Search - Samuel Yirga :: Guzo

Samuel Yirga is a young Ethiopian pianist who was introduced to Real World through his
work with Ethio-fusion collective Dub Colossus. Influenced by Keith Jarrett and Herbie
Hancock, he nonetheless creates his own highly unique style, experimenting with the
music of his ethnic roots, American jazz, soul and r&b, Latin and classical music. Despite
being in his early 20s and a recent alumnus of Addis Ababa s Yared School of Music, he
has developed at a remarkable pace as both player and composer, and is already being
heralded as one of his country s most promising young musicians.
GUZO, which means journey in Sammy s native Amharic, was recorded partly in Addis and
partly at England s Real World Studios. Produced by Dubulah -- aka Nick Page, the UK
musician/producer behind TransGlobal Underground, Dub Colossus and Temple of Sound
-- it explores both the traditional musical history of Ethiopia and the modern Ethiojazz that
has brought the country s music to international attention. The album also ventures into bigband
brass ensembles, soul and funk, and simmers with deeply impassioned piano solos
that clearly mark Samuel Yirga as a major emerging talent.