John Seltenreich
this ep is only three songs, but WOW, that's three great songs. and having been cut at 45 from I can't wait to get the ep to cue up on my system.
Live Jazz recording sessions seem to be a thing of the past. Not to discredit the way records are made in the present, but there is something uniquely special when a group of musicians get together in the same room and track some legit Ethiopian-jazz direct to two-inch tape utilizing the best microphones and gear available. Under the direction of engineer/producer, Kamal de Iruretagoyena Humphrey, this stellar group of multicultural musicians recorded in studio without headphones to optimize the intimate setting inspired by the spiritual jazz masterpieces: “Celestial Blues” by Gary Bartz and Joe Henderson’s “Earth”
These type of live recording sessions do have their obstacles. The legendary drummer, James Gadson, had to go in to the hospital the day before the session. Just before downbeat, master-percussionist, Kahlil Cummings, told the band that he had another session… that night! This is the life when working with such sought after musicians. The result of such brilliant chemistry is what you are about to listen to in Kibrom’s Circles.
Ethiopian-born Jazz musician Kibrom Birhane mixes Spiritual Jazz with Ethiopian Jazz motifs to create a unique and deep sound that resonates across many cultures and musical concepts. His understanding of Jazz and improvisation is unparalleled among Jazz artists in the world today. This understanding combined with a connection to the spirits creates a rich and diverse tapestry of sounds, ideas, and discoveries. Kibrom is a member of Los Angeles based Ethio-Cali group, that has included Jazz luminaries Kamasi Washington, Dexter Story, Mark De-Clive Lowe and many others.
Musicians featured on this session are Ethio Cali bandmates: Randal Fisher - the wunderkind saxophonist raised in Los Angeles, who’s big soulful sound compliments the likes of Aloe Blacc, Tony Allen, Meklit, Dexter Story’s Wondem, and the Pan-Afrikan People’s Arkestra.
Kahlil Cummings - LA’s master percussionist via Guinea attains talents so massive, he has worked with Kendrick Lamar, Kamasi Washington, Shakira, Pharrell Williams, Janelle Monae and Gwen Stefani while directing his own ensemble Extra-Ancestral and the all queen ensembled bateria, Bloco Obini. Nadav Peled is a recent addition to Los Angeles from Israel with well-versed African-Jazz guitar stylings showcased with Gili Yalo and Thalma de Freitas while leading his NY-based Anbessa Orchestra.
Rounding out the ensemble are the Ethiopian bass-legend, Misgana Mulat, who has worked with the likes of Mahmoud Ahmed, Aster Awake, Tewodros Tadesse, Teddy Afro, Judith Hill, and Najee.
On drums is the San Diego-based powerhouse Jake Najor who’s deep, rhythmic pocket is sought out by Big Daddy Kane, TV On the Radio, Kelis, Raphael Saadiq, Breakestra, Connie Price and the Keystones, De La Soul, and many more. Addidng to the mix, we find Kibrom’s wife, the talented multi-instrumentalist, Etsegenet Mekonnen singing on “Circles.”
Ethiopian-born Jazz Musician Kibrom Birhane mixes Spiritual Jazz with Ethiopian Jazz motifs to create a unique and deep
sound that resonates across many cultures and musical concepts. His understanding of Jazz and improvisation is unparalleled among Jazz artists in the world today. This understanding combined with a connection to the spirits creates a rich and diverse tapestry of sounds & ideas....more
Like so many others, this came like a bolt out of the blue and, even though it's well before payday, I had to have this astonishing album on vinyl to prove it exists. The feel of the tunes makes me feel like the Impressions do, Curtis Mayfield, the big spaces and instinctive horns and stuff drifting in and out. Great grooves and I can see lots of ghosts nodding along to this with big smiles on their faces. At last! Anthony Cottrell
Inspired by Ethio-jazz Library music, soul, and beyond, this instrumental UK outfit don't mess around when it comes to grooves. Bandcamp New & Notable Feb 11, 2024
An overlooked Ethio jazz classic; originally released on cassette in 1988, the album has not been available out of the country until now. Bandcamp New & Notable Jun 5, 2018
I was brought here after listening to a live performance of Makaya's on you tube. I instantly loved the song Holy Lands so much that I had to see if the album version was the same rendition as the live one. Then I listened to the whole album! Universal Beings is a just a groove... It's a mix of traditional and something new, very nice. pandr1900