This week’s selection comes from another one of our trusty interns. When Will’s not working with us here at Phonica he host a radio show on Balamii and also records some pretty great music (one release in particular will be on our own Phonica Records imprint) which you can hear on his soundcloud. You can catch will playing next at The Bussey Building in Peckham opening up for Patrick Forge and Alexander Nut on Friday the 19th of February. More info here.
Mr Bongo continue their string of wicked reissues with one of the latest from Mulatu Astatke and Ayalew Mesfin on their Africa 45 Label. Both are legends in their field and this record acts as the perfect entry for anyone wanting to explore the Afrobeat/Ethiopian Jazz world.
Gedawo by Mesfin is a dancefloor groover which is carried by claps alongside soaring horn lines, and call and response vocals whereas the flip, Gedawo, is a darker, smoother and more laid back track with gorgeous guitar lines and beautiful touches of flute.
The record is a perfect balance between a track which would work great on the dancefloor and one which i’d save for relaxing at home (or a smokey basement bar), which is why it has become one of my favorite recently released Mr Bongo 7″s.
They’re a label to watch and constantly churning out great music, so keep an eye on them.
