Beauties

Description

Aselefech Ashine and Getenesh Kebret, two young women raised in the cosmopolitan and vibrant environment of Addis Ababa at the end of the Empire, released a single record in 1976 before completely disappearing from the industry. Beauties was a success and sold out within a few days. However, it was released at the beginning of two decades of darkness and oppression in Ethiopia, and this is the first reissue of this overlooked classic. Beauties is both completely unique and a blend of everything that preceded it during the two decades of bubbling creativity. Ethio-jazz fans will hear Mulatu Astatke in the dark minor piano notes. The endlessly intertwined percussion and solid bass lines are the signature of the Army Band, which also accompanied Tlahoun Gesesse and Mahmoud Ahmed. The arranger Teshome Sisay is also an incredible flutist, playing with sensitivity and confidence. Trained in traditional music, Aselefech and Getenesh's voices, infinitely creative in their phrasing, harmonize and intertwine in an extremely close manner. At the time this record was released, the Derg regime imposed severe repressive measures on music. Considered allies of the deposed emperor, artists had to keep a low profile. This is one of the last great albums of the Ethiopian golden age. Tip-on cover, original illustration, lyric translations, photos, and an interview with Aselefech Ashine included.