Mulatu Astatke

Mulatu Astatke's "Mulatu Steps Ahead," reissued by Strut, is a modern classic of Ethio-jazz. The album finds the genre's creator refining his signature sound, blending traditional Ethiopian scales with funk, jazz, and soul. The grooves are deep, the horn charts are hypnotic, and Astatke's vibraphone work is as captivating as ever. A testament to his enduring influence and a perfect entry point for those new to the intoxicating world of Ethio-jazz.