[coll]: Ethiopiques – Asguebba Vol. 18 [Buda Musique]

Paris based Buda Musique reveals yet another engaging volume focusing on Ethiopian & Eritrean world music circa 1960′s -1970′s. It’s rooted in traditional song structures yet played & sung in a contemporary style by notably popular artists. Some exhale naked passionate chants. Others immerse songs in pleasant rhythmic percussion, accordion, and challenging stringed instrumentation & improvisation. Since Eritrea and Ethiopia share borders their music as well as their culture exhibit similarity; although we hear impressive diversity & considerable talent throughout. These seemingly basic melodies are insightful, enlivened and gorgeous. It sounds firmly influenced by folk spirituality and tribal custom. But there’s also a modern slant on the tried & true traditional style that can be traced out of affinity for American psych & soul music! Cool!