Ethiopiques, Volume One

First Posted on November 20, 2007

One more today from Africa, and it is part of a vast musical collection called Ethiopiques. There are more than 20 volumes on Buda Musiques CD’s. I am working on Volume 1! The first volume is the initial collection of singles from the late 60’s-early 70’s of Ethiopian funk. It is a singular style of music, with minor-pentatonic scales that give it a distinct Semitic-Eastern flavor, except it is a kind of r & b/funk with electric guitars and basses, drums and horns.

It doesn’t really sound like anything else. Ethiopian history over time involved migrations and settlements of so many peoples, perhaps it is only natural that its most enculturated music reflects so many influences. Yet the synthesis is all its own. Check it out if you are feeling adventuresome.