Hailu Mergia and the Walias Band - Tezeta
Tezeta is a set of recordings that are virtually unknown outside Ethiopia. Beautifully-rendered instrumentals of classic Ethiopian standards from The Master.
Description
Odds are, any Ethiopian over the age of 35 who had access to TV or radio by the early 90s, will instantly recognize the sound of Walias. What is not a given is, how many would actually identify the band itself. Barely a day went by without hearing the Walias either in the background on radio or as an accompaniment to various programs on TV.
This Tezeta album, the band’s second recording, released in 1975, is one of those that have been impossible to find for nearly three decades. Sourced by Awesome Tapes From Africa and expertly remastered by Jessica Thompson, its unique and funky renditions of standards and popular songs of the day are so quintessentially Walias, flavorful and evocative. Hailu's melodic organ, unashamedly front and center in every track, makes even the complex pieces accessible.
Profoundly engaging; it's an immersive trip down memory lane for those of us getting reacquainted with it, while also an enthralling and gratifying experience for fresh ears.
Originally released Cassette-only in 1975 on the band’s in-house label to fund their record store.
01. Tezeta
02. Endegena
03. Zengadyw Derekou
04. Gumegum
05. Nefas New Zemedie
06. Atmetalegnem Woi
07. Mestirawi Debdabe
08. Ou-Ou-Ta
09. Aya Belew Belew
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