Cast
Mulatu Astatke — Pianist, percussionist, vibraphonist
James Arben — Music director, clarinetist, saxophonist
Byron Wallen — Trumpeter
Daniel Keane — Cellist
Alexander Hawkins — Pianist
Jonathan Scott — Drummer
Richard Olatunde Baker — Percussionist
Matthew Ridley — Double bassist
Program notes
A pioneer and leading figure in Ethio-jazz, Mulatu Astatke continues to demonstrate that his work remains alive, active, and innovative. Accompanied by his ensemble, he showcases the characteristic sounds of the musical genre: vibraphone, percussion, brass, African and Eastern influences, all carried by hypnotic grooves and rhythms.
For this concert at La Villette, the percussionist and vibraphonist alternates between haunting melodies, dance-infused soundscapes, and meditative pulses, creating music that blends tradition with modernity. True to his style, Astatke offers an experience that is both immersive and accessible, animating Ethio-jazz in an ever-evolving creative motion.