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| Hailu Mergia at Pioneer Works with Anbessa Orchestra During the golden years of Ethiopian music, as documented in the cult Ethiopiqueseries, Hailu Mergia was Ethiopia's most popular keyboard player. He was also the bandleader for the legendary Walias Band. In the early 80's, most members of the Walias band obtained political asylum while on tour in the US. HailuMergia settled in DC and spent most of his time driving a taxi, playing mostly for himself - until label Awesome Tapes from Africa released one of his lesser known solo album, the amazing Hailu Mergia & his Classical Instrument. The album was a masterpiece of quaint futurism, mixing vintage synth and drum machines with accordion and classic 1970's organs. It was an immediate critical success and kickstarted Hailu's second career. Hailu finally quit his driving gig and is now, again, a full time musician. His new project is a trio with DC-based musicians Alemseged Kebede and Kenneth Joseph. Kebede, who hails from Addis ababa as well, is deeply versed in the traditional songs in Mergia's catalog and is an active foil to Mergia's improvisational excursions. Joseph has toured the world with reggae bands including Culture and plays in Ethiopian bands around DC. In the past two years, Hailu has been active on the festival circuit here and in Europe. He was last seen in New York on a bill with Beirut at Radio City Hall. Anbessa Orchestra ANBESSA ORCHESTRA (formerly Lions) is a seven piece group based in New York that draws its inspiration from classic Ethiopian music. Anbessa's approach to the music is personal, but never strays far from the 60's and 70's sound of the original. They play some lesser known tunes from some of the Ethiopian masters as well as their own compositions. The result is an original sound that would have fit nicely on the Ethio-funk scene of 1970's Addis Ababa. Pioneer Works is a center for research and experimentation in contemporary culture. Through a broad range of educational programs, performances, arts and science residencies, and exhibitions, Pioneer Works seeks to transcend traditional disciplinary boundaries, foster community, and provide a space where alternative modes of thought are supported and activated in tangible ways. Pioneer Works, Center for Art & Innovation is located at: 159 Pioneer Street (between Imlay & Conover) Brooklyn, NY 11231 write your comments about the article :: © 2016 Jazz News :: home page |