For a change, a little diversion to the Horn of Africa with ethio-jazz from French group Akalé Wubé. As its founder, Etienne de la Sayette, points out, ethio-jazz today is mostly played outside Ethiopia’s borders and its emblematic figure is obviously that of Mulatu Astatké. But never mind, in 2010, the Akalé Wubé collective launches out with this eponymous album that plunges into the Ethiopian groove of the 60s and 70s. With a heavy middle tempo, warm horns, forays into reggae and more traditional rhythms underpinned by the flute, the gamble paid off. In 2018, recognition came with the album Mistakes on Purpose, endorsed by keyboardist Girma Bèyènè, with whom they released it. And earlier this year, they released Anbessa, in the company of the late Manu Dibango! In Paris, you can regularly hear them at the Studio de l’Ermitage, so don’t miss out.
Akalé Wubé – 2010
