You may have come across the mesmerizing music of Mulatu Astatke that was featured in the Jim Jarmusch film, Broken Flowers, as Bill Murray drove through America and his past relationships.
Mulatu Astatke is an Ethiopian musician and composer who’s specialty is the vibraphone, conga & percussion. He is known as the father of Ethio Jazz, a blend of Ethiopian traditional music with Latin Jazz. As a result of the boost in popularity due to the film soundtrack he has been touring more frequently in recent years. If you have not seen him live now’s your chance. It may be advisable to get tickets sooner rather than later.
Mulatu Astatke and Heliocentrics Live from Cargo London April 2008
There’s not a lot of video of this guy out there on the web, or pictures for that matter. Here’s an interview with him and the band.
Mulatu Astatke and the Heliocentrics Interview
Amsterdam gig details are here.
Some more tour dates:
Thursday 26 March 2009 - Gent, Belgium - Minnemeers
Saturday 4 April 2009 - Helsinki, Finland - Kulttuuritalo
Wednesday 8 April 2009 - Firenze, Florence, Italy - Auditorium Flog
Thursday 9 April 2009 - Rome, Italy - Circolo degli Artisti
April 13th, 2009 at 6:17 pm
Very nice information. Thanks for this.