Biography
The Sorcerers are a Leeds-based instrumental group formed in 2015, known for their innovative fusion of Ethiopian jazz, jazz funk, and cinematic soundscapes. The band was conceived when guitarist Pete Williams and bassist Neil Innes, inspired by the sounds of Ethio-jazz legends like Mulatu Astatke and Tilahun Gessesse, wrote an Ethio-inspired piece for a 7" single. The overwhelmingly positive response led them to expand the project into a full-fledged band, eventually joined by drummer Joost Hendrickx, pianist Johnny Richards, and multi-instrumentalist Richard Ormrod. Their debut album, released on ATA Records, established them as a standout act in the vibrant Leeds music scene, blending the hypnotic grooves of 1960s and 70s Ethiopian music with elements of European horror film soundtracks, library music, and funk.[1][2][4][6][7]
Throughout their career, The Sorcerers have remained committed to honoring the roots of Ethio-jazz while pushing its boundaries. Their creative process often involves improvisation and experimentation, with influences ranging from American composer Moondog to Brazilian multi-instrumentalist Hermeto Pascoal, and Nigerian synth-funk pioneer William Onyeabor. The band records and produces their music in-house at ATA Studios, with a core group of musicians frequently collaborating across various projects on the label. Their third album, 'I Too Am A Stranger,' released after a four-year hiatus, further cements their reputation for crafting atmospheric, groove-driven music that pays homage to its inspirations while remaining distinctly their own.[1][3][4][7]
The Sorcerers' legacy lies in their ability to reimagine Ethio-jazz through a Yorkshire lens, creating a sound that is both respectful of its origins and refreshingly original. Their work has been championed by figures like Jazzman Gerald and has contributed to a renewed interest in global jazz fusion within the UK and beyond.[2][7]
Fun Facts
- The Sorcerers were originally conceived as a one-off project for a 7" single but became a full band after the music received overwhelming positive feedback.
- Their music is recorded in-house at ATA Studios in Leeds, with the studio itself being rebuilt and upgraded during the COVID-19 pandemic by Neil Innes.
- The band draws inspiration not only from Ethiopian jazz but also from European horror film soundtracks and library music, giving their sound a cinematic edge.
- Despite being active for nearly a decade, their first live tour only took place in Denmark, years after their formation.
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Mulatu Astatke - Primary stylistic influence; considered the father of Ethio-jazz whose album 'Mulatu of Ethiopia' was a major inspiration. (Mulatu of Ethiopia) [1960s-1970s (influence ongoing)]
- Tilahun Gessesse - Influential Ethiopian singer whose work shaped the band's approach to melody and rhythm. (Various classic Ethio-jazz recordings) [1960s-1970s (influence ongoing)]
- Moondog - Inspired the band's use of unconventional percussion and minimalist composition. (Moondog's percussion works) [1950s-1970s (influence during recent albums)]
- Hermeto Pascoal - Brazilian multi-instrumentalist whose experimental approach influenced the band's improvisational style. (Various albums) [1970s-present (influence during recent albums)]
- Hailu Mergia - Ethiopian keyboardist whose sound inspired the band's keyboard textures. (Works with Walias Band) [1970s-1980s (influence ongoing)]
- William Onyeabor - Nigerian musician whose electronic funk influenced the band's later works. (Atomic Bomb) [1970s-1980s (influence during recent albums)]
Key Collaborators
- Neil Innes - Founding member and bassist; central to songwriting and production. (All Sorcerers albums) [2015-present]
- Pete Williams - Founding member and guitarist; key in initial Ethio-jazz direction. (Debut album, early singles) [2015-present]
- Joost Hendrickx - Drummer; contributes to rhythmic foundation and improvisational style. (All Sorcerers albums) [2015-present]
- Johnny Richards - Pianist/keyboardist; expanded the band's sonic palette with vintage keyboards. (Other Worlds and Habitats, I Too Am A Stranger) [2017-present]
- Richard Ormrod - Multi-instrumentalist; contributed to arrangements and recordings. (All Sorcerers albums) [2015-present]
Artists Influenced
- ATA Records house bands - The Sorcerers' success and sound have influenced other projects and artists within the ATA Records collective. (Funk, Soul & Afro Rarities: An Introduction to ATA Records) [2015-present]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| In Search of the Lost City of the Monkey God | 2020-01-24 | Album |
| I Too Am A Stranger | 2024-03-08 | Album |
| The Sorcerers | 2015-08-07 | Album |
| In Search of the Lost City of the Monkey God | 2020-01-24 | Album |
| I Too Am A Stranger | 2024-03-08 | Album |
| The Sorcerers | 2015-08-07 | Album |
| Other Worlds And Habitats | 2025-07-11 | Album |
Top Tracks
- Beneath The Dunes (Beneath The Dunes)
- Opening Titles (In Search of the Lost City of the Monkey God)
- The Warrior Code (I Too Am A Stranger)
- In Pursuit Of Shai Hulud (In Pursuit Of Shai Hulud)
- Who Is the Hunter, Who Is the Prey? (In Search of the Lost City of the Monkey God)
- The Great Belt (The Great Belt)
- Summoning the Monkey God (In Search of the Lost City of the Monkey God)
- Pinch of the Death Nerve (The Sorcerers)
- Arid Plain (The Sorcerers)
- Suur Tõll (The Sorcerers)
External Links
References
Heard on WWOZ
The Sorcerers has been played 1 time on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 13, 2025 | 08:04 | Exit Athensfrom Exit Athens | The Morning Setw/ Scott Borne |