Ethiopia music reviews

I've owned this album since it first came out. The more I listen to this album the more I find in it. These melodies are infectious. Gigi's remarkable, glorious voice is both clear and bright, as well as deep and sensual. This album is a standout among many great albums from Africa in my collection. Sometimes I wish I knew how to speak Ethiopian because I could understand the music better-- but it really doesn't matter. There's a kind of expression in this that's universal. You know what the songs mean, even if you can't pronounce the lyrics. I wish I could give you a sense of her voice, the closest comparison I can give is that she's got that thing that was in Ella Fitzgerald's voice too-- its a kind of purity of joy. Delightful!

This album has an amazing sound. If you've got a nice sound system you will hear and feel just how fantastic the album really is. Her vocal delivery is truly African, and her tone is sensual. I enjoyed this one.

Phew! Why do I always review stuff so long after it's released? I dunno, since in this case, I saw a review just when it came out, but bought it barely a week ago. It's never too late, though. The music on this album is the marriage of the ancient Ethiopian music, expressed in the magnificent voice of Gigi Shibabaw, and the vocal melodies she passionately puts forth in her native Amhari language, and modern instrumentation and harmonic sophistication typical of New York!! Who would think up such a thing? Well, bassist and musical madman Bill Laswell is to blame, er, credit for this amazing project. The first song is just a blossoming flower turned into music. The groove is upbeat and bouncy, but when you get to the break where it's just Gigi's voice and delicate percussion, it's pure bliss! The "poppier" song here is "Guramayle" but I mean in terms of Afro-pop, music much deeper, and with much more guts and feeling than anything that is called pop in the US. There are some simple, yet perfect horn arrangements by (unfortunately not too known) saxophonist Henry Threadgill. You know what I wish they had done? I wish they'd have printed the lyrics in Amhari, and also in English, but they only printed the English translation. Oh well, that's nothing. The music itself is flawless. If you like Afro-pop/World music, give Gigi a spin, you will not be dissappointed.

There can be made a very strong case that Royal Son of Ethiopia is Sizzla's absolute best album ever. It is without a doubt, lyrically, one of his best, and I really like the fact that Greensleeves decided to put the lyrics to all of the songs in the liner notes, seeing them in writing actually somewhat helps the entire experience somewhat. Favorite tracks absolutely "Eastern Mountain", "In This Time" with Luciano, "Burn Dem Turf" and "Mental Chains". The absolute best song being without a doubt "As In the Beginning" which besides "The World" and "Praise Ye Jah" is my favorite Kalonji song ever. Overall, this album is amazing, no weak points, no weak tracks of course(they don't exist on Xterminator) and just an exellent album.

for it is H. I. M. who give I and I wisdom AND THE POWER TO BURN DOWN PAGAN SO IT IS HIM WHO GUIDE APOSTLE SIZZLA.I. FOR HIM TO BE ABLE TO WRITE CONCIOUS VIBES. SIZZLA: KEEP THE FIRE BURNING SIZZLA: REDDER FIRE FE THE POPE SIZZLA:MORE FIRE AND FLAMES FOR VATICAN SIZZLA:REPRATRIATION IS A MUST. THESE STATEMENT IN THE ALBUM WILL DEFINITELY CLICK YOU THAT THERE IS SOME EVIL SOMEWHERE WE HAVE TO AVOID.RASTAFARI LIVETH FOR IVER

for it is H. I. M. who give I and I wisdom AND THE POWER TO BURN DOWN PAGAN SO IT IS HIM WHO GUIDE APOSTLE SIZZLA.I. FOR HIM TO BE ABLE TO WRITE CONCIOUS VIBES. SIZZLA: KEEP THE FIRE BURNING SIZZLA: REDDER FIRE FE THE POPE SIZZLA:MORE FIRE AND FLAMES FOR VATICAN SIZZLA:REPRATRIATION IS A MUST.

On, "One Ethiopia", Gigi blends traditional Ethiopian melodies with the rhythms of West African and Afro-Caribbean sounds. This album, unlike her two most recent, "Gigi" and "Gold and Wax", was produced by Ethiopian people. Bill Laswell, regardless if he is good or not,is a far cry from being African in any sense, which shows in his interpretation of what African music is. His mission to dilute the music of cultures so that it appeals to European and Euro-American sensibilities fortunately missed Gigi in this early album of hers. This isn't to say that there aren't western additions to this album, there are, but it's done while retaining alot of its cultural independence. Perhaps the Queen of Sheba is still with us, just as beautifully "black and comely."

I was very happy to find this album on iTunes a while back, as its nigh impossible to get a copy of it anywhere. The album, an early effort of the critically acclaimed Gigi, is a good one. It showcases her vocal talents which glitter like treasure gold in a deep dimply lit and electronically created dancehall. Her sophisticated and stylish singing paints notes onto straightforward african dance beats in a very ear-pleasing way.

I want general information, from ethiopia and world.

It starts with the first track, Ere Mela Mela, and never let's up. This music is defines the term DOWN, with Mahmoud's hallucinatory arabic-sounding vocal over fractured horn-driven funk refracted to the nth power in a cracked funhouse mirror. Music for the opium den at 4 am. A must for all lovers of the truly original. One of the great world music classics. All hail Mahmoud Ahmed!!!

If you have never heard Ethiopian music before, then you are in for a real treat with this CD. While it focuses on the music of one particular artist (the famous Mahmoud Ahmed, who bears the unique distinction of being perhaps the only Ethiopian artist to ever win widespread fame outside of his home country) it is still the best place to start exploring the music of Ethiopia. It is beautiful and exotic, and yet at the same time easily approachable (and appreciable) for westerners. You can detect a strong Middle-Eastern/North African feel to his music, as one would expect, but there is also a Jazzy feel to it. Even despite its age this music is pretty sleek and stylish. Just listen to the track "Ere Mela Mela" and you'll be blown away.
This whole series, focusing on the musicians and styles of Ethiopia, is quite nice, and there is a further volume (number 6) exploring the music of Mahmoud Ahmed, but this CD stands head and shoulders above the rest. Check this one out first if at all possible.

this collection is with out any doubt one of the best EVER.Translations of some lyrics-and they express a true human experience very true and rarely found. THE MUSIC IS ALSO AMAZING.must must have. a 30 year old treasure!

The entire Ethiopiques series is wonderful. This, however, may be the best of the lot. Track after track on this disc carries you along with moody intensity. Ahmed, combined with his incredible orchestra, create a trance-like mood throughout, which completely envelopes the listener. Anyone who appreciates hypnotic music will love this collection.

This is a powerful CD, with raw intesity, complex rhythm patterns, a fabulous, energetic brass section, and the artistry of Mahmoud Ahmed, who's gritty, strong and sensual voice is terrific, and should have a wider audience.

There isn't a weak track on this CD, which is a reissue of recordings done in '75 and '78. In the same way that one can hear the echoes of North African music in Spanish flamenco, one can hear a common ancestry between the music on this CD and American jazz...if you're comfortable with 1969 Miles Davis, the dissonance and intricacy of this music (especially tracks 9 + 10, which combine to make a single 9'14 minute composition), won't seem foreign at all.
It's hard to pick a favorite track, but the voluptuous melody of # 11, "Fetsum deng ledj nesh" ("You are Sublime"), make it a front runner.

The booklet insert, in English and French, is excellent, with translations of the songs, photos, and a history of the music and political chaos that affected it at the time.
This CD is 61'25 in total time, and is dynamic, potent music...if you like jazz, or exotic "world music", you might find it to be, as described in the liner notes, a "jewel of African soul".

In general, there is a rolling, hynoptic quality to Ethiopian music. When those qualities are joined by the voice of Mahmoud Ahmed, the mix is irresistable. The influence of soul/funk is clear. It is also clear that this music contains the roots of African American music as well.

There is a dark blue, almost scary feel to this stuff, like that of some the best early blues. Western ears may need to adjust to the dissonant horns. But there is much pay off. There is a richness here and seeming simplicity that can only come from a ancient culture. That the music seems so contemparary at the same time makes it all the more amazing.

I have maybe 25 CDs of music from the continent, and this is still far and away my favorite. The one-disc "sampler" is like a "Best of..." -- very good, but as many listeners will know from first hand experience, some of the finer, and more subtle pieces are in the original complete recordings. True here in spades. If you only own one set of discs to represent Africa and all its nations and sounds, this is it.

If you're interested in listening to some African music and don't know where to start, you can't do better than this. It's got modern and traditional stuff on it -- mostly modern -- from all over the continent. My tapes of this set live in my cassette road case, and I listen to them when I go on long trips. The variety and quality are both excellent.

The booklet's a nice touch, too.

I agree with the others -- at first, it sounds unfamiliar, but after listening a couple times through I was hooked. This music doesn't grow stale after repeated listenings -- instead it grows more interesting and engaging. I just wish I could find more music by this anazing performer.

I just want to second the two other eloquent reviewers. I am amazed that as late as Vol. 14 there is still so much exquisite music to be found in the archives of Ethiopian Pop. And to think I was ready to stop with Vol. 10! Sometimes this music is hallucinatory. And the organ sounds! Indispensable.

I was very pleased to receive this CD a couple of days ago. Initially I gave it a cursory listen and thought, well, no big deal. The next morning, early, in semi-darkness and fog at the beach, I was kicking back in my van and really started to listen. At that point I began to find this music having all kinds of hidden qualities and that Getatchew Merkurya is a phenomenal musician. What he is doing on the tenor sax is very subtle and very complex. The sound is all over the spectrum. The more I listen the more I hear. This is pretty deep stuff. He must have practiced a ton to get to where he could produce these sounds. Now I realize that he is also on alot of other CDs in this series and is a major force in this type of music. Most people would find this whole branch of music very obscure, but to me it's become an important part of how I connect to music and the role it plays in my life.

This CD exemplifies the artistic ingenuity of the Ethiopian people. Though the music is quite obviously very Westernized, employing electric guitars, drum kits, saxophones, and even muted trumpet solos, the music retains native Ethiopian elements, such as a propensity toward triple meter rhythms, strict adherence to a variety of pentatonic scales, and the use of the Amharic language. This music truly was the golden age of modern Ethiopian music. Many of these recordings were the last of their kind to be released before the oppressive and all too long-lasting Marxist regime of Mengistu Hailemariam came to power.

This CD showcases some of the superstars of Ethiopian pop music - Muluq�n M�ll�ss�, Al�may�hu Esh�t�, Tlahoun G�ss�ss�, and Mahmoud Ahmed, just to name a few. The music ranges from the fun - 'Y�qondjowotch Mend�r', sung by Hirut B�q�l�, with the groovy and bouncy Police Orchestra jamming on saxophones, trumpets, drums, and electric guitar. Hirut sings a happy melody about the 'village of the beauties,' where none are as handsome as her lover - to dramatic - 'T�n�sh k�lb� lay', where Muluq�n M�l�sse begs for his heart to be left alone by the torments of love - to energetic - 'K�lkeyelegn', sung by T�f�ri F�ll�q�, backed by the Army Band. The song starts with a funky 60's organ and brass over an undulating bassline, with bright electric guitars imparting an almost Kenyan sound - to sexy - 'S�lam Almazey�', Mahmoud Ahmed's famous song about his passionate love for the beautiful Almaz.

I've only been listening to Ethiopian (and Eritrean) music for about a year so fare, but this is yet another jewel from the wonderful Ethiopiques series. I highly recommend it to anyone remotely interested in the music of this overlooked and misunderstood land.

Each track on this CD is a gem. Just when you think it can't possibly get any better, the next track is. It is hard music to describe... If you enjoy Om Kulsum you will be in a good position to start with this, although this is probably more broadly accessible than Om Kulsum. Some of it sounds almost like some older Indian and Japanese pop music. These people certainly listened to James Brown and you can hear Motown and central African influences, but an artist like Muluqen Mellesse takes these influences and makes something new and beautiful. Read the lyrics translated in the informative insert that comes with this CD. Everything about this collection is wonderful.

The first song has a trance-inducing beat, snake charmer saxophone stylings, and passionate vocals. The rest of the disk rocks out like some sort of "middle eastern" James Brown. Nice hammond organ work on a few tracks. Brilliant vocalists. Beautiful clarinet on the last song.

There are so many compilations out there, and this is one of the best. Regardless of how "important" or "representative" the songs chosen here are, they all sound great! A wonderful addition to any world or African music collection, and great for a beginner in African/world music!

This album is the sixth in a series of introductions to the world's great musical traditions. Each volume is built around a geographical theme and produced by an acknowledged expert in that area.

The African journey commences in Algeria and then heads South, stopping off in Cape Verde, Senegal, Guinea, Mali, Sierra Leone, Nigeria, Gabon, Congo, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, and Madagascar, before terminating in South Africa. The 14 tracks are representative but slightly atypical of their regions; most share a semi-acoustic yet modern and edgy esthetic. While a single CD cannot possibly showcase the music of an entire continent, these examples are a good way to get acquainted - or reacquainted - with Africa's stunning musical diversity. The set culminates in a moving rendition of the South African national hymn "Nkosi Sikilele I'Afrika," as performed by the Imilonji Kantu Choral Society, who sang it at former President Nelson Mandela's inauguration.

I don't doubt the authenticity of these selections, but having just returned from a month in all of Ethiopia (as a tourist), I am afraid I wasn't exposed to much in the way of "real" Ethopian tribal music; therefore, I found the results (I purchased the album to accompany my DVD showing of photos)to be more vocal than instrumental selections - which for my purposes - would have been preferred.

This CD presents the ancient musical traditions of the Ethiopian tribes that have never entered the main stream of the Ethiopian music scene. The songs of the Afar, the Anuak, the Oromo and other. There is only one (amazing !) song by an Amhara and none by a Tigry. The diversity of sounds within one country is unusual. For me this is a library of rhythms and sounds that is thrilling and enlightening. This music is primal - earthly and unsophisticated. This must be how we all sounded 2,000 years ago. I must single out Mary Armeede's long and beautiful song, Fano. Her voice and Krar playing is full of emotion and musicianship in a way rarely heard these days. These recordings from 1971 are a must for every fan of original tribal music and/or Ethiopian music.

This CD combines the work of wonderful artists. For anyone who is searching for a CD that is totally local, tribal, and that contains very exotic music, here it is. I personally own a copy of this CD, and I must say how enjoyable it is to hear real Ethiopian Music. For some people who are not used to tribal music, this CD may feel a little to repetitive or somewhat difficult to hear through it entirely, perhaps due to its monophonic melody. I have for years heard this type of material and I must say I enjoy it tremendously, and therefore this is the reason why I chose to give a 5 stars. I have enjoyed this CD since the day I bought it, and to this day, have not tired myself with this music that is so genuine and pure in its content, and that expresses the beauty that lies within a country like Ethiopia.