There was a time when new jazz records would take my breath away. Give me a new World Saxophone Quartet record or an Art Ensemble of Chicago record, and I knew I'd be in for a treat. That's happened less and less in recent years — that is, until now.

The jazz record that's going to carry me through the year is by Mulatu Astatke and The Heliocentrics, and it's called Inspiration, Information.

 

Mulatu Astatke is considered the father of Ethiopian jazz. He's teamed up with a London-based psychedelic jazz ensemble called The Heliocentrics.

If you like your jazz to be a wild ride, but with a good deal of melody to hang on to, then watch the video. On All Songs Considered Monday, I'll post a song online for you to hear.

Heard a great jazz record this year? Recommend it here.