Album: Mulatu Astatke, Sketches of Ethiopia (Jazz Village)

Saturday 24 August 2013 22:46 BST

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Astatke’s 1970s back catalogue only gained worldwide recognition through the Ethiopiques compilations and songs featured in Jim Jarmusch’s Broken Flowers.

Yet the 70-year-old composer and vibraphonist hasn’t rested on his laurels. Each track here is a distinctive entity which contributes to a cohesive funky whole. It’s impossible to pick a favourite but “Surma”, featuring Malian diva Fatoumata Diawara, is an assertively sensuous gem.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Album: Mulatu Astatke, Sketches of Ethiopia (Jazz Village)

Join our commenting forum

Thank you for registering