When Jazzy Afro-Beat Attacks, You Surrender

Africa’s Mulatu Astatke is the father of Ethio-Jazz. He’s worked with Duke Ellington, Phil Ranelin and still collaborates with the Either/Orchestra. The band leader has played a pivotal role in the evolution of Latin and Ethiopian styles in the world of Jazz. And his weapon of choice is the vibraphone. The Heliocentrics are a UK-based, genre bending, Avante-Garde, Afro-Beat, Jazz ensemble. Currently 9 pieces strong, they cite influences from the world of Funk and Hip-hop, so it’s no wonder that they’ve been sampled by Madlib and have worked directly with DJ Shadow. In 2009, Mulatu & The Heliocentrics teamed up for Inspiration Information 3, a gem from Strut and Stones Throw (The first Inspiration Information release is also quite hot). The album features re-workings of some already established Mulatu-classics as well as original compositions. It’s  organic, playful, dirty and altogether an irresistible example of Jazzy Afro-Beat.

Mulatu Astatke and The Heliocentrics - Fire in the Zoo [dl]

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Mulatu Astatke and The Heliocentrics - Cha Cha [dl]

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Buy it from Stones Throw.

Stay tuned.