Description
First distilled in the late 60s, Astatke’s “Ethio-jazz” made a return to favour after featuring in Jim Jarmusch’s 2005 film Broken Flowers. This outing has almost as many western flavours as African, as suggested by a title borrowed from Sketches of Spain, by the bandleader’s hero, Gil Evans (and Miles Davis). It’s a classy suite, with the talents of trumpeter Byron Wallen and reedsman James Arben alongside Astatke’s ethereal vibraphone. Almost everything has a funk undertow, especially centrepiece Assosa Derache, but there are quieter moments, such as Motherland Abay, plus fiery vocals from Tesfaye and a guest spot from Mali’s Fatoumata Diawara. The album’s ambitions are well realised.
