Either / Orchestra Ethiopiques, Vol. 20: Either/Orchestra Live In Addis CD - Import

When the multifaceted jazz ensemble Either/Orchestra began performing original arrangements of songs inspired by a little-known compilation of 1970s Ethiopian music, they may not have thought that their imaginative reworkings could result in a bona fide cross-cultural exchange. Contacted by the album's producer, Francis Falceto, to play at the 2004 Ethiopian Music Festival, the Boston group's appearance would mark the first time a non-Ethiopian artist performed there. ETHIOPIQUES VOL. 20 is a two-disc set documenting the results of the historic event. Augmenting the core ensemble are several local guests on vocals, tenor saxophone, and percussion. Working with traditional and contemporary Ethiopian melodies, the group stretches out to add swinging big-band style horns, evoking strange tonalities that would not be out of place on a Sun Ra record. While the dazzling horn section does take center stage, the most adventurous element is the wonderfully varied and detailed rhythm section--in particular, the guest percussionists, whose organic polyrhythmic grooves bring jazz full circle, and back to its African roots.

Recording information: Ethiopian Music Festival, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (01/21/2004).

Authors: Henry Cook; Tom Halter; Greg Burk.

Introduction bys: Rick McLaughlin; Russ Gershon.

Photographers: Rick McLaughlin; Henry Cook.

Arrangers: Mulatu Astatqé; Russ Gershon; Tom Halter.

Personnel: Henry Cook (flute, baritone saxophone); Russ Gershon (soprano saxophone, tenor saxophone); Jeremy Udden (alto saxophone); Getatchew Mekurya (tenor saxophone); Kurtis Rivers (baritone saxophone); Colin Fisher, Tom Halter (trumpet); Joel Yennior (trombone); Greg Burk (piano, electric piano); Mulatu Astatqé (vibraphone, percussion); Rick McLaughlin (double bass); Vicente Lebron (congas, percussion).

Liner Note Authors: Francis Falceto; Russ Gershon.

Entertainment Weekly (No. 847, p.87) - "...[M]erging Ethiopian jazz with lush, Ellington-style arrangments and lively improv." - Grade: B+
Down Beat (p.70) - 3 stars out of 5 - "Gershon is effective on both tenor and soprano saxophone, Joel Yennior is fluid and intelligent on the trombone and Henry Cook's baritone saxophone work is especially noteworthy."
JazzTimes (p.86) - "On its own, Either/Orchestra fairs well with this music. Leader Russ Gershon delivers a muscular soprano-saxophone solo on 'Feqer Aydelem Wey'."