Mulatu Astatke collaborates with Black Jesus Experience on new LP, To Know Without Knowing

A new release from the godfather of Ethio-jazz.

Ethio-jazz musician Mulatu Astatke is releasing a new collaborative album with eight-piece outfit Black Jesus Experience, called To Know Without Knowing, via Agogo Records this July.

Read more: An introduction to Ethio-Jazz in 10 records

Recorded between Addis Ababa and Melbourne, To Know Without Knowing melds Astatke’s improvisational work with Black Jesus Experience’s funk and jazz influences.

The album’s 9-tracks combine original compositions alongside reworkings of classic and traditional instrumentals such as ‘Kulun Mankwaleshi’ – an arrangement of an Ethiopian wedding song in the anchi-hoye scale.

To Know Without Knowing marks Astatke and Black Jesus Experience’s second album together, following the release of Cradle With Humanity in 2016.

Head here to pre-order a copy of To Know Without Knowing in advance of its 3rd July release, check out the artwork and tracklist below.

Tracklist:

1. Mulatu
2. Ambassa Lemdi
3. Kulun Mankwaleshi
4. Living On Stolen Land
5. To Know Without Knowing
6. Lijay
7. Blue Light
8. Mascaram Setaba
9. A Chance To Give