“Who’s this? The Sorcerers? It’s cool! This is great. Give me the cd man!” – Mulatu Astatke
Taking influences from Ethiopiques ethiojazz as well as the soundtracks to the European horror films of the 60s and 70s, The Sorcerers seamlessly blend these disparate elements into one cohesive package. Based in ATA Records’ home of Leeds, The Sorcerers are made up of the cream of the city’s jazz and world scene. Forming the backbone of the ATA Records house band they incorporate bass clarinets, flutes, and vibraphone alongside bass, guitar organ and drums, providing Ellingtonian textures on top of a solid rhythmic foundation.
After featuring on the “Funk, Soul & Afro rarities: An Introduction to ATA Records” compilation from Here and Now records last year, they set to work recording a full length LP at the studios of record label ATA Records.
“The Sorcerers are the Ethiopiques of the modern age”
– Jazzman Gerald.
Initially inspired by the work of Ethiopian composer Mulatu Astatke, the Sorcerers have deftly incorporated a wide breadth of musical influences from the creepy metallic textures and quietly insistent rhythm section of “Pinch Of The Death Nerve” through to the Moondogesque melodies of the Viking of 5th street and the KPM inspired orchestration of closing track night of the sorcerer. The LP also includes an alternate version of “Cave Of Brahma”, a heavily Mulatu influenced track that featured on the ATA Records compilation. The album has a dark undercurrent that weaves throughout all 8 tracks, underpinning the album with an unsettling and evocative theme.
“Exotic woodwind melodies and solos. The bass clarinet fits perfectly with the ethio vibe.”
– Jimi Tenor
Support comes from Jazzman Gerald, Jimi Tenor, Shawn Lee, Nightmares On Wax and Mulatu Astatke himself who heard the album during a recent trip to London. On hearing the record he exclaimed “Who’s this? The Sorcerers? It’s cool! This is great. Give me the cd man!”. He has since gone on to play The Sorcerers on his Addis Ababa radio show.
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