This new collaboration started by Dutch/Swiss baritone saxophonist Jeroen Visser and Ethiopian dancer and cultural ambassador Melaku Belay features nine musicians and dancers. Their album ?GOJO? pays tribute to the golden age of the Ethio-jazz in many refreshing ways. Where the old recordings were played with western instruments, this release leans on traditional instruments like the Ethiopian lyre the kirar (Robel Solomon/Sentayehu Tadesse), a one-string violin the masinqo (Habtamu Yeshambel), and the kebero as percussion (Mesay Abebay). The additional saxes (Jeroen Visser/Steve Buchanan) go well with the soulful and funky arrangements. Changes in rhythm, some experimental improvisations and wild outbursts, and the mesmerizing voice of Nardos Tesfaw are completing the overall hypnotic mood.
Tracks:
1. Unity 04:32 video
2. Lush 06:45
3. Paean 05:50
4. Everlasting 06:21
5. Adage 05:36
6. Era 07:31
7. Axum 06:48
8. Longing 04:23
9. Restraint 05:08
