This is Mulatu Astatke’s protege and Ethiopian saxophonist and composer Jorga Mesfin’s debut album. It’s a long foray into Ethio-jazz that takes this courageous syncretism further by fusing spiritual experimentation with bits from all kinds of situations in Ethiopian music, jazz music, and specifically Ethiopian jazz music that precedes it.
Jorga Mesfin is widely regarded as one of the most talented contemporary musicians and composers in Ethiopia. He started his professional career at the young age of 17 and has since collaborated with numerous renowned artists, including Tsegaye Gebremedhin, Carolyn Beard Withlow, The Last Poets, Vijay Iyer, Wayna Wondossen, Kirk Whalum, Takana Miyamoto, Gizze Reggae band, Dionne Farris, Aster Aweke, Mahmoud Ahmed, and Mulatu Astatke.
PERSONNEL:
Jorga Mesfin – (piano, soprano saxophone)
Tefeir Assefa – (percussions)
Takana Miyamoto – (piano, accordion)
Fasil Wuhib – (electric bass)
Ali Eric Barr – (djembe)
Mamaniji Azanyah – (double bass)
Recorded in Atlanta, USA in 2007
TRACKS:
A1. Thanksgiving
A2. The Portal
A3. Longing
A4. Pilgrimage
B1. The Kindest One
B2. Tizita
B3. Spring Water
B4. Ye Abay Gizo
Pickup available at Dreamhouse Records London
Usually ready in 24 hours
