Gétatchèw Mèkurya is the 'inventor' of a distinctive musical style. Amongst Ethiopia's vocal genres, there exists a form of singing that is purely warlik: epic and declamatory, harsh and hoarse-voiced: « shellela ». Gétatchèw had the idea of transposing the genre to his saxophone, creating a musical form that is daring, improvisational, angry and impetuous, a sort of free jazz before it's time.
"Ethiopiques 14" is a remarkable CD release by the legendary Ethiopian saxophonist Getatchew Mekurya, produced by Bud. This album stands out in the acclaimed Ethiopiques series for its unique blend of traditional Ethiopian melodies and powerful jazz improvisations. Mekurya?s expressive tenor saxophone delivers an intense, raw energy that bridges ancient musical traditions with modern sounds, making this recording essential for world music enthusiasts and jazz lovers alike. The label Bud is known for curating high-quality releases that spotlight exceptional artists from around the globe, ensuring each production meets rigorous standards of sound and presentation.
Getatchew Mekurya was one of Ethiopia's most influential musicians, often referred to as "the Negus of Ethiopian Sax." His career spanned decades during which he pioneered Ethio-jazz?a genre fusing native rhythms with free-form jazz elements. Internationally celebrated through collaborations with groups like The Ex and his prominent role in the Ethiopiques collection, Mekurya has left an indelible mark on global music culture.