Los Angeles-based multi-instrumentalist, producer, and composer Dexter Story follows up his critically-acclaimed 2015 full-length album Wondem, and 2016 standout single “Wejene Aola” featuring saxophonist Kamasi Washington with a great new album on Soundway, titled Bahir.

Much like his first release for the London-based Soundway label, this expansive new 13-track recording is heavily influenced by Dexter’s travels through East Africa. His conscience effort to feature musicians from both Africa, and the Los Angeles music scene, help produce a truly unique sound that brilliantly fuses together Ethio-jazz, Afro-funk, Tuareg grooves, ekista dance rhythms, Somalian soul, and jazz melodies.

Some of the notable collaborators include producer and trumpeter Josef Leimberg, multi-instrumentalist Miguel Atwood-Ferguson, violinist/vocalist Brittney Parks (aka Sudan Archives), Ethiopian singer Hamelmal Abate, and notable Ethiopian producer Endeguena Mulu.

Through his own lens, Story has creating a fascinating, forward-thinking, and musically rich album that dives deep into the contemporary sounds and musical traditions of East Africa.

Also, shoutout to Lewis Heriz (of Sofrito collective) who created the album’s incredible artwork!

Dexter Story — ‘Bahir’
(Soundway)

1. Techawit
2. Bila (feat. Kibrom Birhane)
3. Gold (feat. Sudan Archives)
4. Ras (feat. Haile Supreme)
5. Mamdooh
6. Buna Be Chow (feat. Jimetta Rose)
7. Electric Gurage
8. Jijiga Jijiya (feat. Marie Daulne)
9. Chemin De Fer
10. Desta’s Groove
11. Shuruba Song (feat. Hamelmal Abate)
12. Bahir (feat. Endeguena Mulu)
13. Abebaye (feat. Marie Daulne)

BUY RECORD

• African
• New Releases