Over the past decade, Max Weissenfeldt’s Berlin-based Philophon label has released some of the best modern day Ethio-jazz and African-influenced groove oriented recordings, mostly in 7inch form. Recently, the label’s studio group The Band of Enlightenment, Reason & Love have put out their first release under their own name.

This brilliant two-track single features two funky dubbed-out gems, including an instrumental version of Alogte Oho’s 2013 “Zota Yinne,” and the spacey-groover “Starlet Road Filling Station Romance.” The recording also features special guest Jimi Tenor playing flute and synth on the A side, while on the flip the multi-instrumentalist is featured on saxophone.

Overall, this is a solid debut from a talented group of musicians that have been a foundational piece to some of the label’s most notable recordings. We can only hope that more releases from this band are in the works.

The Band Of Enlightenment, Reason & Love feat. Jimi Tenor — ‘Zota Yinne’
(Philophon)

A SIDE: Zota Yinne (version)
B SIDE: Starlet Road Filling Station Romance (version)

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