Samuel Yirga - Guzo (2012) [Hi-Res]

Back in the glory days of the 1960s, Addis Ababa was one of the great music centres of Africa, famed for its blend of traditional styles with Western pop and jazz. There's much of the same invention and energy in this first solo outing by the young Ethiopian pianist Samuel Yirga, who is still in his 20s and best-known for his work with fusion exponents Dub Colossus. Yirga is a versatile player, and the tracks here range from gently drifting, atmospheric solo pieces such as Drop Me There and the rhythmic, slinky Dance With the Legend, through to sections where he plays with a band featuring brass and traditional fiddle, or accompanies singers including The Creole Choir of Cuba. He's at his best backing Ethiopian singer Genet Masresha and adding thoughtful, jazz-influenced solos to the atmospheric Blues of Wollo, but elsewhere – as on the opening track – his playing is often mysteriously eclipsed by the band. This album could do with even more solo work from its star.

Tracklist:
01 - Samuel Yirga - Abet Abet (Punt Mix) (5:12)
02 - Samuel Yirga - Twista (Tinish Mix) (5:57)
03 - Samuel Yirga - Firma Ena Wereket (6:59)
04 - Samuel Yirga - Ye Bati Koyita (8:28)
05 - Samuel Yirga - Nou Se Soleil (0:56)
06 - Samuel Yirga - I Am The Black Gold Of The Sun (5:27)
07 - Samuel Yirga - Dance With The Legend (4:27)
08 - Samuel Yirga - My Head (5:46)
09 - Samuel Yirga - Drop Me There (8:29)
10 - Samuel Yirga - The Blues Of Wollow (Dessye Mix) (4:45)
11 - Samuel Yirga - African Diaspora (6:44)