Abyssinia Infinite

Zion Roots

Network

www.networkmedien.de

Abyssinia Infinite is the latest from Gigi and renowned world music producer Bill Laswell. This music attempts to bridge the pre-Derg regime Ethiopia with modern day Ethiopia through a return to traditional songs and instrumentation. The album is a return to "Zion Roots" (Biblical Zion is believed to be modern day Ethiopa by natives there) and features many well-known world artists such as Tony Cedras (Paul Simon's 'Graceland'), Bill Laswell, Sengalese percussionist Aiyb Dieng, and others. I highly suggest reading up on Ethiopian modern history as that makes the album all the more intriguing.

Musically, "Zion Roots" has a beautiful feel to it. It flows very organically and is tremendously uplifting to listen too, especially on tracks like "Alesema" and "Gedawo". I have very little idea of what is being said but I feel like I'm a part of it. The music here transcends the language at every turn. It's about feelings more than it's about words and there are few vocalists who could deliver it like that outside of Gigi. Gigi and Bill Laswell are an exceptional team and "Zion Roots" only serves to reaffirm that. Any fan of world music or any one looking for something to challenge your perceptions and expand your horizons should check out this album.

Key Song: "Alesema"

Reviewed by: Mark Fisher