Review | Thursday 04 June 2009
Inspiration Information: Malatu Astatke and the Heliocentrics
This is a great combination of Ethiopian jazz musician Astatke and UK acid jazz band The Heliocentrics, who also play world music and use electronics. Once a groove is established, we hear fantastic Ethiopian horns, piano, odd distorted guitar and some very well-integrated electronics in this adventurous and very enjoyable album of mostly instrumental African jazz. Listeners to the wonderful Ethiopiques series Volume 4, or familiar with their stunning track from the Broken Flowers soundtrack will know what to expect. The Heliocentrics, so named for a couple of mid-60s free jazz albums by Sun Ra, are great players.