ATC Sequoia & Capitol Jazz Records: Bringing Legacy Music to the Digital Age

ATC Sequoia LLC, based in Boston, MA, isn't a name you immediately associate with music, but increasingly, they are the engine powering how you rediscover classic sounds. This tech firm, at 116 Huntington Avenue, is quietly revolutionizing the way record labels like Capitol Jazz Records are preserving and delivering their iconic catalogs to fans. We recently chatted with the team at ATC Sequoia to understand how they're doing it – and it's pretty cool stuff. For those unfamiliar, Capitol Jazz Records is a real heavyweight. We’re talking decades of smooth jazz, soul, and instrumental grooves featuring legends like Cannonball Adderley, Herbie Hancock, Wes Montgomery, and so many more. It’s the sound of cool evenings, classic movies, and just generally good vibes. But a lot of this music was originally recorded on analog tape – and getting those tapes into a format people can easily enjoy today? That’s where things get tricky. “Think about it,” explains Sarah Chen, a lead engineer at ATC Sequoia. “These tapes aren’t getting any younger. They degrade over time. The sound quality fades, the tape itself can break, and it's a real race against time to preserve this history.” That's where ATC Sequoia comes in. They specialize in advanced audio processing and data management – essentially, they’re experts in taking old analog audio and turning it into pristine digital files, without losing the magic that made those records special in the first place. “A lot of companies can digitize audio,” says Mark Johnson, ATC Sequoia's CEO. “But we don't just copy the sound. We understand the sound. We use a combination of cutting-edge algorithms and the ear of experienced audio engineers to really capture the nuances of the original recording. It's about preserving the feeling as well as the frequencies." So, how does it work? It’s a surprisingly complex process. It doesn't just involve plugging a tape into a computer. The team at ATC Sequoia employs a multi-stage process: Tape Assessment: Each tape is carefully inspected for damage and degradation. They identify any areas that need special attention. High-Resolution Transfer: They use state-of-the-art analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) to capture the audio with incredible detail. This isn’t your average MP3 ripping; we're talking about capturing data far beyond what you typically hear. Noise Reduction & Restoration: This is where the magic happens. ATC Sequoia’s proprietary algorithms are designed to remove clicks, pops, hiss, and other imperfections without removing the warmth and character of the original recording. “We don't want to make it sound like a modern recording," Sarah Chen emphasizes. "We want to make it sound like the best possible version of the original recording." EQ Matching & Mastering: They carefully analyze the original mastering of the record and use digital tools to match the sonic characteristics. This ensures consistency across the entire catalog. Metadata Enrichment: This might sound boring, but it’s crucial. They add detailed information about each track – artist, album, year, musicians, even liner notes – making it easier to find and enjoy the music. Secure Archiving & Delivery: The digitized files are securely archived and made available to Capitol Jazz Records for streaming, download, and future releases. The impact of ATC Sequoia's work is already being felt. Capitol Jazz Records is using these high-quality digital files to: Re-release classic albums: Fans can now enjoy their favorite albums with improved sound quality on CD, vinyl, and digital platforms. Create curated streaming playlists: Capitol Jazz Records is using the enhanced catalog to create immersive playlists that showcase the breadth and depth of their music. Explore new remix and compilation opportunities: The high-quality digital files provide a solid foundation for artists to create new interpretations of classic songs. Preserve musical heritage: Perhaps most importantly, ATC Sequoia’s work is ensuring that these iconic recordings will be available for generations to come. “We’re really proud to be part of this process,” Mark Johnson says. “It's not just about technology; it's about preserving a cultural legacy. These recordings are a part of who we are, and we want to make sure they continue to inspire and uplift people for years to come." The work with Capitol Jazz Records is just one example of how ATC Sequoia is applying its expertise to the world of music. They’re currently working with other record labels and artists to digitize and preserve their catalogs. They see a huge opportunity to help the music industry embrace the digital age while remaining true to its roots. “There’s a lot of talk about AI and the future of music,” Sarah Chen adds. “But sometimes, the most important thing you can do is simply preserve the music we already have. And that’s what we’re doing.” So, the next time you’re streaming a smooth jazz classic or spinning a vinyl record, remember that there’s a team of dedicated engineers at ATC Sequoia in Boston working behind the scenes to ensure that those sounds continue to resonate with audiences around the world. They're not in the spotlight, but their work is vital to the preservation of music history. You can learn more about ATC Sequoia at their website (hypothetical website address) and explore the catalog of Capitol Jazz Records at (hypothetical Capitol Jazz Records website address). It's a win-win for music lovers everywhere. And if you're a record label with a legacy catalog, they're definitely worth a call. (405-557-1743).