Mulatu Astatke - Mulatu Steps Ahead 2LP

Following his acclaimed collaboration on Strut Records with The Heliocentrics, the Father of Ethio jazz presents Mulatu Steps Ahead. The album explores new directions in fusions of Western jazz with Ethiopian modes, moving forward the pioneering sound Mulatu developed during the '60s and '70s showcased on Strut compilation New York/Addis/London. This is the first full new album by Mulatu Astatke himself since the 1980s and takes his Ethio jazz sound in new directions, exploring fresh fusions of Western jazz and traditional Ethiopian instrumentation resulting in an album ideal for fans of world music and jazz. It features an A-list line-up of musicians including Byron Wallen (UK), Jack Yglesias, James Arben and Danny Keane from The Heliocentrics, members of Either/Orchestra in Boston and leading players from Addis Ababa. The album includes brand new versions of '60s and '70s Mulatu classics "I Faram Gami I Faram" and "Boogaloo", and continues Mulatu’s mission to publicise the ancient music of the Ethiopian tribes. - Strut