This seventh volume in the landmark series of Ethiopian jazz performances is a stunning example of cross-cultural alchemy. We love the organ-heavy R&B sound produced by Mahmoud Ahmed's band. But what really blows our minds is the dose of traditional Amharic musicality woven into these Western motifs, from their circular rhythmic patterns to Ahmed's distinct vocal, sung in the traditional Ethiopian five-note scale. He sounds perfect cooing over grooves like the smooth "Tezeta" and the funky "Belomi Benna".