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Aster Aweke

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

Aster Aweke's MySpace page

Comparisons:

She's unique, though sometimes like Ella Fitzgerald, but her voice is higher. Aretha Franklin? (Neile)

Najma. (jmgurley@drizzle.com)

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.

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Artists commented on by
jmgurley @ drizzle.com

36 entries

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Laurie Anderson

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Aster Aweke

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Entry last updated 2021-11-03 22:34:19.
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