REVIEW : ANBESSA ORCHESTRA
Anbessa Orchestra performs Ethiopian jazz and funk songs in New York City. For those who don’t know Anbessa means Lion, and it is an important and powerful symbol for the people of Ethiopia. The seven-piece orchestra consists of composer Nadav Peled on guitar, Wayne Tucker on trumpet, Eyal Vilner on alto saxophone, Eden Bareket on baritone saxophone, Dor Heled on keyboard, Tamir Shmerling on bass, and the magical Eran Fink on drums. For several years the group has done rocking New Year’s Eve shows at international music venue Barbés. You can also find them at Brooklyn Bowl, Pianos, Rockwood, etc. They pull from diverse influences but stay true to African funk. The group themselves are not Ethiopian, with members hailing from Israel and New York. One member began their musical journey with western music, progressed to Reggae and then found Ethiopian Funk, but you’d swear you were hearing a 1960’s Alemayehu Eshete. They have a great high energy live performance with surfy guitar licks, banging horn sections and intricate drum-work. Erán Fink’s drumming is elaborate and driving: almost surgically quick.
For those unfamiliar with Ethiopian funk, it has similarities to other styles. Many of the scales and tones feel Middle Eastern or Indian. There is an air of surf rock undercutting the Afro jazz drums. Long psychedelic guitar and horn jams are standard. Punchy horn sections reminiscent of old soul music carve through the melodies. Anbessa has it all.
Their self-titled debut EP is full of original music and classic tunes from Ethiopia. Right from the start of the album, you’re transported to a freaky tropical other-world. The tunes are addictively smooth and take you on a jamming journey. There are few keeping this music alive and fewer playing it in North America. Keep an eye on Anbessa Orchestra and buy their albums and merchandise!
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