released: may 24, 2024

genre: ethio-jazz

from: addis ababa, ethiopia

label: Muzikawi

a few thoughts: already an important name within the ethiopian jazz scene, as well as being mulatu astatke’s protege, jorga mesfin is a generational talent. the kindest one is his debut album, an expansive, intense and riveting body of work showcasing his incredible skills as a composer and producer. “thanksgiving (ምስጋና)” kicks the album off with stunning piano-led compositions that are powerful and moving in the energy they evoke, with subtle drumming that gives it a dynamic, unsettling groove. the moving, spiritual energy of the track is so powerful and so hypnotic i was totally immersed in it. after the haunting accordion-led “the portal (ዘ ፖርታል)”, the album finds its groove again with “longing (ሎንጊንግ)”, a bass and percussion-track, with moody and melodic soprano saxophone that is sublime and stunning. throughout. “pilgrimage (ጉዞ)”, with its incredible bass groove, is a jumpy, frantic moment on the album. “the kindest one (ከሁሉ የላቀው ደግ)” has an emphatic sax melody and immersive percussion that complement each other perfectly, with a dynamic yet smooth and reflective sound throughout. “tizita (ትዝታ)” is another hypnotic and beautiful moment, with its eerie energy, driven by the saxophone leads and the bass groove. “spring water (የምንጭ ውሃ)” has these emotive sax leads that cry over the subtle percussion and bass throughout. a tribal track, its beautiful melodies make it an immersive and spellbinding composition. “ye abay gizo (የአባይ ጉዞ)” closes the album out with a stunning an intense composition that is hypnotic in every sense of the word. the saxophone leads, the drumming, the sheer power and beauty of the arrangements throughout, all of it culminates in a moment of raw power and emotion. it’s a fitting way to close out an incredibly powerful album. jorga mesfin has really created a masterpiece with the kindest one, and i can’t wait to hear what more he has in store for us in the future.

the album: