The Prester John Sessions Tommy T

Stepping out from the frantic energy of gypsy punk pioneers Gogol Bordello, bassist Tommy T embarked on a deeply personal musical journey with his 2009 solo debut, THE PRESTER JOHN SESSIONS. Released in collaboration with Easy Star Records, the album represents a striking departure from his usual punk rock stylings, offering instead a masterclass in global fusion and rhythmic storytelling.

Serving as an expansive aural travelogue of his native Ethiopia, the 11-track collection dives deep into the rich cultural tapestry of East Africa. Tommy T seamlessly blends the distinctive scales and sounds of traditional Ethiopian folk music with the deep, resonant grooves of dub, the improvisational spirit of jazz, and the infectious bounce of funk. The result is a vibrant soundscape that is both fiercely rooted in its heritage and effortlessly modern.  

The project is further elevated by a carefully curated cast of collaborators who help bring Tommy T's vision to life. Acclaimed Ethiopian vocalist Gigi lends her soaring, ethereal talents to standout tracks like "The Response" and "Eden," while the Michael Goldwasser remix of "Lifers" features fiery crossover contributions from Gogol Bordello bandmates Eugene Hutz and Pedro Erazo. The album's deeply evocative, cinematic quality even caught the ear of fellow cultural explorers, with its music later providing a fittingly atmospheric backdrop for Anthony Bourdain's celebrated Parts Unknown during his travels through Ethiopia.  

Ultimately, THE PRESTER JOHN SESSIONS stands as an effusive statement of Ethiopian diversity presented to a global audience. It remains a visionary jewel in the Easy Star catalog—a passionate, bass-driven exploration of world music that is an essential listen for dub aficionados and cultural explorers alike.