Addis Ken—“new day” in Amharic—is the name of the new ensemble of saxophonist and vocalist Abatte Barihun and pianist Roi Mor. Barihun, the foremost Israeli-Ethiopian musician and a highly esteemed international artist, brings us original melodies combined with Jewish-Ethiopian soul music passed on from generation to generation and ancient and traditional texts. The result is a moving encounter between ancient Ethiopian tradition and an adventurous modern jazz combo, grounded in blues and deep, sensual groove. The ensemble will host singer-composer Adoniya Goada, who plays the masenqo—a traditional Ethiopian violin, also known as David’s harp.
Abatte Barihun, vocals, saxophone; Roi Mor, piano; David Michaeli, bass; Nitzan Birnbaum, drums; Adoniya Goada, masenqo, vocals
Abatte Barihun and the Addis Ken project. Photo: Yoel Levy