PH-128
15.  Yewefe Ber Abeba   by   Ayalew Mesfin, KF-32
16.  Elil Bale Hoy   by   Solomon Shibeshi, PH-167
17.  Ishuru Belut   by  Muluken Melesse, PH-177