Featured Artist: Tommy T – “The Prester John Sessions”

Artist: Tommy T
Title: The Prester John Sessions
Label: Easy Star Records
Genre: African : Reggae
UPC: 702932003424
Territory: World
Release Date: 11.10.09

Most people know Tommy T as the bass player for the gypsy-punk powerhouse Gogol Bordello. His thumping rhythms set the undercurrent for GB’s unique grooves. Growing up surrounded by music in Ethiopia, helps Tommy bring a globally oriented sense of rhythm to his bass playing. On his new record The Prester John Sessions Tommy takes the listener on a journey through Ethopian rhythms and gives us a sampling of the amazing music played in Ethiopia today. The record features 11 tracks including a remix featuring fellow GB band mates Eugene Hutz and Pedro Erazo mixed by Michael Goldwasser of the Easy Star All-Stars. It also features Gigi, one of the most popular modern Ethiopian singers, on two tracks.

“In the 70s, funk, wah-wah pedals, and jazz had a huge impact on Ethiopian music,” Tommy explains. “The Prester John Sessions will give people an idea about the musical diversity of Ethiopia, which includes influences and ideas borrowed from the sounds of the 70’s with the added bonus of up-to-date production values.”

The Prester John Sessions takes the listener on a journey through funk, jazz, reggae, dub and traditional Ethiopian rhythms all masterfully woven together by Tommy. It is an education in modern Ethiopian music and a voyage back through the sounds of the 70’s. Tommy gets to show off his versatility playing many different instruments not including the bass.

“I believe in music without boundaries,” Tommy says. “Music should be inclusive, not exclusive. People who love music know the best music is created without boundaries and limitations. The Prester John Sessions take that idea to the next level.”

Here’s track featuring Gigi:
Tommy T
“The Response (featuring Gigi)” (mp3)
from “The Prester John Sessions”
(Easy Star Records)