The Ex

$15
with Special Guests Getatchew

Getatchew Mekuria is the most revered veteran of the Ethiopian saxophone. He is a real giant, both physically and musically. He started playing in 1947, and though he is in his seventies now, he is still in full voice - with a powerful, distinctive style of playing and a huge vibrato that plays around the vocal lines, using typically Ethiopian embellishments.

The Ex, often descibed as an avant-ethno-improv-punk band, toured Ethiopia twice and fell in love with its music. When the band held their 25th anniversary party they invited Getatchew to perform at the event. It would be Mekuria's first time traveling outside of Ethiopia but he not only accepted the offer, he blasted everyone off stage. He was so inspired that he suggested to The Ex that they record an album together. The result is unique mesh of Getatchew’s melodies and solos and The Ex’s rhythms, noise and vocals.