Join Cary Library and Russ Gershon for a deep dive into modern Ethiopian pop and Ethiojazz. His talk will weave together stories about how the Emperor Haile Selassie, became interested in military band music and other Western forms, which led to the development of modern Ethiopian pop and Ethiojazz and how this music drew Russ and his colleagues in the Either/Orchestra into its spell. This path led them to Ethiopia and into collaborations with the very musicians whose work they had been admiring and interpreting. Russ will share selected videos and recordings of historic Ethiopian performers, including some that have never been released. He will also talk about how he and the Either/Orchestra have attempted to put their own stamp on Ethiopian songs and styles. Russ will share tales of working with Mulatu Astatke, Mahmoud Ahmed, Teshome Mitiku, Getachew Mekurya, Alemayehu Eshete, Girma Negash and many others. There will also be a discussion of Francis Falceto, the French promoter and researcher whose passion and efforts have done much to connect Ethiopian music to the world.

Russ Gershon has been on the Boston and international music scene since 1980, as a saxophonist, composer, bandleader, record company founder, radio announcer and educator. Best known for his Grammy-nominated ten piece jazz ensemble the Either/Orchestra, he has also been deeply involved with the worlds of rock, Latin and classical music. He has a special interest in the music and musicians of Ethiopia, having performed there with the Either/Orchestra and having worked with many top Ethiopian musicians.

There will be time for Q&A at the end of the program. This program is in partnership with the Lexington Public Schools Jazz Program.