Tags: Ethiopian Jazz

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: Another weighty slab of Ethiopian music history from Mr Bongo... First up is the hugely influential fusionist Mulatu Astatke with the Latin-meets-Afro jam "Assiyo Bellema". Loaded with frenetic guitars and mesmerising drum work from Frank Holder, this was actually recorded during Mulatu's time in London. Flip for an equally influential force in Ethiopian music: Soul Ekos Band affiliate Teshome Meteku with a more traditional local sound, Teshome's yearning insistent vocals wrap around the horns and tight drums like fog around a mountain. Captivating.