Ethiopiques, Vol. 22 (More Vintage!) [1972-1974]

A popular Ethiopian jazz singer active since the '60s, this heartfelt, raspy voiced soul singer has earned himself many interesting nicknames based on his funky, ethnic soul-jazz over the years. These include the "Ethiopian James Brown" and the "Abyssinian Elvis". With his dazzling stage presence, nimble voice box, and unmistakable pompadour, he's an unabashed show-off, the African equivalent of a cat out of American Graffiti or Saturday Night Fever. Ranging from busy funk-jazz fusion to more eloquent, small ensemble and brass enhanced pieces, this 18-track collection shows the still active vocalist at his best, a man now in his sixties who represents the explosive myths of the '60s, when he lit up the wild nights in the capital city Addis Ababa. This is the 22nd volume in Budamusique's fascinating Ethiopiques series, which also includes spotlights on other top names from the country's musical history, including Getatchew Mekurya and Mahmoud Ahmed.