Mulatu Astatke

It has been an amazing month for live music in Brighton and the the father of Ethio-jazz made a great contribution at the Komedia last night. Leading a crack seven piece band the venerable composer and bandleader seemed delighted with both the music they were making and the reception it received. Mulatu mainly played vibes; band highlights included an extraordinary cellist and a friendly competition between the sax/flute man (honking circular breathing about three minutes in to the first number) and a fine trumpeter. Irresistible grooves, haunting themes, great playing...