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File under: Grooves
ATA Records delivers another essential chapter in their meticulous Library Archive series. Volume 4 represents a sophisticated understanding of library music's golden era, when masters like David Shire and Roger Webb defined cinematic instrumental music. This is authentic homage executed with both reverence and creative vision.
The production showcases the full palette of classic library instrumentation: Hammond & Farfisa organs provide the foundational textures, while vibraphone and the distinctive Baldwin electric harpsichord add period-correct coloration. Alto flute and trumpet weave melodic lines through carefully arranged compositions that echo 60s/70s Hollywood, early anime scoring, and the atmospheric depth of golden-era video game soundtracks.
The rhythm section - drums, bongos, electric bass, piano, guitars - forms a tight, professional foundation that supports the album's impressive dynamic range. From the urgent momentum of The Galata Extraction to the gentle whimsy of Travers, from the romantic warmth of Redford in Sheepskin to the contemplative mood of Tatsuya, the Sword - each track demonstrates masterful understanding of library music's narrative function.
Walter in Gabardine and Sutherland particularly capture that essential 70s NYC soundtrack aesthetic, while A Dilemma for Holbrook and Roundtree showcase the soul-jazz influence that made library music so compelling - featuring that distinctive "soul flute so funky, it should be on the cheese counter."
Four volumes in, ATA Records has established The Library Archive as an essential document of contemporary library music appreciation. This series represents genuine understanding of the genre's historical importance - not mere pastiche, but informed tribute that honors the craft of the original composers while creating new works of lasting value.
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