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  Gigi - Abyssinia Infinite
Zion Roots (Network Medien,
2003)
Ethiopia's 'gift from God,' better known as
Gigi
has returned with a sensational homage to traditional Ethiopian music, Zion Roots. While the songs here do not derive from the Ethiopian Orthodox
Church, they are colored by Gigi's earlier involvement with the church and
certainly she delivers a soulful experience on this disc. In fact, these
gorgeous songs will stop you in your tracks and you'll want to take a closer
listen. There are a few key ingredients to keep in mind. First, the stunning
vocalist has a broad range that never quits. One moment she appears to be
crooning a love song and the next moment her soprano vocals take on a variety of
syncopation that are absolutely incredible. Second, the recording produced by
her long-time collaborator Bill Laswell leaves plenty of space for Gigi's talent
to shine. And finally, the fact that these songs have returned after years of
exile (political turmoil of the Derg regime) is a miracle in itself.
Ethiopia (Abyssinia) has been around since Biblical times and many legends
surrounding the ancient country such as legends revolving around the Queen of
Sheba and Solomon still remain today. According to the CD liner notes, "The
hope of better things to come and the belief in a benevolent power greater than
oneself, have fueled love songs and hymns that have defined Ethiopian popular
music for generations." However, Gigi's generation, (she was born in 1974),
suffered 20 years under chaotic rule of the Derg regime. Musicians were either
thrown in prison or found themselves unemployed. Horns and live bands were
replaced with synthesizers and drum machines.
On an ironic note, Gigi's destiny led her to electronica producer Bill
Laswell. He produced Gigi's debut album (2001) which was released on Palm
Pictures. The recording featured mostly acoustic backing and boasted an array of
talented jazz players including, jazz saxophonists Pharoah Sanders and Wayne
Shorter. Then Laswell re-mixed the album and released it under the guise, Illuminated Audio. While I enjoyed the debut album, the re-mix left me cold. Zion Roots, however, blows me away with it's beauty, musical integrity
and innocence. The music is serene while bringing on a truly sacred experience
which can only resonate from acoustic instruments.
The songs might have originated in Ethiopia, yet they take on an
international flavor here. They are laced with Senegalese percussion, (Aiyb
Dieng), masterful tabla (Karsh
Kale), accordion/guitar (Tony Cedras of Paul Simon's Graceland), saxophone (Moges
Hable), and keyboards/programming (Bill Laswell and Abegasu Shiota). Laswell
even chips in acoustic guitar, a rare occasion indeed. Traditional musician,
Melaka Gelaw contributes washint (bamboo flute) and kirar (an African harp, also
referred to as King David's harp (Biblical reference). Together these musicians
journey over an aural landscape, peppered with polyphonic rhythms and syncopated
vocals. Monew Natana recalls Mali's jali tradition. Embe Ashafergne features
Karsh Kale's watery tabla beats and enhanced with hand claps.
Gole displays acoustic jungle beats and primal flute that eddies around
Gigi's vocals, sung in two languages, Amharic and her father tongue, Agewna. I
just hope that Laswell doesn't tamper with perfection and re-mix Gole as a DJ
track in the future. Aba Alem Lemenea is special to Gigi because it conveys its
spiritual significance to the singer. "That's a spiritual song I wrote about
a world that's peaceful and loving, but somehow we always end up harming nature
and harming ourselves or somebody else, whether we intend to or not." And if
that track doesn't grab your attention, listen to the lullabyesque Ethiopia, a
song in which Gigi's voice strokes and caresses every note.
Gigi is a high-calibre talent and not one to miss. You'll want to add this CD
to your collection as well as, your best of 2003 list.
Compliments of Cranky Crow World
Music. Where you will find a diverse selection of reviews of women
folk-roots musicians.
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