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13 June 2016

Mulatu Astatke with Black Jesus Experience

Mulatu Astatke is the Father of Ethio-Jazz and one of Africa's most influential and enduring musical figures. Black Jesus Experience is an 8 piece global-funk-machine born of Australia's vibrant multiculturalism. Mulatu and Black Jesus Experience met in Addis Ababa in 2009, embarking on both a musical relationship and a friendship that has led Mulatu Astake to describe Black Jesus Experience as, "My favourite backing band".

The energy and creative magic of Mulatu's collaboration with Black Jesus Experience led to their 2010 Australian concert series winning 'The Age Best Tour 2010' award.

Black Jesus Experience with Mulatu have since performed together in Australia, New Zealand, UK and most recently in Ethiopia at The United Nations to celebrate 50 years of Australian representation at The African Union. A highlight of Black Jesus Experience's 2015 Concert Tour of Africa was recording material for a new album with Mulatu in Addis Ababa (scheduled for 2016 release).

Mulatu's great contribution to music was to combine Jazz and funk grooves with Ethiopia's distinctive pentatonic scales. His musical genius is the sensuality and sophistication with which Mulatu contrasts these minimalist scales with richly chromatic harmony.

Mulatu came to prominence in the West through 'The Ethiopiques' series of records documenting the swinging Addis Ababa of the early 70's and his championing by Jim Jarmusch on the soundtrack of his movie 'Broken Flowers'. As well as recording in the USA and Ethiopia as a bandleader, Mulatu is Ethiopia's foremost arranger, having written for stars such as Tilahun Gesese, Muhammud Ahmed and jazz royalty, the great Duke Ellington.

Mulatu continues to live in Addis Ababa whenever not touring. His love for Ethiopia, it's people and culture, is by Mulatu's own admission, the essence of his inspiration.

Street One - reserved | Duration - 90 minutes, no interval.

More information

A CJP Presentation

Mulatu Astatke - Vibes, Percussion, Keyboards
Peter Harper - Tenor Saxophone
Ian Dixon - Trumpet
Negat Abate - Vocals
Liam Monkhouse - Vocals
Chris Frangou - Bass
James Davies - Drums
Zac Lister - Guitar
Bobby Sedergreen - Keyboards
Nui Moon - Percussion

15 Childers St,

City West ACT 2601

Directions & Map

Monday - Friday

10am - 3pm

 

Also opens

1.5 hours prior

to performance.

 

02 6247 1223
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