Latin | Brazil 46 Items

This wonderful self-titled album by pianist, singer and composer, Johnny Alf, was first released on vinyl in 1966 by Rozenblit. Here the bossa nova pioneer sings beautiful songs, featuring the legendary musicians Hermeto Paschoal (flute) and Airto Moreira (drums).

Straddling the line between new and old, Meridian Brothers’ mischievous blend of Latin rhythms and psychedelic grooves is the creation of Eblis Álvarez, one of the key figures of the experimental music scene in Bogota. As with all of the Meridian Brother’s releases, every instrument on ‘Deseperanza’ was played and recorded by Eblis himself.

A true avant-garde guitar player and composer, Eblis also plays in Mario Galeano’s band Frente Cumbiero and was one of the 42 musicians involved in the recording of Ondatrópica.

Meridian Brothers are at the core of a burgeoning music scene with cumbia, salsa and currulao all being explored by a new generation of Colombian musicians. Last year’s "Meridian Brothers VII" received key recognition from New York’s Names You Can Trust, who combined two of its tracks on a highly collectible special edition 7”.

‘Desesperanza’, Meridian Brothers first fully-fledged worldwide release, is dedicated exclusively to salsa and tropical music, twisting it through a dark and theatrical psychedelic soundscape but never abandoning the traditional aesthetics.

The release comes in a gatefold cover.

Originally released in 2012, the second album by the São Paulo-born composer Rodrigo Campos marks a turning point in both lyrical and aesthetic inspiration. “Bahia Fantástica” is the result of the absorption of a then recent influence of soul music (especially Curtis Mayfield) and is in the middle of this path marked by an unlikely geography in the lyrical part (São Mateus, Bahia, Japan) and by an expansion of sound ( from samba to the indefinable, with a passage through black American music).

The album turns ten years old in 2022 and exudes vitality. The soul reference takes on a different aroma when it passes through the filter of the composer and his band – formed by Kiko Dinucci on guitar, Marcelo Cabral on bass, Maurício Fleury on keyboards, Maurício Takara on drums and Thiago França on sax: it has Brazilian sauce, hints of afrobeat and a very particular seasoning. The lyrics bear the artist's mark: they project scenes in the listener's imagination and design the characters and environments with their own style of subjective chronicle. Bahia is both imaginary and intimate in Rodrigo Campos’s music.

While Chicha Libre's second album, Canibalismo was inspired by the Peruvian Chicha explosion of the 70's, it also looked back to the cultural Cannibalism dear to Os Mutantes and other Brazilian tropicalists, as well as the production values of late 1960’s rock bands. The group still pays homage to amazonian legends Los Wembler's de Iquitos, Los Mirlos and Manzanita, but mixes it up even more by combining mellotron and vintage synths with West African guitars, treated percussion, fuzztone and some R.D Burman-inspired arrangements. Originally released in 2012, this the first european re-release on vinyl.

Rare and sought after tracks previously unreleased as singles or only available on quieter LP pressings. Finding these tracks in good condition is extremely difficult, as anyone who has searched for them in record stores online or even in Brazil will know.

Originally released in 1995 and compiled by David Byrne of Talking Heads. Now the first time on vinyl.

Mastered and cut at 45rpm for high quality and loud sound, these 7"s are packaged in lovingly produced Brazil45 sleeves. Dancefloor essentials for all DJs and collectors!

Mastered and cut at 45rpm for high quality and loud sound, these 7"s are packaged in lovingly produced Brazil45 sleeves. Dancefloor essentials for all DJs and collectors!

3 more brazilian choice cuts, issued on 7" wax for the 1st time.

Soul Jazz Records’ new album 90 Degrees of Shade features the music of the Caribbean – Mambo, Calypso, Mento, Merengue, Latin Jazz and much more. The music of Cuba, Jamaica, Haiti, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic and more all feature in this lightning journey through the many island sounds.

Limited edition repress of those brazilian beauties!

Limited edition repress of those brazilian beauties!

2 more brazilian dancefloor fillers, never before released on 45!

cover is close to NM. Original inner sleeve

Jorge Ben is a name that any lover of Brazilian music will be very familiar with. He is widely regarded as the James Brown of Brazilian music and is famed for writing the Brazilian anthem ‘Mas Que Nada'. For the duet ‘Carolina, Carol Bela' he teamed up with the singer and guitarist Toquinho. Toquinho is best known for his collaborations, as composer and performer, with bossa nova poet Vinicius de Moraes.

'Carolina, Carol Bela' featured on the album Toquinho by Toquinho. It was originally released in 1970 on the small independent Brazilian label, RGE. The song was sampled by DJ Marky and XRS for their Drum & Bass track ‘lk’ (V Recordings, 2002). This went on to be a huge chart hit across the world, and a number one hit in the UK.

João Donato is a Brazilian jazz and bossa nova pianist. He has collaborated with many of the greats of Brazilian Music, including Tom Jobim, Astrud Gilberto and Gilberto Gil. He was one of the few Brazilian artists who went over to perform in the States during the bossa nova boom of the late 60’s. The song ‘A Rã’ was originally released on his seminal album Quem é quem, (emi, 1973), an album that is full of great tracks and was considered as one of the 100 best albums of all time by the Rolling Stone magazine.

Rio-born, Joyce Moreno, is one of the greatest Brazilian artists of all time. The voice, the playing, the writing, they all combine to make her a true allrounder. She possesses the ability to transport, captivate and transcend listeners. With a career that has spanned more than 30 albums and over 50 years, she continues to record and tour the world.

‘Aldeia de Ogum’ is one of her most well-known songs. With a joyfully jazzy arrangement, building Latin percussion, Brazilian flute and tropical atmosphere, this full-bodied samba smash became an anthem amongst London’s DJs and dancers in the Acid Jazz days. A favourite of Patrick Forge and Gilles Peterson, it was regularly spun at their legendary Dingwalls sessions.

Originally featured on her sought after Feminina LP from 1980, it also appears on our 'Essential' Joyce compilation from 1997. The original pressing of this Brazil 45 was the first time the track had been released on 7".

A fellow Rio native, Rosinha was a highly acclaimed composer, arranger and guitarist who played with legends including Baden Powell, Sérgio Mendes and Sivuca.

Here we present her stunning cover of the Gershwin classic, ‘Summertime’. Rosinha’s elegant, instrumental interpretation showcases her majestic guitar playing, and what a player she was! Backed with beautifully arranged, emotion-drenched strings, this track is guaranteed to stir your soul.

'Summertime' is taken from her 1975 RCA LP entitled Um Violão Em Primeiro Plano. The original pressing of this Brazil45 was the first time the track had been released on 7".

Remastered with refreshed artwork.

In Mr Bongo’s opinion, 'Imprevisto' is one of the most unmistakable Brazilian jazz records ever made. Dramatic intro and hypnotic piano line, decorated with panned percussion before the hats come in. Then the upright bass. A true classic.

Bossa Três formed in 1961 in Rio. They spent most of their early years touring jazz clubs in the USA, before the original line up and their pianist (and perhaps most well-known band member) Luis Carlos Vinhas, returned to Brazil. This is the final track on their Em Forma! LP from 1965, released on Forma. The original pressing of this Brazil 45 was the first time ‘Imprevisto’ had been released on a 7”.

We know very little about Ana Rosely. She released four 7” 2-track records between 1975 and 1984, the latter featuring the brilliant ‘Skim Dum Dum Dum’. The original version was released by RGE Discos in 1984, which came as a surprise to us given the sound. It is very difficult to find an original copy in good condition and they are, as ever, increasing in price.

Remastered with refreshed artwork.

Never been released on a 7” before!

Following the huge success of the first volume (three pressings!) in 2009, the long-awaited 'Cajun/Zydeco Vol. 2' is finally here! The long wait was not due to a lack of inspiration, but rather to the creator's diligent research, and as such this awesome second volume has taken five years to come together. The result is a rich compilation of rare gems, some of which had never been pressed onto vinyl since their original release! The LP represents a trip into the South of Louisiana, where this music -a blend of worlds and traditions- took shape at the beginning of the 20th century. It's a selection of tracks from the past, featuring local legends (Nathan Abshire) and unknown craftsmen (Jimmy Peters), who all, in their own way, have left their indelible mark. Waltz, two-step, one-step, blues, the record pays tribute to the unique blend of European dances with African rhythms. Each track has been weighed up for its historical as well as for its musical interest. A combination of melodeon and, for the Zydeco side, button accordion, triangle, rub board and fiddles. This LP comes with sleeve notes and a magnificent poster from one of the masters of Cajun fiddle, Dennis McGhee. Presented in a silk screened cover and limited to 1.000 copies.

The b-side wins again! Sampled to fame by Madlib for the mighty Madvillain album!

More samba-jazz and brazilian flavors on part 24 of Mr Bongos 45 series focusing on Brazil!

'Eu Bebo Sim' is a samba-rock master class from Elizeth Cardoso originally released on Copacabana in 1973, as featured on her Disco de Ouro in 1974. Another find at Tony’s Hits in Sao Paulo.
She released around 40 albums during her career, most of which appeared under the name Elizete Cardoso.

Elza, Queen of Samba, is one of the most prolific, successful and well-known Brazilian artists of all time.

In 'Deixa A Nega Gingar' she delivers a top 10 Mr Bongo HQ favourite - Bossa nova underpinned with a Montuno-esque piano line, backed with percussion and horns that would rival Tito.
This 7” cut sounds particularly enormous on a sound system.

Marketed as “workout music" at the time, ‘Estrelar’ was his best-selling record with a total of around 90,000 sales.
‘Alleluia’ is a mid tempo groover, with rich horns, guitar, synth and vocal lines. An end of the night jam if ever there was one.

Anilza Pinho de Carvalho, better known by her stage name Anilza Leoni was a Brazilian actress, singer, former ballerina and painter.

Balumba is uptempo samba jazz at it’s finest. Originally appeared on a very obscure 7” on Copacobana in 1967 entitled ‘Enfarte Musical / Festa Do Balamba’, and was included by Nicola Conte on his Viagem Vol. 4 compilation.

Sambalanço Trio were formed by Cesar Camargo Mariano, Humberto Clayber and Airto Moreira in 1960’s Sao Paulo. The group released some of the most important records of the period and in the genre of samba-jazz.

When the group split in 1965 Airto formed Quarteto Novo with Hermeto Pascoal, and Cesar Mariano went on form Som Tres.

Sam Blues is a Mr Bongo HQ favourite - uptempo bossa jazz fusion, taken from their self-titled LP originally released on Audio Fidelity (Brazil) in 1964.

‘Barumba’ is an uptempo funk-jazz monster with heavy drums and piano right from the off. Soaring horns add to the drama. Originally released on his self titled LP on CBS Brazil in 1974. ‘Morre o burro, Fica o Homem’ is the third Osmar Milito track to feature in our Brazil 45’s series. A classic samba-rock track; funk drums fills and punchy horns underpin the MPB vocals, building in tempo slightly over the track. The song was originally written by Jorge Ben. Taken from his expensive and hard to find ‘Nem Paletó, Nem Gravata’ LP released on ATCO Brazil in 1973.

‘Ye Mele’ is a very firm Mr Bongo favourite, and always a contender for end/start of the night track. A true classic.

Opens with a distinctive vocal harmony/chant and claps before dropping into bossa piano, organ and drums, which calms for a moment before reaching the chorus… and then building more into a horn section, that plays until the end. Immense.

Taken from Vinhas’ now relatively expensive and very excellent ‘O Som Psicodelico’ LP from 1968.

‘Berimbau’. And again - another favourite. Awe inspiring arrangement, of the highest order.

Opens with what is very reminiscent of a Brazilian Western soundtrack, before soaring into vocals, strings and horns. And then THAT end section…!

Golden Boys were a male vocal group, of brothers. ‘Berimbau’ is taken from their self-titled 1969 LP.

‘O Bofe’ is the title track from the soundtrack to a Brazilian soap opera of
the same name, released on Som Livre in 1972. All music on the soundtrack was
written by brothers Roberto and Erasmo Carlos.
Catchy whistles and MPB vocals over a samba rock groove. Previously unreleased
on 7”.
‘Cho Chua’ is a capoeira-samba groover by Brasil Ritmo, who we know very little
about…

"When Greg Caz and Deano Sounds teamed up to create The Brasileiro Treasure Box Of Funk & Soul they created a collection of vintage Brazilian music that stretches across the scope of funk, soul, and psychedelic. Co-compiler and Brazilian music aficionado, Greg Caz says: “Without necessarily having a central theme
other than funky nuggets from the first half of the 70s, we believe this compilation displays its own particular
sense of logic, and that these songs ultimately all sound fantastic together. Regardless of one’s familiarity, or lack thereof, with artists like Antonio Carlos & Jocafi, Os Incríveis, Toni Tornado or Celia, the material on these 45s speaks its own truth and justifies their inclusion here. Many of these were originally available as singles, while others were taken from albums, but all are guaranteed to find their way into many
DJ boxes and playlists.”

The stunning 45s from this set will now be available for individual sale. The series kicks off with Toni Tornado’s 1972 single Bochechuda b/w Aposta as well as a split 45 with the out and out rocker from Antônio Carlos & Jocafi (Quem Vem Lá) on the A-Side and the groove laden “Paz E Amor” from Os Incriveis on the B-Side."

"When Greg Caz and Deano Sounds teamed up to create The Brasileiro Treasure Box Of Funk & Soul they created a collection of vintage Brazilian music that stretches across the scope of funk, soul, and psychedelic. Co-compiler and Brazilian music aficionado, Greg Caz says: “Without necessarily having a central theme
other than funky nuggets from the first half of the 70s, we believe this compilation displays its own particular
sense of logic, and that these songs ultimately all sound fantastic together. Regardless of one’s familiarity, or lack thereof, with artists like Antonio Carlos & Jocafi, Os Incríveis, Toni Tornado or Celia, the material on these 45s speaks its own truth and justifies their inclusion here. Many of these were originally available as singles, while others were taken from albums, but all are guaranteed to find their way into many
DJ boxes and playlists.”

Rocafort Records celebrates its 10th anniversary with an alternate cover repress of one of the labels most celebrated releases.
Recorded in 1967 and lost for almost 50 years until its discovery and release in 2015, The Nitty Gritty Sextet album features the best musicians from the 60's NY Latin scene: Jimmy Sabater, Louie Ramirez, Tito Puente, Charlie Palmieri, Willie Torres…. and has often been described as one of the best boogaloo era albums.
Limited edition vinyl release!

Folkloric Brasilian/Afro-Brasilian music taken into the future. Featuring Airto Moreira. Dança dos Tempos is the debut album from thrilling, young Brazilian guitarist Fabiano do
Nascimento, and it features legendary percussionist Airto Moreira in his first album project in
over ten years. Dança dos Tempos follows folkloric Brazilian music as experienced through the
mind and able fingers of an expansive musician, not yet thirty years old, and combines the
heady ‘60s and ‘70s experimentalism of Hermeto Pascoal and Baden Powell with the childlike
elegance of music played and passed down by native Brazilians for generations. It is the
second Brazilian album released on Now-Again, following Seu Jorge and Almaz.
Moreira, the bandleader, songwriter and producer who recorded a bevy of titles under his own
name, with his wife Flora Purim, and whose resume contains the names of - seriously - every
musician worth mentioning from America or Brazil from the past 50 years - plays percussion on
the album and is joined by do Nascimento's long time drummer, Ricardo "Tiki" Pasillas on trap
drums. Do Nascimento and Kana Shimanuki handle vocals on what is otherwise an airy instrumental
album that allows the guitarist's virtuosity to shine through originals, folkloric Brazilian
songs, and select covers by the likes of Pascoal and Powell, both formative influences on the
guitarist.
These duets show the camaraderie that two master Brazilian musicians - of two different
generations, but of the same spirit - share with comrades of ages past as they imagine music
for the years to come. These tracks were recorded live in the studio with no overdubs, straight
to 2” analog-tape, and only sparingly mastered to focus on the subtleties of the performances.

Mr Bongo’s Brazil 45’s series serves up another pair of Brazilian classics in the form of Rita Lee & Tutti Frutti ‘Agora É Moda’ and Pete Dunaway ‘Supermarket’.

'Agora É Moda' is a psychedelic, disco-boogie-groove monster brought to our attention by Greg Caz and Sean Marquand aka Brazilian Beats Brooklyn. Originally released on Rita Lee’s 1978 album Babilônia LP on Som Livre, this sublime track is drenched in squelching guitar licks, funk drums and sensuous cosmic vocal flavours.

Lee was the lead singer of Brazilian psychedelic rock band Os Mutantes and a hugely important figure in the Tropicalia movement. She sadly passed away in 2023 but her legacy well and truly lives on, loved both in and out of the music world.

On the flip side, Pete Dunaway’s ‘Supermarket’ is a rare groove/AOR masterpiece with a killer bassline, swaggering guitar and luscious string section layered with a perfectly delivered English vocal.

Pete Dunaway, real name Otavio Cardosa was a singer, composer, arranger and multi-instrumentalist from Sao Paulo, who spent the majority of his time composing for TV themes and library instrumentals.

Remastered with refreshed artwork.

Wilson Simonal and Trio Mocotó provide a double dose of Brazilian classics for this Brazil 45’s 7 inch.

First up, an infectious, samba-MPB hit from one of Brazil’s most popular artists of the ‘60s and early ’70s, Wilson Simonal. Originally released on 7 inch by Odeon in 1967 and landing on Simonal’s Alegria, Alegria !!! album in the same year, ‘Nem Vem Que Nao Tem’s fame had a new lease of life in 2002 when it was used as part of the soundtrack to the critically acclaimed film, ‘City Of God’.

On the B side, one of Jorge Ben’s main backing bands and a group that was highly influential to his sound, Trio Mocotó. Alongside recording with Ben on the seminal Força Bruta, Negro É Lindo and Tábua de Esmeralda LPs, they were also key figures in the development of the samba rock sound – a fusion of samba, soul and rock influenced by music from the USA.

First appearing on Trio Mocotó’s self-titled 1977 Arlequim LP, ‘Nao Adianta’ is a dynamic orchestral-infused gem, laced with that sun-kissed, samba flavour.

Remastered with refreshed artwork.

Cover with slightly bumped corners