Ethio-jazz with piano, keys and accordion by Hailu Mergia, who’s been rediscovered by Awesome Tapes from Africa. Featuring double bassist Mike Majkowski and drummer Tony Buck (The Necks).

Hailu Mergia is a flag bearer of ethio-jazz, the incredibly swinging mix of jazz, soul and Ethiopian music that had its heydays in the 1960s and 70s. Founder Mulatu Astatke has already performed at the Bimhuis an now it’s keyboard player Hailu Mergia’s turn. His old recordings have been reissued recently by the label Awesome Tapes from Africa. His playing on electric piano, organ, melodica and accordion breathes the spirit of the golden age, when he celebrated success with The Walias Band. Their soul funk instrumental ‘Muziqawi Silt’ is one of the highlights of ethio-jazz.

In his current trio Hailu Mergia plays with double bassist Mike Majkowski and drummer Tony Buck, both Australians living in Berlin. Tony Buck is one of the founding members of improv trio The Necks.

‘The music is simple and straightforward, accomplished but not showy. It feels at once rural, nostalgic, and futuristic. It’s not quite like anything else you’ve ever heard’ (Pitchfork).

PROGRAM:
19:30 Hall opens: DJ Tienson (Jungle By Night)
20:30 Zea & Oscar Jan Hoogland
21:30 Hailu Mergia
DJ Tienson (Jungle By Night)

Zea
is the solo alias of Arnold de Boers, vocalist in The Ex; using a
minimal set-up of guitar and sampler, he creates eclectic grimy future
folk with a big love for Ethiopian music. Joyfully obstinate. Especially
for this night, Zea will be joined by pianist Oscar Jan Hoogland.

Ticket sales via Muziekgebouw aan ’t IJ. Tel 020 – 7882000.

LOCATIE: SMALL HALL MUZIEKGEBOUW AAN ‘T IJ