24 Sept 2012

Live Review: Krar Collective at RichMix

By Julia Morris

Kicking off their Making Tracks tour in a whirlwind of Ethiopian song, krar grooves and fantastical dance moves, Krar Collective swept us up into an Addis-soaked night far removed from the streets of East London’s Rich Mix. Led by krar wizard Temesgen Taraken, former star pupil of Ethio-jazz legend Mulatu Astatke, this special album launch show saw the normal trio of krar, vocals and percussion expanded into a lineup that also featured saxophone, bass krar, dancers and guest vocalist.

After a haunting opening ballad from singer Genet Assefa, the band embarked on a rocking set, madly exchanging intricate rhythms and melodies to the deep beats of the kebero drums. Amharic popular songs were sounded in counterpoint to Ethio-jazz numbers from Addis’ 1960s/70s ‘Golden Years’ to weave a truly unique mesh of Ethiopian styles. This was all augmented by Temesgen’s electrifying performance on the krar, the ancient six-stringed Ethiopian lyre, fully showcasing his skills as he strummed driving riffs that would rival any rock guitarist.

14 Sept 2012

Krar Collective open the new season

London-based Ethiopian trio Krar Collective are ready for the first Making Tracks tour this season, starting next week.