Mulatu Astatke

In celebration of the 25th anniversary of the Strut label, we are delighted to unveil a special edition of a landmark album within the realm of African music – Mulatu Astatke's 'Mulatu Of Ethiopia’. Recorded in New York in 1972, this pivotal album marks a juncture in Astatke's musical journey when he adeptly fused various styles to craft the distinctive genre known as Ethio-jazz.

For this special edition, the release features the original stereo mix of the full album, as well as a special ‘mono-mix’ of each track retrieved from the original 2" tapes, pressed on opaque white vinyl 2LP.

After leaving the UK for the United States, Astatke enrolled at Berklee College in Boston, delving deep into the technical intricacies of jazz and developing a broad appreciation for diverse musical genres. Regularly attending renowned venues like the Cheetah, the Palladium, and the Village Gate in NYC, Astatke's journey intersected with producer Gil Snapper. Immersed in this vibrant scene, he encountered Latin rhythms and collaborated with musicians from diverse backgrounds, igniting his ambition to craft a distinctive fusion by melding Ethiopian modes with Western instruments.

‘Mulatu of Ethiopia’ features seven tracks showcasing Mulatu's signature instrumental style, characterized by the absence of vocals, the influence of '70s funk, Afro-Cuban rhythms, and the use of traditional Ethiopian elements. Mulatu's innovative approach, blending different musical traditions while preserving the essence of Ethiopian music, marks him as the sole exemplar of "Ethio-jazz," making his work both timeless and influential.

Notable tracks such as 'Kulunmanqueleshi,' 'Dewel,' and 'Kasalefku-Hulu' became enduring pieces revisited in singles and live performances. The inclusion of the Ethio-Latin composition 'Chifara' and the eponymous groove-driven track 'Mulatu' further solidified the album's status as truly a timeless musical masterpiece.