V.A. (MULATU ASTATKE) 『Ethiopian Modern Instrumentals Hits』LP

★With obi
★Clear red vinyl

Released in 1972 on the eve of the release of Mulatu's masterpiece "Ethio-Jazz," this classic compilation was released by Ethiopian label Amha Records. It's also known as one of the most sought-after Afro-rare groove releases ever!

After studying jazz in the West, Mulatu returned to Ethiopia and the new wave of Ethio-jazz emerged on the country's music scene. This ambitious album compiles the modern Ethiopian sound from 1969-1972, aiming to popularize what was considered a groundbreaking sound at the time. However, most of the content is actually composed of tracks credited to Mulatu and arrangements by Mulatu himself. It's no exaggeration to call it essentially a "Mulatu album." The fusion of Latin jazz, which was a major influence on Mulatu's time in the United States, with the indigenous Ethiopian Afro-American sound, creates a unique exoticism, rustic flavor, and smoky blackness that is hard to describe!