Addis Ken

A quartet who draw from worldwide influences, Abate Berihun, Roy Mor, David Michaeli and Nitzan Birnbaum come together for 13 globally exciting jazz tracks.

The distinct mood of "Tefila" opens with Mor's dreamy piano alongside the soulful sax and expressive singing thanks to Berihun, and "Des Des" follows with the flowing keys amid Birnbaum's frisky drumming that enlists a charming energy.

Getting close to the middle, "Ya Zaman" makes great use of Michaeli's playfup upright bass that complements the colorful sax, while "Ashrei Haish" carries a warm melody that's textured with grace and plenty of harmonic gestures.

Rudi Bainesay's gorgeous guest vocals land on "Adam (Human)", which balances intimacy with exploration via the very capable players, and "Batti" exits with an emotive quality that's cinematic and swirls with grace and cultured ideas.

A diverse outing that pulls from Ethiopian Jewish traditions, pan-African rhythm and modern improvisation, the quartet flesh out an authentic and enlightening listening experience.