Ethiopiques, Vol. 6: Almaz

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Between 1969 and 1975, Ethiopia's Amha Records issued 100 or so singles that paved the way for the country's modern music movement, an unmistakable fusion of funk and pop sprinkled with plenty of Middle Eastern melodies and a strong Afro-beat. Fueled by the liberating reign of Emperor Haile Selassie, music prospered, clubs opened, the jukebox found its way to the country, and musicians innovated. And, while there are dozens of memorable artists from this period, one--Mahmoud Ahmed--so perfectly fused wild brass, pop rhythms, and soulful vocals that he helped this music expand beyond his country's borders (it's no wonder he was the first modern Ethiopian musician to tour the U.S.). To call his music "funky" doesn't do it justice; this is wild stuff. "Kulun Mankwalesh" keeps a rocksteady beat even when the melodies leave the Western hemisphere; at six minutes, it's just long enough to hypnotize. "Ambassel" is slow and soulful, while "Mela Mela" has a great sax opening that is quickly ignored when the beat takes over. Most of these tunes date from a November 1973 LP and feature Ahmed with the genre-breaking Ibex band. And, while there are compilations in the Éthiopiques series that may swing better and keep faster tempos, this fascinating single-artist spotlight is a welcomed addition. --Jason Verlinde

Tracks:

Almaz Men Eda New
Asha Gedawo
Tchebo Aymolam
Feqer Endegena
Ambassel
Zemedie
Kulun Mankwalesh
Mela Mela
Antchiye
Nafqot New Yegodagn
Yasdestal

Amazon.com

Between 1969 and 1975, Ethiopia's Amha Records issued 100 or so singles that paved the way for the country's modern music movement, an unmistakable fusion of funk and pop sprinkled with plenty of Middle Eastern melodies and a strong Afro-beat. Fueled by the liberating reign of Emperor Haile Selassie, music prospered, clubs opened, the jukebox found its way to the country, and musicians innovated. And, while there are dozens of memorable artists from this period, one--Mahmoud Ahmed--so perfectly fused wild brass, pop rhythms, and soulful vocals that he helped this music expand beyond his country's borders (it's no wonder he was the first modern Ethiopian musician to tour the U.S.). To call his music "funky" doesn't do it justice; this is wild stuff. "Kulun Mankwalesh" keeps a rocksteady beat even when the melodies leave the Western hemisphere; at six minutes, it's just long enough to hypnotize. "Ambassel" is slow and soulful, while "Mela Mela" has a great sax opening that is quickly ignored when the beat takes over. Most of these tunes date from a November 1973 LP and feature Ahmed with the genre-breaking Ibex band. And, while there are compilations in the Éthiopiques series that may swing better and keep faster tempos, this fascinating single-artist spotlight is a welcomed addition. --Jason Verlinde

Customer Reviews:

A new taste!.......1999-10-26

One of the most interesting unusual types of music I've ever heard. I'm kinda addicted to it. You gotta see this "eskesta" ethiopian dancing -really really funky. Esp. listen to cut #2 - the structure in unbelievable - rhythm, backups- Try it!

Average customer rating:

A Good Compilation of Mahmoud Ahmed

Ethiopiques, Vol. 6: Almaz
Mahmoud Ahmed
Manufacturer: Buda Musique
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Africa | International | Styles | Music

General | International | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

International | Imports | Stores | Music
ASIN: B000028EC7
Release Date: 1999-05-17

Tracks:

Almaz Men Eda New
Asha Gedawo
Tchebo Aymolam
Feqer Endegena
Ambassel
Zemedie
Kulun Mankwalesh
Mela Mela
Antchiye
Nafqot New Yegodagn
Yasdestal

Album Description

Full color interview picture CD and a 100 page full colorbook with stories, interviews and a history of Offspring.The disc comes in a separate, standard jewel case & is housednext to the CD-sized book in a full color slipcase. 1997Masterights Ltd. release.

Customer Reviews:

A Good Compilation of Mahmoud Ahmed.......2002-03-05

Mahmoud Ahmed is perhps one of Ethiopia's most well known artists abroad. His CD, "Ere Mela Mela" gained something of a cult following in Ethiopia, and is still probably the greatest single CD covering Ethiopian music. This CD, part of the excellen Ethiopiques series, is a compilation album, drawing together some of his greatest hits over the years. However, don't come to this CD, or anything in the Ethiopiques series, expecting traditional Ethiopian church or tribal music. This CD, like the others in the series, deals with the brassy, urban jazz from the golden years of Ethiopia's recording industry. The songs on this CD are dancy and exotic, but at the same time not unfamilar to the west. Its Ethio-jazz! Listening to this CD, its easy to draw similarities between African and American music. However, if your a true fan of Mahmoud Ahmed, I recommend Ethiopiques vol. 7, which features an expanded and remastered version of Mahmoud Ahmed's legendary "Ere Mela Mela". Enjoy!

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