Ethiopia

About the Artist
This Phenomenal Ethiopian singer and fabulous traditional instrument player, Woretaw Wubet, has been performing music since he was fourteen years old. While in Ethiopia he played with many traditional Ethiopian ensembles such as The Hager Fikir Theater.

Woretaw has traveled extensively outside Ethiopia including Kenya, Libya, Zimbabwe, Abu Dhabi, Dubai and North America.

In this recording Woretaw blends the Masinko, a traditional instrument, with keyboards to give it a contemporary flavor.

Band members: Woretaw Wubet/Vocals, Masinko
Mitiku Teffera/Keyboards

Ethiopia,Woretaw Wubet

Average customer rating: Amazing.......! very cool and unusual Afro Jazz/Funk a pleasure every time Where have these guys been all my life. Great music, bad quality

Ethiopiques, Vol. 4: Ethio Jazz & Musique Instrumentale, 1969-1974 Mulatu Astatke Manufacturer: Buda Musique ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Ethiopia | Africa | International | Styles | Music General | Africa | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Jazz Fusion | Jazz | Styles | Music Fusion & World Fusion | Compilations | Jazz | Styles | Music General | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music International | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: Broken Flowers: Music from the Film Ethiopiques, Vol. 1: Golden Years Of Modern Ethiopian Music Ethio Jazz Vol. 1 Ethiopiques, Vol. 3: Golden Years Of Modern Ethiopian Music Ethiopiques 20: Live in Addis ASIN: B00000DDMB Release Date: 1998-10-06

Tracks:

1. A Man Of Experience And Wisdom
2. When Am I Going To Reach There?
3. From All The Time I Have Passed
4. Nostalgia
5. My Own Memory
6. My Muna
7. My Gubel
8. My Asmara
9. February
10. Liberty
11. Baby, My Unforgettable Remembrace
12. My Saba
13. I Can't Live Without You
14. Bell

Amazon.com

Largely the work of formidable musician-arranger Mulatu Astatqe, the 14 instrumentals here were originally issued on two LPs in 1972 and 1974 in Ethiopia, and represent a curious blend of soul-jazz and R&B with just a smattering of Ethiopian roots breaking up the stabbing horn lines, wah-wah guitars, and simmering electric piano. Curious, because at the time jazz was not very popular in Ethiopia, but that is no reflection on the quality of these primitively recorded sides of idiosyncratic Afro-funk. The grooves are long and laconic, the sound reminiscent of Miles Davis's "In a Silent Way" paired with Cannonball Adderly and Roy Ayers. But, as with all things Ethiopian, the music retains its own unique and unmistakable identity, one somewhere between a late-night jazz hole-in-the-wall group and a supper club belly-dancing combo. There are some very inventive arrangements and vigorous soloing, rendering a highly articulate and listenable music that was, at the time, doomed to go nowhere. Such is the retrospective value of reissues. --Derek Rath

Customer Reviews:

Amazing.......!.......2007-02-14

Wow. I can't stop listening to this album..it's incredible. How did I live without it for so long? It has this mysterious, sexy, intimate, exotic, beautiful sound. My life feels just a tad more complete now. HOT

very cool and unusual Afro Jazz/Funk.......2007-01-06

I bought this CD on a whim after it was recommended by Amazon, and I really like this album. Fans of Fela and other Afro Jazz / Afro Pop will probably like this one. The difference is that this is EAST African. While the music is primarily jazz and R&B, there are very clear local influences, which sound somewhat Middle Eastern to my uninitiated Western ears. It's unlike any other CD that I've ever heard, but it's familiar sounding enough to enjoy right away.

The sound quality is what it is! It's from Ethiopia more than 30 years ago! The sound quality is relatively primitive, but it's not something that should keep the open-minded listener from thoroughly enjoying this music. I could even argue that the sound gives it another unique touch.

My daunting challenge for me now is to determine which one of the other 19 volumes of this series to get next.

a pleasure every time.......2006-08-30

This is powerful, mystical, ancient, ethereal, psychedelic stuff, wrapped in the raw familiar shapes of jazz, blues, funk, and pop. The horn melodies are dark and hypnotic, punctuated by guitar tones ranging from raw and distorted to reverb wah-wah, joined by electric piano, flute, and various percussion. I love most of the pieces, I think I realized around track #4 that this was special. And listen to track 5, the horns kick it off for the first 2 seconds, then they go away until a sax comes in at 1:22 and plays for awhile as the rhythm just pounds away in the background, finally the horns rip back in at 2:20 and keep at it until the end with a great repeating riff. The last track even approaches a sort of Stooges 'LA Blues'.
I also really love the Ethiopiques albums with Mahmoud Ahmed, I think they are #6 & 7 in the series.
The real charm of this music comes from the way it sounds, the way it was recorded. Raw and low-fi and brimming with soul, the needle pushing into the red. Dig it.

Where have these guys been all my life........2006-07-27

I got this CD after viewing Broken Flower, the movie. I loved the soundtrack and went to Amazon to find the CD. They helpfully showed me the Ethiopiques CD, and I liked their cuts on the movie soundtrack, so I thought I'd take a chance. Everyone I play it for wants to know more about them. I know very little, but love everything on this CD. I will definitly try more of their stuff. My daughter says, "this music makes me happy."

Great music, bad quality.......2006-07-09

This album has a great selection of music, but the recording quality is very bad. Try to listen to it before you buy it

Average customer rating: my first patti smith album Radio Ethiopia The Best of the Lot A funky, near death experience A Successful Failure

Radio Ethiopia Patti Smith Group Manufacturer: Arista ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Proto Punk | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Punk | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music American Punk | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Alternative Styles | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Easter Wave Horses Trampin' Peace and Noise ASIN: B000002VQO Release Date: 1996-06-18

Tracks:

1. Ask The Angels
2. Ain't It Strange
3. Poppies
4. Pissing In A River
5. Pumping (My Heart)
6. Distant Fingers
7. Radio Ethiopia
8. Abyssinia
9. Chiklets (Bonus Track)

Customer Reviews:

my first patti smith album.......2005-03-10

for as long as ive known, ive grown up listening to distinct, strong, female voices. my father constantly played fleetwood mac and lone justice and looking back it has obvious influenced my musical tastes. the most fascinating and dimensional music to me today lies in bands like the distillers, hole, etc. This is because it shows the way in which a woman can take hold of something crude, something broken and make it new. i thought this was a purely modern thing until my father gave me "radio ethiopia". i love it, and honestly, i have trouble drawing any comparison between patti smith and ani difranco or liz phair because i don't like either of them. i think that the musical direction of today is such a good indicator of the way in which smith was so ahead of her time. i mean, "ask the angels" was released in 1976, but it was covered by the distillers in 2000 and i beleive it is just as relevant.

so i guess radio ethiopia is for you if you want the raw power of iggy pop (one of my other favorites, by the way) with the howl of brody dalle. dig in.

Radio Ethiopia.......2004-04-23

Smart, elegant, raw, pure, energy, power, shining, depth, grace, spirit, body, flesh, bones, earth, race, agonizing, despair, heartbreaking, squeak, elegy, life, ground, roots, leaves, perfection, high, languid, beauty.
All these words come through my mind while I think about "Radio Ethiopia". They might be excessive. Undoubtedly, they are not enough.

The Best of the Lot.......2003-05-09

I have always considered this to be the BEST Patti Smith album of them all, rocking, wild, raw energy and rebellious spirit, decidedly uncommercial and I still go crazy when she does these tunes live.
This is one AWESOME cd.

A funky, near death experience.......2002-02-11

Dark and strange, this is Patti Smith at her most intoxicated. Pass the peace pipe. I'm glad she took it in a different direction after Horses as that was an untouchable masterpiece. Death is everywhere on this dark opus. "Ask the angels, who they're calling."

A Successful Failure.......2001-12-26

Smith's debut album HORSES made an incredibly powerful statement; Smith's third album EASTER made an equally powerful statement and proved a breakout success. Between the two lies RADIO ETHIOPIA, a recording many describe as a true failure.

I have always felt this designation is really comparative rather than factual. There is much to admire in RADIO ETHIOPIA. Like HORSES it leaps from screaming guitars and pounding drums in such tracks as "Ask The Angels" to the languidly complex in the likes of "Ain't It Strange," and on no other album has Smith so fully explored her interest in multiple and overlapping vocals. The result, particularly in "Poppies," is at once rawly beautiful, disturbing, and fascinating.

But there is a big problem with RADIO ETHIOPIA. On HORSES, Smith did not so much push the envelope as she ripped it open, and here she seems to suffer from a lack of new barriers to crash. Perhaps more to the point, Smith--always a risk taker--gambles a big chunk of this album's success on the very long title cut and then fails to pull it off, allowing the complexity of the piece to collapse into mere confusion and tonal chaos.

Most Smith fans will find much to appreciate here, but it is an appreciation perhaps best enjoyed from an over-all knowledge of her body of work to date. Listeners with limited exposure would do well to postpone RADIO ETHIOPIA until they are well settled in with Smith's unique idiom.

Average customer rating: True Ethiopian nostalgia Don't miss this one.

Ethiopiques, Vol. 1: Golden Years Of Modern Ethiopian Music Various Artists Manufacturer: Buda Musique ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Ethiopia | Africa | International | Styles | Music General | Africa | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music Africa | Compilations | International | Styles | Music General | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music Africa | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music International | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: Ethiopiques, Vol. 4: Ethio Jazz & Musique Instrumentale, 1969-1974 Ethiopiques, Vol. 3: Golden Years Of Modern Ethiopian Music Ethiopiques, Vol. 8: Swinging Addis Ethiopiques, Vol. 2: Tetchawet - Urban Azmaris Of The 90's Ethiopiques, Vol. 14: Negus of Ethiopian Sax ASIN: B000001N74 Release Date: 1998-02-03

Tracks:

1. Hedetch Alu
2. Wetetie Mare
3. Ete Endenesh Gedawo
4. Gizie Degu Neger
5. Yeqer Memekatesh
6. Aynotche Terabu
7. Ewnet Yet Lagegnesh
8. Tezeta
9. Mela Mela
10. Bemgnot Alnorem
11. Gara Ser New Betesh
12. Yezemed Yebaed
13. Mot Adeladlogn
14. Hasabe
15. Heywte
16. Tezeta (Slow)
17. Tezeta (Fast)

Amazon.com

The introductory album to what is an ongoing series on the music of Ethiopia from the '60s and '70s features a variety of vocal and instrumental tracks from artists mostly unfamiliar to Western audiences. This brief period of liberated creativity before a military shutdown yielded an astonishing burst of creativity, melding the traditions of Ethiopia (geographically and culturally straddling Africa and the Middle East) with R&B and European pop in unexpected ways. Loping rhythms merge with Memphis-style horns, wheezy Farfisa organs, and quavering but passionate vocals that at times shimmer with brilliance. Early tracks by superstar Mahmoud Ahmed merge with rarities like the stunning Teshome Meteku, whose career spanned only four tracks total. Ending with the biggest ever hit, Getatchew Kassa's "Tezeta" (5,000 copies sold), this will leave you wanting more, as will the wonderful and comprehensive liner notes. --Derek Rath

Customer Reviews:

True Ethiopian nostalgia.......2000-02-03

This collection presents songs from what to me are the best years of Ethiopian music (1969-1975). The first three songs are by Muluken Melesse, who enjoys some kind of a legendary status among Ethiopians. These songs justify his reputation. His voice is really extraordinary, and the band plays in what was then a new style in Ethiopian music, which was more rythmic and smooth than the earlier "police orchestra" style. Muluken is followed by Mahmud Ahmad, in songs that are well known and sound as good as any. The two songs by Seyfu Yohannes are very special "Mela Mela" and "Tizita". These are arranged and performed so well that you wonder why he did not become a star. Four songs by Teshome Metuku are in the highest standard - Jazzy arrangements and mellow singings. There is the classic Tizita by Getachew Kassa, which to me is one of the best two versions ever recorded (the other is Muluken's version). Three instrumentals by Mulatu Astatke's band add to this classic CD, especially "Hewete" which should be recognized as one of the most beautiful Ethiopian instrumentals ever recorded. This collection makes you wonder where has all this talent disappeared, and sure makes you ask for more of the same.

Don't miss this one........1998-12-14

Wild, beautiful Ethiopian Deep Soul music - this album is sublime. Definitely in the same league of ethnic R&B as the great Intensified Ska reissues, but with the conspicuous presence of middle eastern and eritrean melodies and innovation. I would recommend this to any sensitive person who loves authentic music of any sort.

Average customer rating: Ambient music? Gigi Is Fantastic GiGi On my top ten list for albums to bring to a lost desert island Very Nice

Gigi Gigi Manufacturer: Palm Pictures (Audio ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Africa | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music World Dance | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music General | Pop | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Gold and Wax Zion Roots Illuminated Audio Lonely Planet Ethiopian Amharic Phrasebook Moffou ASIN: B00005NNOP Release Date: 2001-09-04

Tracks:

1. Gud Fella
2. Mengedegna
3. Tew Ante Sew
4. Abay
5. Bale Washintu
6. Guramayle
7. Sew Argen
8. Aynama
9. Kahn
10. Zomaye
11. Abet Wubet
12. Nafeken
13. Adwa

Amazon.com

For her major label debut, Ethiopian chanteuse Gigi has found the ideal sonic foil in producer Bill Laswell. He provides a solid foundation for her compositions and airy voice, grounding them with gospel organ, an elastic rhythm section, and contributions from some top jazz names, including Wayne Shorter, Herbie Hancock, and Pharaoh Sanders, to lend an air of adventure. Gig's Amharic lyrics might not be readily understood by American ears, but her seductive tones are warm enough to translate into any language. Despite its studio gloss and sometime ambient excursions, as on "Adwa," the record was made by real, live musicians, without loops or samples, giving it a richness and depth. The music works superficially as pleasurable background, but listen more closely and there's a definite sophistication to the tracks that gives the album longevity, and marks Gigi as an emerging major talent. --Chris Nickson

Customer Reviews:

Ambient music?.......2007-05-11

This is ambient music like George Washington was a politician. The combination of the african sounding vocals and americanized instrumentals really works for me. Active listening encouraged...

Gigi Is Fantastic.......2007-04-04

What a beautiful voice. It doesn't matter that most people cannot understand the words. It may even be more beautiful for not understanding them. Gigi transports one to other lands, planets even.

GiGi.......2007-01-18

Beautiful vocals and music. Anyone who's been at my home when this CD (any GiGi Cd for that matter!)is playing, has commented on how beautifully relaxing it is. I leant a friend the CD and I can't get it back, as he is crazy about it! I do wish GiGi would include some Amharic translations for us single-languaged Americans...although maybe that's a hint that we need to diversiy our language knowledge independently! Lovely, lovely CD. You will not be disappointed!

On my top ten list for albums to bring to a lost desert island.......2006-04-14

I've owned this album since it first came out. The more I listen to this album the more I find in it. These melodies are infectious. Gigi's remarkable, glorious voice is both clear and bright, as well as deep and sensual. This album is a standout among many great albums from Africa in my collection. Sometimes I wish I knew how to speak Ethiopian because I could understand the music better-- but it really doesn't matter. There's a kind of expression in this that's universal. You know what the songs mean, even if you can't pronounce the lyrics. I wish I could give you a sense of her voice, the closest comparison I can give is that she's got that thing that was in Ella Fitzgerald's voice too-- its a kind of purity of joy. Delightful!

Very Nice.......2006-04-12

This album has an amazing sound. If you've got a nice sound system you will hear and feel just how fantastic the album really is. Her vocal delivery is truly African, and her tone is sensual. I enjoyed this one.

Average customer rating: It's lovely - But not newly recorded! Yet another compilation how precious! Disappointing Duplication If you like this sorta thing

Song of America Charles Tomlinson Griffes , Erich Wolfgang Korngold , Charles Naginski , Ned Rorem , American Traditional , Elinor Remick Warren , Kurt Weill , Haydn Wood , Michael Parloff , Jay Ungar , Armen Guzelimian , Craig Rutenberg , David Alpher , Evan Stover , Garrison Keillor , and Mark Rust Manufacturer: Angel Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Bernstein | Bernstein, Leonard | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Foster, Stephen | ( F ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Griffes | Griffes, Charles T. | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Korngold, Erich Wolfgang | ( K ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Weill | Weill, Kurt | ( W ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Korngold, Erich Wolfgang | Composers | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Hampson, Thomas | ( H ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Folk | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Folk Songs | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Similar Items: The Very Best of Thomas Hampson Christmas with Thomas Hampson Long Time Ago - Copland / Dawn Upshaw & Thomas Hampson American Dreamer: Songs of Stephen Foster; Thomas Hampson; Jay Unger; Molly Mason Leading Man ASIN: B000BGR0TW Release Date: 2005-11-08

Tracks:

1. As Adam Early In The Morning
2. Ah! May The Red Rose Live Alway (1850)
3. Shenandoah (Traditional)
4. Beautiful Dreamer (1864)
5. Danny Deever
6. Roses Of Picardy
7. Jeanie With The Light Brown Hair (1854)
8. Hard Times Come Again No More (1854)
9. Molly, Do You Love Me? (1850)
10. An Old Song Resung
11. Tomorrow (When You Are Gone)
12. The Erie Canal (Traditional)
13. We Two
14. The Nightingale (Traditional)
15. Comrades, Fill No Glass For Me (1855)
16. Luke Havergal
17. To What You Said
18. Look Down Fair Moon
19. Dirge For Two Veterans
20. Ethiopia Saluting The Colors

Amazon.com

Thomas Hampson is a persuasive advocate for these treasures from the Library of Congress' vast collections, so this CD's generous sampling leaves you wanting more. It covers the American songbook in all its variety, from traditional "folk" items like Shenandoah to Stephen Foster to the immigrants Erich Korngold and Kurt Weill to Leonard Bernstein and contemporary composers. Hampson adjusts his flexible, light baritone to fit each song. The voice is full and resonant on Danny Deever, simple and direct in 19th-century traditional songs and ballads, and nuanced in songs like Ned Rorem's "As Adam Early in the Morning," one of several on the disc with texts by Walt Whitman. A standout is the last song in this recital, one that leaves you with thoughts about music, history, and our nation's continuing issues, "Ethiopia Saluting the Colors," by Henry Burleigh. Most of the selections are performed with piano accompaniment, but several are with a small ensemble of traditional instruments. A word of caution: everything was recorded in the 1990s and presumably was available piecemeal on previous releases, although few are likely to have more than a handful of these 20 gems. --Dan Davis

Customer Reviews:

It's lovely - But not newly recorded!.......2006-10-04

I don't think this recording deserves One Star ratings or that the artist deserves such crude bashing. And re: Hampson's eye-colour.... Uh, these aren't lenses? He has blue eyes. I met him many times and...indeed, they are dark blue.

Anyhow, this is what Hampson is focusing on right now, American song. While those aren't exactly my thing I have to say that he sings them beautifully. I wish he'd stick to that rather than heavy Verdi and Wagner which his voice isn't right for.

Yet another compilation.......2006-06-13

I am a huge Tom fan. I go to his concerts and buy all of his CDs. I must say that I have been disappointed by this CD because it's entirely made of old recordings. There's a new photo on the cover, but that's all that is new here. So if you've bought your share of Tom CDs over the years, you want to check out the track info before you guy this one.

Now, Tom has been on tour and I STRONGLY recommend that you go see him next year when he comes through your city.

The other thing really annoying is that on the CD where you'd expect information about the music or the recording co., you instead get a large warning label from the FBI on pirating.

how precious!.......2006-05-08

Thomas Hampson swoons and croons to monotonous effect throughout this tired collection; again displaying his ego and faux scholarship in ample measure. Oi-vay, what a disaster! And what is with the blue contact lenses in the Jacket phot? Hampson's eyes are brown. What an unbelievably vain Diva!

Disappointing Duplication.......2006-01-17

I have not even heard the album, and I will not. Although I revere Mr. H. in just about everything he does, especially in song and Lieder, I am very disappointed that so many of these songs appear on other cds of which I already have about 19 of him. I think he and the producers should have chosen totally NEW material for this instead of drawing on his past achievements. I have no reservations about his performances, for I have seen him at the Met in opera and at Carnegie Hall in Mahler. I value them and all of his past cd productions.

If you like this sorta thing.......2006-01-17

Here Mr. Hampson is in his element. Unlike his less than viable attempts at Opera, Mr. Hampson is a thorough and intelligent singer of songs. His affectations, so fully inappropriate in bigger operatic literature, work well with the intimate nature of these sweet and personal songs. If you are Hampson fan, this album will thrill you.

Average customer rating: This CD is a must-have if you love Ethiopia! THE Best....wonderful music of Ethiopia for children

Sorene: Children's Songs from Ethiopia Seleshe Demessae & Soulemane Toure Manufacturer: Wergo ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Africa | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music International | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: The Perfect Orange: A Tale from Ethiopia (Toucan Tales Series ; Vol. 2) There Is No Me Without You: One Woman's Odyssey to Rescue Africa's Children Fire on the Mountain (Aladdin Picture Books) Lonely Planet Ethiopian Amharic Phrasebook The Rough Guide To The Music of Ethiopia ASIN: B00002414D Release Date: 1999-02-09

Tracks:

1. Sorene - Demassae, Seleshe
2. Gobezu Temari
3. Yawena Yetayenal 1
4. ABCD
5. Ere Amsale
6. Babure
7. Ayn Alegne
8. Chereka Denbul Boka
9. Janmeda
10. Anchi Keremela
11. Kukulu
12. Enatu Tana
13. Hetsanu Mamuye
14. Abebaye Hoy
15. Ay Mersa
16. Aya Djibo
17. Hoya Hoye
18. Agere Na
19. Yawena Yetayenal 2
20. Azila
21. Ayresam

Customer Reviews:

This CD is a must-have if you love Ethiopia!.......2006-08-19

This CD is high-quality and full of songs that Ethiopian adults and children will recognize. Our adopted Ethiopian children (ages 8 & 9) just love this CD- they grew up singing these songs! It's pricey, but definately worth it. The booklet included in the CD has a great deal of cultural information, which I found very interesting.

THE Best....wonderful music of Ethiopia for children.......2003-09-13

Seleshe Demassae and the children from local villages bring this CD alive! Absolutely a MUST have for anyone with Ethiopian children or an interest in Ethiopian culture. I enjoy it as much as my kids do....

Average customer rating: American Sorta-Beauties Good, but not great good Exquisite! Excellent Rags Played with Gusto

American Beauties: The Rags of Joseph Lamb Virginia Eskin Manufacturer: Koch Int'l Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Similar Items: Complete Stark Rags of Joseph F. Lamb James Scott: The Complete Works 1903-1922 The Greatest Ragtime of the Century Knockout Drops The Paragon Ragtime Orchestra (finally) Plays "The Entertainer" ASIN: B00004SC17 Release Date: 2000-05-23

Tracks:

1. Walper House Rag
2. The Alaskan Rag
3. Ragtime Reverie
4. Brown Derbie No.2
5. Alabama Rag
6. Arctic Sunset
7. Bird-Brain Rag
8. Cottontail Rag
9. Hot Cinders
10. Ragtime Bobolink
11. The Old Home Rag
12. Firefly Rag
13. Thouroughbred Rag
14. Toad Stool Rag
15. Sensation
16. Ethiopia
17. Excelsior
18. American Beauty Rag
19. Patricia Rag
20. Nightingale Rag

Amazon.com

Joseph Lamb, a white musician who lived from 1887 to 1960, was considered one of the major ragtime composers of his era. By the end of his life, he had fallen into total obscurity, and even the ragtime revival hasn't made him a household name. His rags are different in style from Scott Joplin's, generally briefer and simpler in construction but still filled with lovely melodies and unaffected charm. The "American Beauty Rag," from which this disc takes its name, is only one of Lamb's many delicious miniatures (most of them under three minutes). Virginia Eskin has the style of this music down perfectly. She plays with just the right tempos (a trifle faster than would be appropriate for most of Joplin) and a lyrical sensitivity that doesn't prevent her from showing rhythmic drive. We're used to more than 49 minutes of music on most CDs, but 20 of Lamb's rags in a row are enough for one listening session. Don't give up before you reach the last one, though; "Nightingale Rag" is one of Lamb's best. A fascinating byway in American music is effectively explored and presented in realistic sound. --Leslie Gerber

Customer Reviews:

American Sorta-Beauties.......2007-05-06

Ms. Eskin certainly can play piano. She can certainly read music. And she can combine the two well enough. What I found most distracting about this album, however, isn't the fact that she doesn't repeat many of the measures. It's that she tends occasionally to hit clinkers. After the first one or two, I found myself listening more closely for mistakes than actually enjoying the music. Another problem with this album is that her renditions are too bulky and heavy. I've heard much cleaner-sounding performances of Lamb's work.

I paid the money so I don't intend to return the CD. But it'll play well enough in my noisy car driving to and from work.

Good, but not great.......2005-10-10

I have owned this album since June 2000, and it inspired me at the time to find out more online and even to compose some rags of my own. It turns out that many of the melodies are made more "logical" by Eskin. However, she does use too much pedal, and she also does not take most of the repeats. It is unfortunate that she repeats only the first strain of "Ragtime Reverie," for there are no on-demand recordings of that work over the Internet.

good.......2005-07-31

its a good album but not very good
first of all in several rags virgina doesn't repeat where it says it must. second she plays several rags way to fast. Joe lamb was just like the others that ragtime must not be played fast the feeling get lost in the a rag that is played to fast like ragtime nightingale. I have the sheetmusic myself and it says "slow march tempo" not fast like virginia it plays.
but its a good album she plays with flair and style

Exquisite!.......2002-12-29

Joseph F. Lamb is generally thought of as one of the three greatest of the classical ragtime composers, the others being Scott Joplin and James Scott. It's a matter of taste, but many rank him almost as highly as Joplin, and this exquisite album shows why. Lamb's rags typically soar with wonderful, reverie-evoking melodies, unmatched in the ragtime canon. These melodies are offset by original, exciting, brisk passages. Virginia Eskin executes these gems wonderfully. She presents them always at the proper tempo and as written, without the filigrees that are so common in ragtime playing (Lamb doesn't need them!). The only drawback -- and it is a very minor one -- is that she sometimes treads a little too heavily on the pedal. This album is essential in even a small ragtime collection. In my large collection, it is one of my favorite and oft-played treasures.

Excellent Rags Played with Gusto.......2002-08-04

Up until Joseph Lamb, the only ragtime composer who could satisfy me was Scott Joplin. These rags are excellent and distinctly different from Joplin's, although both composers are obviously from the same genre. According to the liner notes, they even knew each other.

The pianist has a great love of the material, and it shows in her playing.

I highly recommend this CD to all fans of ragtime.

Average customer rating: The Rough Guide To The Music of Ethiopia excellent sampler for great ethiopian music

The Rough Guide To The Music of Ethiopia Various Artists Manufacturer: World Music Network ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | International | Styles | Music General | Compilations | International | Styles | Music Similar Items: Sorene: Children's Songs from Ethiopia The Rough Guide to the Music of Sudan Lonely Planet Ethiopian Amharic Phrasebook Lonely Planet Ethiopia & Eritrea (Lonely Planet Ethiopia and Eritrea) Notes from the Hyena's Belly: An Ethiopian Boyhood ASIN: B0001AV59O Release Date: 2004-03-15

Tracks:

1. Addis Ababa Bete - Alemayehu Eshete
2. Ene Negn Bay Manesh - Girma Beyene
3. Altchalkum - Moges Habte
4. Dodge - Netsanet Mellesse
5. Muziqawi Silt - Wallias Band
6. Tchewata - Fanaye Tesfaye
7. Sele Sene Seqlet - Alemu Aga
8. Y'Shebellu - Aster Aweke
9. Antchi Hoye Lene - Yared Tefera
10. Alegntaye - Tlahoun Gessesse
11. Bemen Sebeb Letlash - Mahmoud Ahmed
12. Hasabe - Teshome Meteku
13. Sabye - Mulatu Astatqe
14. Ete Endenesh Gedawo - Muluqen Mellesse
15. Medley - Aldaneh Teka

Customer Reviews:

The Rough Guide To The Music of Ethiopia .......2006-06-15

This is a great sampler. I've been looking for these golden collections for a while; Ethiopian artists have their own unique way of expressing love. I remember as a young girl listening to my father's collection which included many of Ethiopiques volumes. Our country musicians have a lot to offer, I hope for them to share their talents with the world. I believe one day it will be known for its wonderful variation of music instead of bad images that hang over the country.

excellent sampler for great ethiopian music.......2005-04-10

Samplers usually contain a couple of interesting cuts with lots of dogs but this overview of the ethiopian music scene from the 70s to early 90s is killer with no filler. The only drawback is the sound quality of a few of the cuts from the 70s, but this was the golden age of ethiopian music. This is much more intense music than the usual world muzak heard today or most other sub-Saharan music for that matter. The great singers of the 70s such as Ahmed, Gessessee or Eshete were also blessed with fantastic backup bands drawn from the famed Ethiopian army and police bands. These bands were European trained and extraordinarily tight. James Brown wouldn't have complained. Be advised that more recent Ethiopian music of the last 5- 10 years has gradually become more bland like other world music so recent work by artists such as Ahmed will not be as interesting as their work in the 60s-80s.

Average customer rating: A rare and complete original ! absolutely gorgeous

Ethiopiques, Vol. 21: Ethiopia Song Tsegué-Maryam Guèbrou Manufacturer: Buda Musique ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Traditional Blues | Blues | Styles | Music Piano | Blues | Styles | Music Traditional Folk | Folk | Styles | Music General | Africa | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Traditional Jazz General | Traditional Jazz & Ragtime | Jazz | Styles | Music Gospel | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music International | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: Ethiopiques, Vol. 4: Ethio Jazz & Musique Instrumentale, 1969-1974 Ethiopiques, Vol. 14: Negus of Ethiopian Sax Ethiopiques 20: Live in Addis Ethiopiques, Vol. 1: Golden Years Of Modern Ethiopian Music Ethiopiques, Vol. 8: Swinging Addis ASIN: B000BU9FOQ Release Date: 2006-02-14

Tracks:

1. The Homeless Wanderer
2. The Last Ears Of A Deceased
3. A Young Girl's Complaint
4. The Mad Man's Laughter
5. Presentiment
6. Mother's Love
7. Ballad Of The Spirits
8. The Song Of The Sea
9. Homesickness
10. Golgotha
11. The Jordan River Song
12. The Garden Of Gethesemanie
13. The Song Of Abayi
14. The Story Of The Breeze
15. Evening Breeze
16. Tenkou! Why Feel Sorry?

Amazon.com

If the listener did not have the CD cover handy, it would be difficult to guess who this artist is or where she hails from. Emahoy TseguÈ-Maryam GuÈbrou was born into a prominent literary Ethiopian family in 1923 and partly educated in Europe. The lovely young girl studied piano and violin but political vicissitudes in her homeland led to an unsettled and peripatetic youth. Dispirited by events in her life, she found consolation in religion and became a nun. Although dedicated to teaching at an orphanage, she nonetheless found time to create a series of slightly jazz-influenced, neo-classical pieces, many of which are showcased here. The material is culled from two LPs that were released in 1963, when she was 40 years of age. Meditations on bible themes and the beauties of nature were her favorite subjects and her compositions were often built around recognizably Ethiopian melodic structures. But they also reveal refracted shards of what would certainly be cited as influences if only it could be established she had ever heard the works of Count Basie, Oscar Peterson, Keith Jarrett, Abdullah Ibrahim and especially, Eric Satie. But ultimately, Sister GuÈbrou seems to be a lone reed -- but a very beautiful one. --Christina Roden

Album Description

"The Buda label's Ethiopiques reissues prove that this 3,000-year-old civilization has much more to offer than bad news. Totaling nearly 20 volumes to date, the series presents the golden age of modern Ethiopia, prior to 1975's coup and the repressive regime that fueled subswquent violence and unrest." -AUSTIN CHRONICLE

In the rich, varied and bizarre history of African music, the tragedy of the Ethiopian pop recording industry stands alone. But for the past few years, Buda Records has brought us the Ethiopiques series, showcasing the immense scope of the golden age of Ethiopian music - lovingly assembled, remastered and fully annotated. An outstanding pianist and a remarkable composer. Emahoy Tsegue-Maryam Guebrou (now a Christian nun in a Jerussalem monastery) once recorded her own piano solo works, steeped in Ethiopian culture. The rich, personal poetry of these songs brings to mind Claude Debussy or Carlos d'Alessio's "India Song" - a rare curiosity indeed, with beautiful melodies and a charming interpretation.

Amazon.com If the listener did not have the CD cover handy, it would be difficult to guess who this artist is or where she hails from. Emahoy TseguÃ^-Maryam GuÃ^brou was born into a prominent literary Ethiopian family in 1923 and partly educated in Europe. The lovely young girl studied piano and violin but political vicissitudes in her homeland led to an unsettled and peripatetic youth. Dispirited by events in her life, she found consolation in religion and became a nun. Although dedicated to teaching at an orphanage, she nonetheless found time to create a series of slightly jazz-influenced, neo-classical pieces, many of which are showcased here. The material is culled from two LPs that were released in 1963, when she was 40 years of age. Meditations on bible themes and the beauties of nature were her favorite subjects and her compositions were often built around recognizably Ethiopian melodic structures. But they also reveal refracted shards of what would certainly be cited as influences if only it could be established she had ever heard the works of Count Basie, Oscar Peterson, Keith Jarrett, Abdullah Ibrahim and especially, Eric Satie. But ultimately, Sister GuÃ^brou seems to be a lone reed -- but a very beautiful one. --Christina Roden

Customer Reviews:

A rare and complete original !.......2006-06-11

Emahoy Tzegue-Mariam Gebru's life is, as detailed in the informative booklet attached to the CD, is very unique, filled with tragedy, courage and devotion. All of this is reflected in the music heard in this surprising CD. She was sent as a child to Switzerland, where she studied violin and piano. She continued playing the piano when she returned to Ethiopia, and then continued her studies under a Polish teacher in Egypt. When she was prevented from studying music in Britain, she chose the life of a nun. Her musical tastes are first and foremost Beethoven, Strauss and Chopin, while she has heard and liked the early Ethiopian Pop of Tilahun Gessese, Hirut Bekele, Mahmud Ahmad and Bizunesh Bekele. She is influenced by the religious music of the Ethiopian church as well.
The result is an original sound. On the first track of the CD, she stays with two Ethiopian scales (Tizita and Bati), but with her approach they are given a new meaning, reminiscent of some early blues and Jazz piano.
The next 3 tracks have very little that is Ethiopian, and much that is European - paying tribute to her favorite composers, with her unique style.
From the fifth track to the end of the CD, it is a beautiful combination of all her musical influences. Her approach to composing is European - each note is planned, calculated, and written down. The Ethiopian touch is in the intervals ending the phrases, and in the rhythmic subtleties that lean to a 3/3 meter.
Throughout, her life's rich experience fills the music with sadness, tragedy and beauty. This is necessary music for all lovers of music - the experience of this music simply cannot be found anywhere else !

absolutely gorgeous.......2006-05-01

this new volume reveals an astonishing beauty that the world has been deprived of until now... just like the editorial review says, it is like an ethiopian Satie...

Average customer rating: !!!!!!!!! Amazing Ethiopia Musique Ethiopiques, vol. 3 Best disk of the series!

Ethiopiques, Vol. 3: Golden Years Of Modern Ethiopian Music Various Artists Manufacturer: Buda Musique ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Ethiopia | Africa | International | Styles | Music General | Africa | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music International | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: Ethiopiques, Vol. 1: Golden Years Of Modern Ethiopian Music Ethiopiques, Vol. 4: Ethio Jazz & Musique Instrumentale, 1969-1974 Ethiopiques, Vol. 8: Swinging Addis Ethiopiques, Vol. 14: Negus of Ethiopian Sax Ethiopiques, Vol. 2: Tetchawet - Urban Azmaris Of The 90's ASIN: B000009CNU Release Date: 1998-07-07

Tracks:

1. Kulun Mankwalesh - Mahmoud Ahmad/Ibex Band
2. Lomiwen Teqebeletch - Mahmoud Ahmad/Agher Geqer Band
3. Tey Gedyeleshem - Alemayehu Eshete
4. Temeles - Alemayehu Eshete/Hirut Beqele
5. Almokerkum Neber - Hirut Beqele
6. Essu New Messelegn - Hirut Beqele
7. Yeqondjowotch Mender - Hirut Beqele/Police Orchestra
8. Man Yawqal Yebeten - Hirut Beqele/Police Orchestra
9. Sema - Tlahoun Gessesse/Police Orchestra
10. Yewnet Messosso Metch Yeneqaneqal - Tlahoun Gessesse/Police Orchestra
11. Enafqeshalehu - Tadele Beqele/Police Orchestra
12. Antchi Qondjo - Tadele Beqele/Police Orchestra
13. Kelkeyelegn - Teferi Felleqe/Army Band
14. Aynamaye - Teferi Felleqe /Army Band
15. Tenesh Kelbe Lay - Muluqen Mellesse/Equators Band
16. Embwa Belew - Muluqen Mellesse/Equators Band
17. Ete Hoy - Alemayehu Eshete/Equators Band
18. Hameta - Alemayehu Eshete/Equators Band
19. Selam Almazeye - Mahmoud Ahmed/Agher Feqer Band

Amazon.com

Creaking horns, wheezing Farfiza organs, and soulful, Middle Eastern-tinged vocals are the hallmarks of these rare recordings from the Golden Age of Ethiopian popular music (1969-1975), made during Haile Sellasie's reign before the military shut down of Addis Abbaba's nightlife. Soul, jazz, and UK '60s pop had infiltrated the hipster milieu, adding new color to the swirling, elliptical local grooves, laid down by moonlighting members of police and military bands (they had the instruments), often with stunning effect. The unfamiliar Arabic vocal flavor actually shares common roots with R&B, and any hint of ersatz kitsch is dispelled by their passion and integrity. Recorded with just one or two mikes, these selections are reminiscent of early Jamaican bluebeat in quality, heightening the effect of glimpsing a magical time, long passed, through a dusty keyhole, and the other individual releases in the series are equally as fascinating. --Derek Rath

Customer Reviews:

!!!!!!!!!.......2007-04-10

Wow, what a gem. A marvelous fusion of traditional Etheopian music and funk which works on every level.

Amazing Ethiopia.......2005-07-28

This CD exemplifies the artistic ingenuity of the Ethiopian people. Though the music is quite obviously very Westernized, employing electric guitars, drum kits, saxophones, and even muted trumpet solos, the music retains native Ethiopian elements, such as a propensity toward triple meter rhythms, strict adherence to a variety of pentatonic scales, and the use of the Amharic language. This music truly was the golden age of modern Ethiopian music. Many of these recordings were the last of their kind to be released before the oppressive and all too long-lasting Marxist regime of Mengistu Hailemariam came to power.

This CD showcases some of the superstars of Ethiopian pop music - Muluqèn Mèllèssè, Alèmayèhu Eshèté, Tlahoun Gèssèssè, and Mahmoud Ahmed, just to name a few. The music ranges from the fun - 'Yèqondjowotch Mendèr', sung by Hirut Bèqèlè, with the groovy and bouncy Police Orchestra jamming on saxophones, trumpets, drums, and electric guitar. Hirut sings a happy melody about the 'village of the beauties,' where none are as handsome as her lover - to dramatic - 'Tènèsh kèlbé lay', where Muluqèn Mèlèsse begs for his heart to be left alone by the torments of love - to energetic - 'Kèlkeyelegn', sung by Tèfèri Fèllèqè, backed by the Army Band. The song starts with a funky 60's organ and brass over an undulating bassline, with bright electric guitars imparting an almost Kenyan sound - to sexy - 'Sèlam Almazeyé', Mahmoud Ahmed's famous song about his passionate love for the beautiful Almaz.

I've only been listening to Ethiopian (and Eritrean) music for about a year so fare, but this is yet another jewel from the wonderful Ethiopiques series. I highly recommend it to anyone remotely interested in the music of this overlooked and misunderstood land.

Musique Ethiopiques, vol. 3.......2002-03-25

Each track on this CD is a gem. Just when you think it can't possibly get any better, the next track is. It is hard music to describe... If you enjoy Om Kulsum you will be in a good position to start with this, although this is probably more broadly accessible than Om Kulsum. Some of it sounds almost like some older Indian and Japanese pop music. These people certainly listened to James Brown and you can hear Motown and central African influences, but an artist like Muluqen Mellesse takes these influences and makes something new and beautiful. Read the lyrics translated in the informative insert that comes with this CD. Everything about this collection is wonderful.

Best disk of the series!.......2000-10-30

The first song has a trance-inducing beat, snake charmer saxophone stylings, and passionate vocals. The rest of the disk rocks out like some sort of "middle eastern" James Brown. Nice hammond organ work on a few tracks. Brilliant vocalists. Beautiful clarinet on the last song.

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