Mulatu Astatke – New York - Addis - London (The Story of Ethio Jazz 1965–1975)

The essential blueprint of Ethio jazz - haunting, hypnotic, and decades ahead of its time.

Vibraphonist, composer, and true pioneer Mulatu Astatke singlehandedly created Ethio jazz, blending traditional Ethiopian modes with the textures of Western jazz, Latin rhythms, and Afro-funk. This double LP retrospective from Strut Records charts his groundbreaking journey from early recordings in 1965 London to his landmark New York fusions and back to revolutionary Addis Ababa in the 1970s.

New York - Addis - London is the definitive anthology, sourced from rare recordings across Worthy, Amha, Axum, and Philips, presented with deep liner notes and unseen photographs from Mulatu’s personal archive. His music thrived during Ethiopia’s “golden age” and carried forward through war, exile, and rediscovery thanks to Ethiopiques and Jim Jarmusch’s film Broken Flowers.

Whether you’re crate-digging for spiritual jazz, Afrocentric groove, or a transportive experience unlike anything else, this is an absolutely foundational listen.

Note: All orders ship from France. VAT not charged (TVA non applicable, article 293 B du CGI). Worldwide shipping available. Images shown are mock-ups — actual vinyl may differ slightly.