Tracklisting:
A1. Shemonmuanaye
A2. Sewnetuwa
B1. Laloye
B2. Wegene
B3. Hari Meru Meru
C1. Amrew Demkew
C2. Anchin Alay Alegn
C3. Ambasel
D1. Hebo Lale
D2. Belew Beduby
D3. Shilela
Label: Awesome Tapes From Africa
Cat. #: ATFA006LP
Format : 2x LP
The reissue of this recording brings back a moment when Ethiopian music was shifting from acoustic-based performances to recordings using more and more synthesized elements. While the results of that shift have their critics Hailu Mergia's initial experiments with solo instrumental music based on Ethiopian folk and popular music captures a singular feeling dripping in ambiance and very human emotional energy.
Hailu Mergia weaves Moog and DX7 synthesizers, Rhodes electric piano and rhythm machine into the rich harmonic layering of his accordion, creating hauntingly psychedelic, elegantly arranged instrumentals. These tunes draw from famous traditional and modern Ethiopian songs, as Hailu brilliantly matches lush Amhara, Tigrinya and Oromo melodies with otherworldly flavors soaked in jazz and blues, synthesizing a futuristic landscape. He balances Ethiopian music's signature melodic shape with beautiful analog synth touches, floating upon clouds of hypnotically minimal rhythm tracks.
The reissue of this recording brings back a moment when Ethiopian music was shifting from acoustic-based performances to recordings using more and more synthesized elements. While the results of that shift have their critics Hailu Mergia's initial experiments with solo instrumental music based on Ethiopian folk and popular music captures a singular feeling dripping in ambiance and very human emotional energy.
Hailu Mergia weaves Moog and DX7 synthesizers, Rhodes electric piano and rhythm machine into the rich harmonic layering of his accordion, creating hauntingly psychedelic, elegantly arranged instrumentals. These tunes draw from famous traditional and modern Ethiopian songs, as Hailu brilliantly matches lush Amhara, Tigrinya and Oromo melodies with otherworldly flavors soaked in jazz and blues, synthesizing a futuristic landscape. He balances Ethiopian music's signature melodic shape with beautiful analog synth touches, floating upon clouds of hypnotically minimal rhythm tracks.
Tracklisting:
A1. Shemonmuanaye
A2. Sewnetuwa
B1. Laloye
B2. Wegene
B3. Hari Meru Meru
C1. Amrew Demkew
C2. Anchin Alay Alegn
C3. Ambasel
D1. Hebo Lale
D2. Belew Beduby
D3. Shilela
Label: Awesome Tapes From Africa
Cat. #: ATFA006LP
Format : 2x LP