Mulatu Astatke‘s Mulatu Plays Mulatu: A Master Reimagines His Legacy
For many, Mulatu Plays Mulatu might feel like a farewell – a final statement from a legend before a well-deserved rest. but don’t mistake this album for a retrospective. Mulatu Astatke, the father of Ethio-jazz, remains a vital, evolving force, and this record proves it. It’s not about looking back; it’s about revisiting and redefining a sound he pioneered.
This isn’t a collection of newly composed pieces.Rather, Astatke returns to recordings originally laid down in the 1960s and ’70s – the very heart of his Ethio-jazz exploration. producer Dexter Story astutely draws a parallel to Duke Ellington, a master known for continually refining his compositions. This album embodies that same spirit of restless creativity.
A Transcontinental Collaboration
The album’s creation was a unique, two-stage process:
* London Sessions: Astatke initially recorded with a nine-piece big band featuring seasoned musicians like trumpeter Bryon Wallen, bassist John Edwards, and Neil Charles.
* Addis Ababa Expansion: He then brought the tracks home to his club, Jazz Village, in Addis ababa. There, he collaborated with local musicians playing customary Ethiopian instruments – the masenqo fiddle, krar lyre, and washint flute – layering their textures onto the London recordings.
This fusion of established jazz sensibilities with deeply rooted Ethiopian traditions is where the magic truly happens.
Familiar Melodies, Fresh Perspectives
Mulatu Plays Mulatu doesn’t simply rehash old favorites. It breathes new life into them. You’ll recognize iconic tracks,but experience them with a depth and nuance you haven’t heard before.
Take “Chik Chikka,” a piece Astatke previously revisited with The Heliocentrics. This new version surpasses even that acclaimed rendition. A weaving tenor saxophone dances within a hypnotic framework of hand percussion,creating a truly immersive experience.
Similarly,”Yekermo Sew” - famously featured in Jim Jarmusch’s Broken Flowers – is dramatically expanded. The original felt intimate, like a secret whispered from a bustling bazaar. Here, it unfolds with a widescreen cinematic quality, showcasing the interplay between piano, vibraphone, and saxophone in stunning detail.
A Celebration of Ethiopian Musical Heritage
In recent years, Astatke has become a passionate advocate for preserving and revitalizing traditional Ethiopian instruments. Mulatu Plays Mulatu isn’t just a showcase for his compositions; it’s a platform for these instruments to shine.
Tracks like “Zelesenga Dewel” and “Kulun” – a traditional wedding song rooted in the Ethiopian anchihoye scale - feel richer and more detailed than ever before. The scrape of the masenqo and the trill of the washint add layers of texture and emotional resonance.
But this isn’t about sacrificing the groove. “Yekatit” and “Netsanet” – the latter featuring percussion from Carlos Niño (known for his work with Andre 3000) – highlight Astatke’s undeniable funk influences. The bass and drums lock into a pocket that will have you moving.
Definitive Performances? A New Vantage Point.
could these be considered the definitive versions of these songs? Perhaps.But that’s not the core intention. Astatke isn’t aiming for finality; he’s offering you a new lens through which to experience his timeless music.
Mulatu Plays Mulatu isn’t just an album; it’s a testament to a lifetime of innovation.It reaffirms mulatu Astatke’s status as a gifted musician,a visionary bandleader,and an eternal innovator. You’ll finish listening with a profound sense of reverence for a true musical pioneer.
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