Da Lata

Da Lata is a group from Brighton, United Kingdom, formed in 1996 by musician and producer Chris Franck and DJ Patrick Forge. The project develops a blend of Afro-Brazilian influences and modern dance music, combining acoustic and electronic elements. Its line-up includes Liliana Chachian, Toni Economides, Patrick Forge, Chris Franck, Oli Savill and Sharon Scott.

Early releases and remixes

The group first builds its name through remixes before moving into original material. Its first original track is Deep Water, recorded with Lee Hamblin for UFO's Brownswood label in Japan. Da Lata then completes remixes for a wide range of artists, including Ruby, Sly and Robbie, Galliano and Carlinhos Brown.

In 1997 the group releases Ponteio, a version of the Edu Lobo song, on Jo Davis' Far Out label. The recording features Brazilian vocalist Liliana Chachian and gains strong club and DJ support, including from Francois Kevorkian and Joe Claussel in New York’s Body and Soul club. DJs such as Gilles Peterson, Phil Asher, Rainer Truby, Gerry Lyseight and Shuya Okino also champion the music.

Albums

Da Lata’s debut album, Songs from the Tin, arrives on Palm Pictures after being signed by Trevor Wyatt. The record favours an organic sound over heavy programming and includes Pra Manha, which becomes a major DJ anthem. Liliana Chachian sings on the album, while Oli Savill contributes vocals and writing on several tracks. Guests include trombonist Dennis Rollins, percussionist Carl Smith, saxophonist Nathan Haines, drummer Tristan Banks, and vocalists Nina Miranda and Deidre Dubois. Toni Economides records and engineers the album.

The group later releases Da Lata Remixes on Palm Pictures, collecting remix work for artists including Femi Kuti, Bebel Gilberto, Arto Lindsay, Luciano, Sly and Robbie and Ekova. The release also includes the original track Golden, featuring Chico Cesar and accordionist Marcelo Jeneci da Silva.

In 2003 Da Lata releases Serious on Palm Pictures. The album draws on a broad mix of influences associated with London, including broken beat, Brazilian music, R&B and afrobeat. Contributors include Jhelisa Anderson, Nina Miranda, Courtney Denni, Bembe Segue, Baaba Maal and Pedro Martins, with guest musicians Paul Aguilera, Marcelo Jeneci da Silva, Davide Giovannini, Dennis Rollins and Mike Patto. The title track becomes another regular dancefloor record for DJs.

Touring and festivals

Da Lata tours with a seven-piece band, including in Europe, Japan and the United States. Festival appearances include North Sea Jazz in Cape Town and Holland, New York Summer Stage, Heineken Festival in Beijing, Roskilde, Womad in the United Kingdom and the Canary Islands, Glastonbury, Coachella, Festival of World Cultures in Dublin, Nu Jazz festival in St. Petersburg and the Koh Samui music festival.

The group also continues to write new material, remix for other artists and tour.