Mulatu Astatke Delivers a Mesmerizing Farewell Tour, Pushing Boundaries Even at 81
As the father of Ethio-jazz, Mulatu Astatke has consistently pushed the boundaries of genre throughout his illustrious career. Even in his farewell tour, he refuses to ease up, instead delivering a set that is both exhilarating and thought-provoking.
Astatke takes the stage with an air of seriousness, exuding an unwavering demeanor that speaks volumes about his dedication to his craft. As he navigates through his extensive repertoire, it becomes clear that his fascination with his vibraphone is more than just a quirk – it's a defining characteristic that captivates the audience.
The setlist itself is a masterclass in musical eclecticism, showcasing Astatke's band and their individual talents. From James Arben's soulful saxophone solos to Byron Wallen's trumpet work, each musician brings their unique voice to the table. The highlight of the show comes when two Ethiopian musicians join the ensemble, adding an authentic touch with their traditional instruments – a masinko and krar.
But what truly sets Astatke apart is his willingness to experiment and take risks. Tracks like Yèkèrmo Sèw, which translates to "a man of experience and wisdom," showcase Astatke's mastery of melody and texture, weaving together disparate elements into a cohesive whole. His use of water-like arpeggios on the vibraphone is particularly noteworthy, conjuring an otherworldly atmosphere that draws the audience in.
Astatke's band also delivers standout performances, with Danny Keane's technical wizardry on the cello and Alexander Hawkins' grand piano prowess adding depth to the overall sound. Even the more experimental tracks, like Azmari, demonstrate a level of control and deliberation that belies their complexity.
Throughout the set, Astatke introduces his music with a sense of detachment, speaking little between songs but imbuing each performance with an unbridled passion. His music is a reflection of this – it's a whirlwind of sound that hurtles forward without hesitation, yet always retains a level of finesse and control.
The penultimate track, Mulatu, is a particularly poignant moment in the show, Astatke describing it as "a piece I composed for myself" with an air of introspection. The song itself is a meditation on sound and texture, featuring glittering bells and mystical keyboard work that conjures images of a wandering train of thought.
The encore, Yèkatit, is a fitting conclusion to the set – Astatke guides drummer John Scott in a haunting, muted whisper of cymbals, creating an almost hypnotic atmosphere. It's a testament to Astatke's reputation as a master of experimentation and control, always pushing the boundaries of what is possible while maintaining a level of deliberation that elevates his music to new heights.
As Mulatu Astatke brings his farewell tour to a close, it's clear that he will be deeply missed. But his legacy will live on through his music – a testament to his boundless creativity and passion for exploration.
As the father of Ethio-jazz, Mulatu Astatke has consistently pushed the boundaries of genre throughout his illustrious career. Even in his farewell tour, he refuses to ease up, instead delivering a set that is both exhilarating and thought-provoking.
Astatke takes the stage with an air of seriousness, exuding an unwavering demeanor that speaks volumes about his dedication to his craft. As he navigates through his extensive repertoire, it becomes clear that his fascination with his vibraphone is more than just a quirk – it's a defining characteristic that captivates the audience.
The setlist itself is a masterclass in musical eclecticism, showcasing Astatke's band and their individual talents. From James Arben's soulful saxophone solos to Byron Wallen's trumpet work, each musician brings their unique voice to the table. The highlight of the show comes when two Ethiopian musicians join the ensemble, adding an authentic touch with their traditional instruments – a masinko and krar.
But what truly sets Astatke apart is his willingness to experiment and take risks. Tracks like Yèkèrmo Sèw, which translates to "a man of experience and wisdom," showcase Astatke's mastery of melody and texture, weaving together disparate elements into a cohesive whole. His use of water-like arpeggios on the vibraphone is particularly noteworthy, conjuring an otherworldly atmosphere that draws the audience in.
Astatke's band also delivers standout performances, with Danny Keane's technical wizardry on the cello and Alexander Hawkins' grand piano prowess adding depth to the overall sound. Even the more experimental tracks, like Azmari, demonstrate a level of control and deliberation that belies their complexity.
Throughout the set, Astatke introduces his music with a sense of detachment, speaking little between songs but imbuing each performance with an unbridled passion. His music is a reflection of this – it's a whirlwind of sound that hurtles forward without hesitation, yet always retains a level of finesse and control.
The penultimate track, Mulatu, is a particularly poignant moment in the show, Astatke describing it as "a piece I composed for myself" with an air of introspection. The song itself is a meditation on sound and texture, featuring glittering bells and mystical keyboard work that conjures images of a wandering train of thought.
The encore, Yèkatit, is a fitting conclusion to the set – Astatke guides drummer John Scott in a haunting, muted whisper of cymbals, creating an almost hypnotic atmosphere. It's a testament to Astatke's reputation as a master of experimentation and control, always pushing the boundaries of what is possible while maintaining a level of deliberation that elevates his music to new heights.
As Mulatu Astatke brings his farewell tour to a close, it's clear that he will be deeply missed. But his legacy will live on through his music – a testament to his boundless creativity and passion for exploration.
... Mulatu Astatke is still killin' it at 81, pushin' boundaries like nobody's business 
! His farewell tour is actually a testament to his dedication and willingness to take risks 
. I mean, who needs ease up when you're this good? 
The way he weaves traditional Ethiopian instruments with modern sounds is pure magic 
. And let's be real, his passion is infectious 
. If more people took risks like Astatke does in their own careers, the world would be a way more interesting place 
.
at 81! His farewell tour is an ode to innovation, experimentation & mastery - the man's still got it! What I love most about him is how he refuses to play it safe, always pushing boundaries with his music. It's like he's constantly saying "watch me" - and honestly, who wouldn't? 
That vibraphone of his is mesmerizing and I'm still trying to wrap my head around the water-like arpeggios he uses. Like, how does he do that?! 
And those guest musicians adding their traditional instruments? Game-changer! The whole thing feels like a masterclass in musical eclecticism. What can I say, Mulatu Astatke's got me hooked for life 
- I'm so here for him pushing boundaries even at this age 
. The way he effortlessly wove traditional instruments with his vibraphone was giving me LIFE 
. And don't even get me started on the band's talents, Danny Keane's cello skills and Alexander Hawkins' piano wizardry were like, wow 
. Astatke's willingness to take risks is so inspiring 
. I'm not surprised he didn't hold back - his music is already a work of art 
. That final encore was giving me chills 
... anyway, it's clear Mulatu will be deeply missed, but his legacy will live on through his incredible music 
.
i loved how he still had it, takin it to 11 even at 81 lol. and that vibraphone tho 
it's like an extension of his soul or somethin. the way he wove all these different sounds together was pure magic 
.
I gotta say, Mulatu Astatke's farewell tour is like no other. The man's still got it, even at 81! 
what struck me most was how fearless he is in experimenting with sound - it's like he's saying 'hey world, i'm done playing by the rules' 
I'm totally blown away by Mulatu Astatke's farewell tour! 
.
. i loved how he experimented with traditional ethiopian instruments too - it added such a special touch 
.
.
.
. And that vibraphone of his? It's like an extension of his own voice 
. The band is so tight, and each musician has their own unique voice - it's like a symphony orchestra 
. Tracks like Yèkèrmo Sèw are pure masterclass - he weaves together different elements and creates something totally new and cohesive 
. It's like he's saying, "You know what? I'm 81 years old, and I'm not done yet!" 
And the way he interacts with his band members - it's like they're all having a conversation, creating music together 
. His music will live on for generations to come - and I'm honored to have witnessed it firsthand 
.