Getachew Mekurya & The Ex

GOM is completely geeked about tomorrow's performance of legendary Ethiopian saxophonist Getatchew Mekurya (sometimes spelled Mekuria). It's his first ever NYC appearance with our favorite Dutch band, the Ex, who have been playing off and on with Mekurya since the band visited Ethiopia and fell in love with his Shellele style. If you haven't heard their 2006 collaboration Moa Anbessa, I'd get on it. It's a powerful combo of Mekurya's roaring jazz figures unhinging over The Ex's propulsive mix of post-punk, avant and free improv.

August 20th
Lincoln Center/Damrosch Park Bandshell
W 62nd Street & Amsterdam, Manhattan
6:00-10:00 PM
Free to the Public

also performing:

Mahmoud Ahmed and Alemayehu Shete with Either/Orchestra and Extra Golden.

Question Mark + Sin Sisamouth + DeadHeat (This Thursday!)

As I blindly feel my way through this week's DeadHeat playlist possibles, here are a couple of "international" rock tracks. Enjoy and hope to see you in person on Thursday from 8-11@ Bowery Electric (327 Bowery @ 2nd Street).

Question Mark - Freaking Out

Originally on the 1977 LP, Be Nice To People (EMI Nigeria), this is a solid hard rock jam from Nigerian-based group, Question Mark. This one is also on the awesome Nigeria Rock Special comp releassed earlier this summer.

Sin Sisamouth - Biting Game

This one is from the Cambodian Rocks IV comp...been out for awhile but I just picked it up...Lots of vibrant sounds from some other amazing Cambodian artists but I just can't get past The King of Khmer. He's the best. You can learn more about his life at his wiki page.