Mulatu Astatke: Mulatu of Ethiopia [STRUT]

Why you'll love it

Mulatu Astatke is the father of Ethio-jazz, and Mulatu of Ethiopia is one of his most celebrated records, a hypnotic fusion of Ethiopian scales, jazz, funk and Latin rhythms.

This edition

• Mulatu of Ethiopia on vinyl
• Strut pressing

About the album

Trained in London, New York and Boston, vibraphonist and arranger Mulatu Astatke combined his love of jazz and Latin music with traditional Ethiopian melodies, creating a smoky, mesmerising sound all his own.

Recorded in New York, Mulatu of Ethiopia is full of rolling grooves, woozy horns and shimmering vibes, and "Yèkèrmo Sèw" became a cult favourite after appearing in Jim Jarmusch's film Broken Flowers.

The father of Ethio-jazz, at his finest. Essential, any way you count it.

Also at Kops: more Mulatu Astatke on vinyl · browse World

Tracklist

Listen

On Strut, a reissue of the 1972 album.