Ethiopiques 17
"...Volume 17--a 70-minute dose of fervent soul belter Tlahoun Gessesse--is another East African groove bomb in what now seems like the Ethiopiques tradition. Not as seductive as Mahmoud Ahmed (Volumes 6 and 7), or as frantic as Alemeyehu Ashete (Volume 9), Gessesse holds verbal court over grooves that float and bob like a funk band from Mars. Many of the horn melodies here could, and probably did, charm snakes and cast out demons. Aside from the distinction of being a pan-African sensation (the first from Ethiopia), he was also politically outspoken, getting himself arrested during the 1960 coup. (Those familiar with Volume 3 of the series have already experienced a small sampling of Gessesse, and Buda is promising more to come from this still-active superstar.)"  From Pittsburgh City Paper, 3/18/2004 By Bruce MillerAlthough he is almost completely unknown to Western audiences, for Ethiopians Tlahoun Gèssèssè is "The Voice"--an absolute, unequalled icon for the entire country, rising above ethnic and linguistic divides. Based around seven modernist pieces, arranged by the brilliant and innovative Mullatu Astagé, this disc also presents ten other songs featuring various accompaniment: the Army Band, Exhibition Band, Police Orchestra and more.