Yeah, all the "Addis Ababa Swing" stuff is righteous. These guys were obviously versed in Arab and African music, then they heard be-bop, then they heard funk and they created something so wonderfully cool. It didn't last long, but what those cats left behind is pretty special. I highly recommend Ethiopiques, Vol. 8: Swinging Addis -- it's killer. (all the Ethipiques CDs are, in fact)

I can hear what you mean by accessible. It's kind of fun to hear a bit of black American music going overseas and influencing the influencers.
Jon Bard said:Haven't seen this mentioned, so I'll toss in my two cents for something amazingly fresh and yet thoroughly accessible. This guy's amazing:

