Mulatu Of Ethiopia

Description

To celebrate the 25th anniversary of Strut, we are excited to unveil a special edition of a landmark album in the field of African music: "Mulatu Of Ethiopia" by Mulatu Astatke.
Recorded in New York in 1972, this pivotal album marks a turning point in Astatke's musical journey as he skillfully fused different styles to create a distinctive genre known as Ethio-jazz. For this special edition, the release includes the original stereo mix of the complete album, as well as a special "mono-mix" of each track taken from the original 2-inch tapes, pressed on opaque white 2LP vinyl.
After leaving the UK for the US, Astatke enrolled at the Berklee College in Boston, deepening his technical understanding of jazz and developing a broad appreciation for various musical genres. Regularly frequenting renowned venues like the Cheetah, the Palladium, and the Village Gate in New York, Astatke's path crossed with that of producer Gil Snapper. Immersed in this vibrant scene, he encountered Latin rhythms and collaborated with musicians from diverse backgrounds, igniting his ambition to create a distinctive fusion by blending Ethiopian modes with Western instruments.
"Mulatu of Ethiopia" features seven tracks showcasing Mulatu's characteristic instrumental style, marked by the absence of vocals, the influence of 70s funk, Afro-Cuban rhythms, and the use of traditional Ethiopian elements. Mulatu's innovative approach, blending different musical traditions while preserving the essence of Ethiopian music, makes him the king of Ethio-jazz.
To celebrate the 25th anniversary of Strut, we are excited to unveil a special edition of a landmark album in the field of African music: "Mulatu Of Ethiopia" by Mulatu Astatke.
Recorded in New York in 1972, this pivotal album marks a turning point in Astatke's musical journey as he skillfully fused different styles to create a distinctive genre known as Ethio-jazz. For this special edition, the release includes the original stereo mix of the complete album, as well as a special "mono-mix" of each track taken from the original 2-inch tapes, pressed on opaque white 2LP vinyl.
After leaving the UK for the US, Astatke enrolled at the Berklee College in Boston, deepening his technical understanding of jazz and developing a broad appreciation for various musical genres. Regularly frequenting renowned venues like the Cheetah, the Palladium, and the Village Gate in New York, Astatke's path crossed with that of producer Gil Snapper. Immersed in this vibrant scene, he encountered Latin rhythms and collaborated with musicians from diverse backgrounds, igniting his ambition to create a distinctive fusion by blending Ethiopian modes with Western instruments.
"Mulatu of Ethiopia" features seven tracks showcasing Mulatu's characteristic instrumental style, marked by the absence of vocals, the influence of 70s funk, Afro-Cuban rhythms, and the use of traditional Ethiopian elements. Mulatu's innovative approach, blending different musical traditions while preserving the essence of Ethiopian music, makes him the king of Ethio-jazz.