Aster Aweke
Country of origin:
Ethiopia
Type of music generally:
World/experimental rock/jazz
Status:
Most recent release, Chewa (2019)
See also:
Wikipedia's Aster Aweke page
Comparisons:
She's unique, though sometimes like Ella Fitzgerald, but her voice is higher. Aretha Franklin? (Neile)
Covers/own material:
About 20% traditional; 80% own material
General comments:
The Sarah Vaughn of Ethiopia. She improvises and her vocals are free-ranging. (jmgurley@drizzle.com)Uses her powerful voice like an instrument. Sometimes sounds like scat singing. Wild stuff and wonderful, unforgettable music. (Neile)
Recommended first album:
Kabu
Recordings include:
- Aster (1989)
- Kabu (1991)
- Ebo (1993)
- Live in London (1997)
- Hagere (1999)
- Sukar (2002)
- Aster's Ballads (2004)
- Fiker (Love) (2006)
- Checheho (2011)
- Ewedihalehu (2013)
- Chewa (2019)
Kabu
Release info:
1991—Columbia—CK 47846
Availability:
Wide in U.S.
Ecto priority:
Recommended
Comments:
Mostly jazz with only a few songs that only feature traditional instruments. Wonderful use of her voice and stylistic range. (jmgurley@drizzle.com)Definitely something unique and different—possibly not for all tastes, but I adore this. Her vocals are strong and the music powerful and invigorating. Just amazing, and overall highly, highly recommended. (Neile)
Thanks to Chris Montville for work on this entry.
