Mats Gustafsson, Paal Nilssen-Love, Mesele Asmamaw

"Baro 101" is a collaborative album by Swedish saxophonist Mats Gustafsson, Norwegian drummer Paal Nilssen-Love, and Ethiopian krar player Masele Asmamaw. Released by Terp Records, the album consists of two extended tracks that blend the raw intensity of Scandinavian free jazz with the hypnotic rhythms and melodic sensibilities of Ethiopian music. Asmamaw’s krar playing introduces a distinctive East African flavor, transforming what could have been a standard free improvisation session into a vibrant, cross-cultural exploration. The trio’s interplay is marked by spontaneity, energy, and a spirit of adventurous collaboration, resulting in a sound that is both challenging and deeply engaging.