Badume's Band, Selamnesh Zemene - Ale Gena - Ethiopa (2011)

It’s a competent rehash of funky Ethiopia, but the more interesting musical moments come in ‘Tezeta Duga Aggayu’, which deviates from the template with its Steve Reich-esque clicks and pulses propelling the groove. It’s one of only two tracks that really stand out – the other being a nicely arranged ‘Sabiye’ – on a set that takes its adherence to the sound a tad too faithfully. One of the reasons the Éthiopiques series struck such a chord was that it was the sound of music being pioneered by musicians taking creative (and personal) risks in the moment. The most successful offerings in the present day are those that push the creative envelope, ensuring the Ethiopian canon has life way beyond historical interest.

Alto Clarinet, Guest – Aklilu Zewdié
Alto Saxophone, Guest – Julien Béchen
Backing Vocals – Asrat Ayalew, Eritbu 'Solomon' Agegnehu, Selamsew Demelash, Zenash Tsegaye
Bass – Stéphane Rama
Drums, Recording Supervisor, Mixed By – Antonin Volson
Guitar – Rudy Blas
Keyboards – Olivier Guénégo
Percussion – Jonathan Volson
Tenor Saxophone – Xavier Pusset
Tenor Saxophone, Bass Clarinet – Stéphane Le Dro
Vocals – Selamnesh Zemene

Tracklist:
1 01. Badume's Band - Korahu (05:58)
1 02. Badume's Band - Ale Gena (05:45)
1 03. Badume's Band - Tezeta Duga Aggayu (07:45)
1 04. Badume's Band - Ketew Abew (05:47)
1 05. Badume's Band - Mela Mela (06:53)
1 06. Badume's Band - Antchi Bizu (03:30)
1 07. Badume's Band - Minjar (06:39)
1 08. Badume's Band - Sabiye (06:16)
1 09. Badume's Band - Sentun Ayehu Bante (03:50)
1 10. Badume's Band - Alemnesh (Version Instrumentale inspirée d'un titre d'Asnaqetch Worqu) (02:52)