ATA Vinyl & CDs

Review: Orchestra Mambo International pays vibrant tribute to the golden era of mambo with their latest singles, 'Mambo Te Llama' and 'Del Callejon.' Drawing inspiration from the legendary Tito Puente, the band infuses uptempo Latin dance rhythms and punchy brass arrangements reminiscent of the mambo craze that swept the world in the mid-20th century. 'Mambo Te Llama' captures the essence of the genre with its infectious Afro-Cuban rhythms and lively instrumentation. The track features stellar piano, trombone, and conga solos, keeping the flame of mambo alive with its energetic delivery. On 'Del Callejon,' Orchestra Mambo International showcases a slower mambo groove, accompanied by soulful vibes and captivating solos on timbales, trombone, and trumpet. The incorporation of vibes, popularized by Tito Puente and Cal Tjader in the 1950s, adds a classic touch to the composition, paying homage to the mambo vibes style while infusing it with their unique flair. Both tracks, exemplify Orchestra Mambo International's dedication to preserving and revitalising the spirit of mambo music with their fiery performances and authentic homage to the genre's roots.

Review: The Sorcerers usher in something of a new era here with Exit Athens, which is a further investigation of the worlds of Ethio-jazz and library music from the 60s and 70s. Now the group consists of Joost Hendrickx who has made his mark with the likes of Kefaya, Shatner's Bassoon and Abstract Orchestra, as well as Richard Ormrod on saxes, keys and flutes and ATA label head and bassist Neil Innes. The rhythms here are driving and funky with exotic percussion and plenty of vintage keys as well as great combinations of horns, flutes and vibes. It's a maximal sound but one drenched in soul and which immediately transports you to another world.

Review: The Sorcerers have been a mainstay of the ATA Records imprint since it was founded in their home city of Leeds back in 2015. Here, the Yorkshire combo, whose primary influences have always been Ethopian "Ethio-jazz" and obscure European horror soundtracks, return to action with a heavyweight dancefloor workout. In truth "In Search of Sha Hulud" is a far more funk-fuelled affair than you might expect, with exoitic Middle Eastern melodies and fluttering flute solos rising above killer drum breaks and a seriously heavy bassline. Turn to the flipside for "The Anderson Spectrum", a pitched-down, 1960s style library funk jam credited to The Yorkshire Film and Television Orchestra, which appears to be another project helmed by leading members of the Sorcerers.

Review: These two tracks first appeared on ATA Records's free download series "Hard Work, No Pay" and have been much requested on vinyl ever since. Well now, here they are, after plenty of high profile plays from the likes of BBC 6 Music's Craig Charles Funk & Soul Show And The Huey Morgan Show. The Yorkshire Film and Television Orchestra is a project from ATA label bosses Neil Innes & Pete Williams as well a multi-instrumentalist and arranger Steve Parry. Here they offer up two different but equally brillaint tunes - some high speed 60s funk with more than a hint of Northern Soul swing on the a-side, and the tender, blue eyed soul of Rachel Modest's 'I (Who Have Nothing).'