About This Release
The second single from the forthcoming EP, Lamentation – written by trombonist Willem De Mol, who delivered the song after two months alone in Russia – continues the Ethio vibe with a little Latin panache. The brass-led tone here is mysterious, the melody lingers. An almost surf-esque guitar solo transports the listener before the main groove on organ and brass recalibrates us to the solid rhythm.
Kolonel Djafaar has built up a reputation across Belgium for their roof raising live shows, reinterpreting the groove of Ethiopian jazz with a psych rock edge, a mindblowing big band brass section, and a touch of Afrobeat.
Formed in 2016, the band earned their stripes whipping crowds into a frenzy with a big band brass, Ethio-jazz meets Afrobeat sound, influenced by Mulatu Astatke, Budos Band and Fela Kuti.
With reputation on stage spreading, along with support from Radio Mukambo and Tropicalidad, the ensemble’s popularity grew across Belgium and beyond. The ensemble took the road to some of Europe’s most exciting festivals, notably Ghent Jazz, host to the likes of Mulatu and Kamasi Washington.
Cold Heat releases on 7th May 2021.