Members of The Either/Orchestra with Mulatu Astake and Fasika Huile in Addis Ababa
 
In Ethiopia The Either/Orchestra had the opportunity to revive the music of Maestro Nerses Nalbandian, an Armenian who was the primary teacher, arranger and bandleader in Ethiopia from the 1930s-70s.
 
His music had not been played since before the communist revolution of 1974, and E/O leader Russ Gershon was given scores and recordings in order to reconstruct the music of this group.  The E/O played fourteen of his arrangements on the same stage you see pictured here - and we even wore tuxes!
 
The Nalbandian family and many of the old members of the Orchestra were present, and it was an indescribable experience to give so many people a chance to reexperience or experience for the first time this wonderful music.

The concert included the legendary free improv group, The Fringe, which features another sax giant, George Garzone. The concert culminated in a rousing double group improv with Marcello Pellitteri and Bob Gullotti, drums, Lello Molinari, bass, Josh Rosen, piano, Phil Grenadier, trumpet, George Garzone, tenor sax, and Joe Lovano, tenor sax.