I am a bassist, composer, heartfelt thinker and a music editor to the beloved Monarch Review. This is my editorial column where I speak my heart and mind on my life, music, cultural and social issues. I am looking forward to sharing with you and hearing your perspectives and feedback on this new endeavor.

I begin the first installment of Notes on the eve of a very exciting and life-changing trip to East Africa. I will be performing with Meklit Hadero at the Music Without Boundaries Festival in Addis Ababa, Harar and Gondar in Ethiopia, and a concert in Nairobi, Kenya.

Meklit Hadero is a gifted songwriter, sublime singer and engaging performer born in Ethiopia and raised in the U.S. I have been honored to be Meklit’s touring bassist over the last year and this trip is culmination of something grand, beautiful and special.

In addition to performing I will be gathering field recordings for a collaborative project between The Monarch Review and Seattle emcee/producer and composer Spekulation documenting the diverse tapestry of music I will hear in Ethiopia. The recordings will be turned into and will inspire new music created by both myself and Spekulation. Like most aspects of this trip, I have no expectations for this project, just an openness to the environment and trust of my intuition to encounter wonder.

At this moment, I am in the air within 30 minutes of touching down in Newark before heading to New York City, D.C  and then ETHIOPIA. From the plane window, I am looking at one of the most glorious sunrises I’ve ever seen, and I feel something vast and inspiring. I look forward to sharing with you more as this journey unfolds.

In Love and In Joy,

Evan