An outstanding pianist and a remarkable composer, Emahoy Tsegué-Maryam Guébrou, now a Christian nun in a Jerusalem monastery, recorded her own piano solo works, seeped in Ethiopian culture. Their rich, personal poetry brings to mind Carlos d'Alessio's «India Song». A rare curiosity indeed, with beautiful melodies and a charming interpretation.

Excerpt from an interview with Norah Jones in the New York Times June 2, 2020 By Giovanni Russonello

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/06/02/arts/music/norah-jones-favorites.html

In a May phone call, Jones, 41, discussed the 10 cultural items, people and pastimes that are keeping her grounded during the pandemic. These are edited excerpts from the conversation.

1. Emahoy Tsegué-Maryam Guèbrou

I was at a party and somebody was playing something from the ''Ethiopiques'' series. And I'm like, OK, I have to go find that. It's this whole catalog of music from Ethiopia, mostly from the 1960s and '70s. It's this incredible compilation of music, all by different artists. And one that really stood out to me was this piano player. This album is one of the most beautiful things I've ever heard: part Duke Ellington, part modal scales, part the blues, part church music. It resonated in all those ways for me.

Track Listing

• The Homeless Wanderer
• The Last Tears of a Deceased
• A Young Girl's Complaint
• The Mad Man's Laughter
• Presentiment
• Mother's Love
• Ballad of the Spirits
• The Song of the Sea
• Homesickness, Pt. 1
• Golgotha
• The Jordan River Song
• The Garden of Gethesemanie
• Homesickness, Pt. 2
• The Story of the Wind
• Evening Breeze
• Tenkou Why Feel Sorry

Additional Details

Label: Buda Musique

Genre: World

Release Date: 02/14/06

UPC: 3341348601229