Ethio Cali is a Los Angeles-based Ethio-Jazz ensemble, led by trumpeter, arranger, and composer Todd Simon. The ensemble’s sublime sound is inspired by the golden age of Ethiopian music of the 1960’s and 70’s, filtered through a lens that is uniquely Los Angeles. Acknowledging the diverse musical foundations of Ethio-Jazz, the ensemble also draws inspiration from the rhythmic and melodic textures across Africa, Central/Latin America and the Caribbean.
An important part of the Los Angeles arts community, Ethio Cali has performed at Music Tastes Good, Grand Performances, LACMA, the Broad Stage, Levitt Pavilion, the Blue Whale and many other top venues.
Ethio Cali features:
Todd Simon – Trumpet, Flugelhorn, Music Director
Randal Fisher – Tenor Saxophone, Baritone Saxophone, Flute
Tylana Renga – Violin
Alan Lightner – Steel Pan
Kibrom Birhane – Keys and Vocals
Nadav Peled – Guitar
Brandon Owens – Bass
Kahlil Cummings & Steve Haney – Percussion
Te’Amir Yohannes Sweeney – Drums
Extended Family:
Kamasi Washington – Tenor Saxophone
Justo Almario– Tenor Saxophone, Alto Saxophone, Flute, Clarinet