Famed Jazz Ensemble Addis Acoustic Project To Grace TreeHouse!

Any Jazz fans around? Ever heard of Ethiopian Jazz? Me neither. Well Roots International, the ‘makers’ of Thursdays Live at Choices Baricho Road bring you an event to remember! 

Teaming up with Zelalem Mulat, they present Addis Acoustic Project Live in Nairobi. My friend tells me he’s watched these guys play and play they do no holds barred! This however shall be a special sundowner concert at the Tree House Museum Hill (Intl Casino Complex). What’s in store? Unique sounds of Ethiopian Jazz and Popular music as presented by some of the best instrumentalists in Addis Ababa. Doesn’t that just whet your musical appetite?

The press release says that doors swing open at at around 4pm, whilst the concert itself commences at 6pm. Tickets are a paltry 1500ksh, paltry because this is a renowned jazz ensemble that has thrilled fans globally for a while now.  here to get them you ask? Nairobi Java House branches (Yaya, Junction, Gigiri, Sarit Ctr, ABC, Valley Arcade).  For more information please call 0733 374 885. Sunday 14th April.

I love press releases because they make my work easier, and also ensure I don’t cook up my own facts. This is what the group is described. ‘Comprised of some of Addis Ababa’s finest acoustic musicians, the “Addis Acoustic Project” brings forth Ethiopia’s popular tunes from the 1950s and 1960s in a new light. Directed and arranged by guitarist Girum Mezmur, the “Addis Acoustic Project” unfolds Ethiopian music from the past in a contemporary way. The group’s musical style has influences of traditional East-African, Jazz, and Latin.

The Band is composed of veteran musicians such as Ayele Mamo (Mandolin) and contemporary musicians Girum Mezmur (Guitar/Accordion/Arrangement), Henock Temesgen (Double Bass), Nathaniel Tesemma (Drums/Percussions), Aklilu Woldeyohannes (Clarinet and Flute), and Misale Legesse (Kebero/Percussions). 

The band has performed internationally at renowned festivals such as WOMEX 2009 in Copenhagen, Denmark, Selam Festival in Stockholm, Sweden as well as TFF Rudolstadt Festival in Rudolstadt, Germany. “Addis Acoustic Project’s soft, jazzy versions of Ethiopian vintage classics drift upwards… it’s a gentle groove with carefully rounded edges played on mandolin, accordion, clarinet, double-bass and drums.”  On taht day, the DJ Set by Zelalem.

TreeHouse seems to have cemented it’s place as the mecca of events in Nairobi. Here are some of the most recent events that have been held there. There was Tyranny Of Benga featuring Dan Aceda, Eric Wainaina, Atemi, Dela as well as The villagers. Just a fortnight before, Dela herself had a concert there. Read about it here, and see pictures here. 

To get acquainted with their music before hand, just listen to them on Youtube.