Origin Records artist: Abate Berihun & The Addis Ken Project - Addis Ken - New Release Review
I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Addis Ken , from Abate Berihun & The Addis Ken Project and it's a terrific blend of African rhythms, Ethiopian , Jewish and modern influences. Opening with Tefila , Abate Berihun sings and plays a soulful melody on sax, surrounded by the improvisational piano work of Roy Mor , David Michaeli on bass and Nitzan Birnbaum on drums. Earthy opener. One For Roy has a terrific bottom and rich sax melody. With Mor on piano, working with Michaeli and Birnbaum on rhythm this really is a terrific track. Michaeli steps out on upright bass creating a sub melody and Berihun structures a super vocal melody chased by Birbaum on drums. Nice! Ya Zaman has a move western contemporary feel with a stiff drum kick, and beautiful sax lead. Mor emphasizes the rhythm and stretches nicely on piano creating bringing it back for another terrific entry. Anchi Jazz has a strong klezmer feel with excellent drumming by Birnbaum and strong s...