Ethiopian music, epitomized by Mulatu Astatke, blends Western soul and R&B influences with a native African sensibility. Some tracks carry polyrhythms and irregular rhythms in which a second groove seems to layer over the main groove on a different time axis, along with a refined yet powerful dance feel — one of the highlights of African and outernational music. Its dignified, upright nobility, with religious spirituality felt in the background, is another part of its appeal. This is also the country once ruled by Haile Selassie I. The compilation features Mulatu Astatke-related material such as the WALLIAS BAND he formed, key keyboardist GIRMA BÈYÈNÈ, MAHMOUD AHMED (once a singer in the employ of Haile Selassie I), and legendary saxophonist GÉTATCHÈW MÈKURYA, who later returned to the spotlight through his collaboration with avant post-punk band THE EX and remained active throughout his life. (Original Japanese text by Saito)