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Getatchew Mekurya

Title: Ethiopiques Vol. 14 - Negus of Ethiopian Sax

Label: BUDA

Cat No:822562
Format:CD

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Discovery Records
specialist music - mail order

These amazing 1972 (and one 1950's) recordings were made by Getatchew Mekurya - probably the most revered veteran of Ethiopian saxophone - a real giant both physically & musically - who was not only one of the greatest technical exponents but also the inventor of a whole distinctive musical style, based on the 'Shellela' singing style: a harsh, hoarse-voiced, epic, declamatory vocal form. Mekurya was the first person to have the brilliant idea of transposing this style to the saxophone, creating a modal, spiky, flowing sound comparable to Ornette Coleman and Albert Ayler, but against a backdrop of African jazz & blues.

Mekurya began playing for the Addis Ababa Municipality Band in 1948, when he was 13. From 1955 0nwards he worked at the Haile Sellasie Theatre; for the Police Orchestra accompanying stars like Alemayehu Eshete, Hirut Beqele & Ayalew Mesfin; and as a music teacher.

Track Listing for Ethiopiques Vol. 14 - Negus of Ethiopian Sax
01. Yegenet muziqa
02. Shellela
03. Aha gedawo
04. Antchi hoye
05. Ambassei
06. Almaz yeharerwa
07. Yene hassab gwadegna
08. Shemonmwanaye
09. Gofere / Antchi hoye
10. Aynotche terabu
11. Akale wube
12. Tezeta
13. Gedamay
14. Muziqa heywete
15. Shellela besaxophone

Discovery catalogue available for
Getatchew Mekurya

Ethiopiques Vol. 14 - Negus of Ethiopian Sax