Latin | Brazil 122 Items

Two brothers, two guitars, two distinct identities, who become one soul when they compose music. Stephan and Alejandro, are the Hermanos Gutierrez, an instrumental music band with an unmistakable genre that is rooted in Western and Latin American sound. Born from an Ecuadorian mother and a Swiss father they grew up being forged by both cultures, bridging between two worlds, both of which are home.

Their mix of identities, that constant search across different countries clearly emerges in their songs. Their music takes the audience on an intimate journey through time evoking remote spaces. A magical sound that touches the heart, that sparks passion and nostalgia. An open invitation to a constant dialogue of melodies and instruments.

Playing together since their early childhood, a profound musical and interpersonal symbiosis ties the two brothers. If one of them has a melody, the other one completes it with harmony. There is a deep understanding between the two of them, without any need for words.

Active as a band since 2015, they have recorded four albums: “8 Años” (2017), “El Camino De Mi Alma” (2018), “Hoy Como Ayer” (2019), and the newly released LP “Hijos Del Sol” (Children Of The Sun). A body of work that has been inspired by their journey through the vast natural landscapes of Mexico, the silence of the desert, the sun, and their love for this country that made them feel “like going home”, as they affirm. Out came a soundtrack of the sceneries they’ve been exploring.

Two brothers, two guitars, two distinct identities, who become one soul when they compose music. Stephan and Alejandro, are the Hermanos Gutierrez, an instrumental music band with an unmistakable genre that is rooted in Western and Latin American sound. Born from an Ecuadorian mother and a Swiss father they grew up being forged by both cultures, bridging between two worlds, both of which are home.

Their mix of identities, that constant search across different countries clearly emerges in their songs. Their music takes the audience on an intimate journey through time evoking remote spaces. A magical sound that touches the heart, that sparks passion and nostalgia. An open invitation to a constant dialogue of melodies and instruments.

Playing together since their early childhood, a profound musical and interpersonal symbiosis ties the two brothers. If one of them has a melody, the other one completes it with harmony. There is a deep understanding between the two of them, without any need for words.

Active as a band since 2015, they have recorded four albums: “8 Años” (2017), “El Camino De Mi Alma” (2018), “Hoy Como Ayer” (2019), and the newly released LP “Hijos Del Sol” (Children Of The Sun). A body of work that has been inspired by their journey through the vast natural landscapes of Mexico, the silence of the desert, the sun, and their love for this country that made them feel “like going home”, as they affirm. Out came a soundtrack of the sceneries they’ve been exploring.

We’ve taken a selection of the most in-demand and asked-for titles in our Brazil 45’s catalogue and given them a loving remaster and repress.

Highlighted here, the joyous family flavours of Trio Ternura and a samba-funk masterclass from Eliana Pittman, cut loud and proud on either side of a seven inch.

First, we have the uptempo funk-soul sounds of ‘Vou Morar No Teu Sorriso’ courtesy of sibling group, Trio Ternura - taken from their self-titled 1971 LP. Comprised of sisters Jussara, Jurema and their brother Robson, this track is a real favourite of ours and a regular spin in our DJ sets. Tight drums, breaks and percussion lay the foundation for those jubilant vocals, funk-powered organs, punchy horns and grooving bass to transport you to sandier shores.

On the B side, a slice of dancefloor samba-funk-MPB radiance from Eliana Pittman with ‘Quem Vai Querer’. Originally released in 1977 on RCA, the rolling samba groove, layered percussion and lovely lead vocal from Eliana build into a carnival-flavoured chorus to lift even the lowest of moods.

As the album title suggests, this work represents a big step forward for Gerardo Frisina, an artist that has always been open to any influence and whose unstoppable creativity has given birth to a 2-LP’s worth of new material! Nu-latin, Afro and electronic beats merge with Afro-Cuban rhythm into a massive dancefloor groove!

We’ve taken a selection of the most in-demand and asked-for titles in our Brazil 45’s catalogue and given them a loving remaster and repress. The late composer, arranger, musician and record producer Nonato Buzar is a lesser-known great outside of Brazil. His legacy leaves behind a rich body of recordings, working with some of the cream of the Brazilian ‘60s and ‘70s music scene, including Evinha, Elis Regina, Wilson Das Neves as well as reggae legend Jimmy Cliff. The awesome organ driven dancer ‘Cafuá’, with its zesty horns and sun-soaked vocal tones, is taken from Nonato & Seu Conjunto’s 1975 'O Som E O Balanço De Nonato’ album on Som records.

Most famed for his ultra rare 1973 track 'Lotus 72 D’, which Mr Bongo reissued in 2019, José Roberto aka Zé Roberto’s other 7 inch from the following year, also held a gem within its B side grooves. 'Crioula Multicolorida’, though not as scarce as ‘Lotus 72 D', is still a super hard record to track down and is equally as great. This anthemic ‘samba rock’ pearler, with its amazing breakdown and strutting groove, has long been a favourite amongst Brazilian DJs and collectors. The track also featured on the influential ‘Via Brazil’ compilation series and 'Brazilian Beats Brooklyn' collection on Mr Bongo.

An album about his "love for Brazilian music and its many shapes and colors," Sao Paulo-born Sessa's debut Grandeza sets the scene for who The New Yorker called a "songwriter cut from Veloso's mold and blessed with a flair for the intimate, the enigmatic, and the licentious.' Long out-of-print, Mexican Summer continues its exploration of Sessa's musical vision with this special Fifth Anniversary Edition on Pink + Purple Splatter Vinyl (limited to 1000 copies). Sung in Portuguese, with visceral, sensual lyrics in the vein of Caetano Veloso and the lush melodies of Tom Jobim, Sessa’s sound, by contrast, has a deliberate minimalist treatment rarely found in contemporary Brazilian music, more reminiscent of the bareness of Leonard Cohen. Sessa propels Grandeza’s devotional sounds towards decisively modern territory.

Soundway Records presents the eponymous debut LP from in-demand Amsterdam five piece The Mauskovic Dance Band – fusing no-wave dance punk, Afro-Caribbean rhythms and space disco in a “controlled explosion” (The Quietus).
Entirely self-produced, the band has reiterated their favourite elements of the 70s and 80s legacy of the Afro-Latin psychedelic music of Colombia and Peru, interpreting it through the context of modern day Amsterdam. The output is a lo-fi No Wave groove all its own - rooted in a deep love of champeta, Palenque, psychedelic cumbia, chichi, classic afrobeat and picó soundsystem culture.
Since the release of their “Down In The Basement” EP on Soundway Records in early 2018, the band have found themselves on a hectic European touring schedule – not to mention being involved in other side projects. Following stints with Turkish psychedelic folk rock group Altin Gün, and touring with the re-formed 70s Zamrock outfit W.I.T.C.H., Nic Mauskovic also teamed up with Dutch neo-psychedelic artist Jacco Gardner to form the “cinematic Balearic disco” duo of Bruxas (released by Dutch institution Dekmantel) – and together, they mixed The Mauskovic Dance Band debut album in Lisbon.
Lead single Space Drum Machine encapsulates the band’s prototypical brand of busy rhythmic patterns interwoven with insistent synth stabs and vibrant disco toms, layered with an elastic guitar riff drawing inspiration from Kenyan kikuyu and benga styles. High-pitched vocals describe being on a flight together and inciting each other to press a button of unknown consequence with “push it, push it” - and push it they do, at breakneck pace. And of course, the undeniable influence of Amsterdam’s hotbed of underground dance producers shines through as it does on all tracks - with the vintage psychedelic swirl of synthesiser, lo-fi drum machines and tape recording.

The latest release in the much loved Mr Bongo Record Club Series, Available on CD, 2LP Standard Vinyl & Special Edition 2LP Pink Translucent Vinyl. Curating the tracks for a Mr Bongo Record Club compilation is always such a pleasure. At a time when the expression "Music is My Sanctuary" has an even greater cathartic impact for many people, we set out to make this volume an extra special one - like an old favourite mixtape or playlist. For Volume 4 in this series we continue in the same mould as with previous editions, selecting current favorites and rare lost gems from the Brazilian, African, soul, funk, and disco genres. We present tracks from artists such as Azwon, Cindy & The Playmates, and Zé Roberto to name just a few. However, one main departure and progression to this edition is the first time inclusion of recordings by contemporary artists. These come from Matthew Tavares (of Badbadnotgood fame), Wax Machine, and DJ Format & The Simonsound, which were originally featured on either limited private press vinyl releases or were previously only available digitally. We felt their inclusion was important and wanted to share these wonderful discoveries with a wider audience. They also complement, enrich, and fit perfectly with the flow and journey of the compilation. Here at Mr Bongo we hope you will enjoy this selection of seventeen eclectic songs (in tempo and style) as much as we do, whether they make you move your feet, take you on a trip somewhere, or trigger a happy memory.

The legendary music publisher KPM, famous for its iconic music library catalogue, commissioned a group of musicians in 2018 to write and record an authentic tribute to the early 70’s Latin Soul Boogaloo. Although not intended for commercial release, this vinyl LP is a limited pressing of just 500 copies and features 15 new grooves inspired the greats of the era such as Tito Puente, Ray Barretto and Machito. Ray Lopez and his band recorded the session in the traditional way using the same microphone direct to reel tape. Vamanos!

A download code is included. This is a 180g Vinyl LP. Updating Marcos Valle’s seminal boogie-era sound, Sempre spans ecstatic disco, cosmic samba, and late-night jazz-funk, drawing obvious comparisons to some of Valle’s late-seventies and early-eighties output.

Music With Soul returns with another genre-defying instant classic, expanding the limits of the Tropical Dance music universe.
Staying true to the label's essence, founder Alex Figueira places a high bet with this new release, introducing a brand new breed of traditional “Hindoestan” (Indian diaspora in Surinam) music and Cumbia. Taking the music of underground Surinam musician and empresario A. Bechan for an explorative excursion into the depths of the Colombian caribbean coast, this explosive combination raises the bar unquestionably. Equally weird, groovy and trippy, this 45 will turn any party upside down, regardless of any factors. The only problem you will encounter is what to play after. The solution is right on the other side. Just flip the record and give them the Instrumental version, featuring electric guitar, an alternative percussion set up and the beloved classic Juno-60 synthesizer in the leading role for another 4 minutes of dancefloor catharsis.

The city of Belém, in the Northern state of Pará in Brazil, has long been a hotbed of culture and musical innovation. Enveloped by the mystical wonder of the Amazonian forest and overlooking the vastness of the Atlantic Ocean, Belém consists of a diverse culture as vibrant and broad as the Amazon itself. Amerindians, Europeans, Africans - and the myriad combinations between these people - would mingle, and ingeniously pioneer musical genres such as Carimbó, Samba-De-Cacete, Siriá, Bois-Bumbás and bambiá. Although left in the margins of history, these exotic and mysteriously different sounds would thrive in a parallel universe of their own.

I didn’t even know of the existence of that universe until an Australian DJ and producer by the name of Carlo Xavier dragged me deep into this whole new musical world. Ant it all began in Belém do Pará. Perched on a peninsula between the Bay of Guajará and the Guamá river, sculpted by water into ports, small deltas and peripheral areas, Belém had connected city dwellers with those deeper within the forest providing fertile ground for the development of a popular culture mirroring the mighty waters surrounding it. Through the continuous flow of culture, language and tradition, various rhythms were gathered here and transformed into new musical forms that were simultaneously traditional and modern.

Historically marginalized African religions like Umbanda, Candomblé and the Tambor de Mina, which had reached this side of the Atlantic through slaves from West Africa – especially from the Kingdom of Dahomey, currently the Republic of Benin – left an indelible stamp on the identity of Pará´s music. They would give birth to Lundun, Banguê and Carimbó, styles later modernised by Verequete, Orlando Pereira, Mestre Cupijó and Pinduca to great effect. The success of these pioneers would create a solid foundation for a myriad of modern bands in urban areas.

Known as the “Caribbean Port,” Belem had been receiving signal from radio stations from Colombia, Surinam, Guyana and the Caribbean islands - notably Cuba and the Dominican republic - since the 1940s. By the early 1960s, Disc jockeys breathlessly exchanged Caribbean records to add these frenetic, island sounds to liven up revelers. The competition was fierce as to who would be the first to bring unheard hits from these countries. The craze eventually reached local bands’ repertoires, and Belém’s suburbs got overtaken by merengue, leading to the creation of modern sounds such as Lambada and Guitarrada.

To reach a larger audience, the music needed to be broadcast. Radios began targeting the taste of mainstream audiences and played music known as “music for masses.” As the demand for this music grew, it led to the establishment of recording companies. Belém’s infant recording industry began when Rauland Belém Som Ltd was founded in the 1970s. It boosted a radio station, a recording studio, a music label and had a deep roster of popular artists across the carimbó, siriá, bolero and Brega genres.

Another important aspect in understanding how the musical tradition spread in Belém, are the aparelhagem sonora: the sound system culture of Pará. Beginning as simple gramophones connected to loudspeakers tied to light posts or trees, these sound systems livened up neighbourhood parties and family gatherings. The equipment evolved from amateur models into sophisticated versions, perfected over time through the wisdom of handymen. Today’s aparelhagens draw immense crowds, packing clubs with thousands of revelers in Belém’s peripheral neighbourhoods or inland towns in Pará.

The history of "Jambú e Os Míticos Sons Da Amazônia" is the history of an entire city in its full glory. With bustling night clubs providing the best sound systems and erotic live shows, gossip about the whereabouts of legendary bands, singers turned into movie stars, supreme craftiness, and the creativity of a class of musicians that didn’t hesitate to take a gamble, Jambú is an exhilarating, cinematic ride into the beauty and heart of what makes Pará’s little corner of the Amazon tick. The hip swaying, frantic percussion and big band brass of the mixture of carimbó with siriá, the mystical melodies of Amazonian drums, the hypnotizing cadence of the choirs, and the deep, musical reverence to Afro-Brazilian religions, provided the soundtrack for sweltering nights in the city’s club district.

The music and tales found in Jambú are stories of resilience, triumph against all odds, and, most importantly, of a city in the borders of the Amazon who has always known how to throw a damn good party.

“Jambú is a plant widely used in Amazonian and Paraense cuisine. Known for having an appetitestimulating effect, it is added to various dishes and salads but is most famously one of the main ingredients in Tucupi and Tacacá, two delicacies that have been immortalized in countless Carimbó songs. Chewing the leaves of the Jambú plant will leave a strong sensation of tingling on the tongue and lips. Indigenous communities have relied upon its anaesthetic qualities for centuries as an effective remedy against toothaches and as a cure for mouth and throat infections. A decade ago, a distillery from Belém discovered the euphoric effects of the Jambú plant when combined with distilled sugarcane based spirit - known as cachaça - and created the now legendary “Cachaça de Jambú“.

Original compositions by Gabriel Reyes-Whittaker created with an analogue Oberheim synthesizer, a Midi sequencer, and an effects unit.

Our much in-demand series of classic Brazilian 45s are back! Featuring a vibrant new design, we’ve curated yet more wants-list regulars and unearthed fresh finds from Brazil that are destined to become collector’s items in their own right. Number 81 is our Brazil.45 series sees further digging into the magical world of Jorge Ben's lesser-explored 1980's productions. 'Ma Ma Ma Ma Maé (A Lingua Dos Anjos)' is taken from his 'Alô Alô, Como Vai?' album from 1980, which is arranged, produced, and features keys by the don, Lincoln Olivetti. The song contains trippy lyrics singing about flying saucers and angels. 'Dona Culpa' finds Jorge featuring on a cool mid-tempo groove track taken from Cauby Peixoto's 'Cauby! Cauby!’ album (also from 1980). Singer Cauby Peixoto had a long and stellar career, recording and releasing music from the mid-1950's all the way up until his passing in 2016

The time has come again: Another edition of the much-loved and highly praised by critics from all around the globe compilation «Paz E Futebol» will be released on Sonar Kollektiv. After 2006 and 2016 this is already the third sequel of this terrific series of light-footed Brazilian gems and other rarities transporting the Brazilian feel for the ball musically.

Two times Jazzanova took care of the collection, now Junior Santos is responsible for digging up the tunes. The Brazilian drummer and producer is a true expert when it comes to Brazilian music. He already caught the attention of Jazzanova’s Jürgen von Knoblauch with the 2014 released compilation «Brazilian Disco Boogie Sounds (1978-1982)» on Favorite Recordings. Together the two diggers selected eight songs that fit simply perfectly. Due to licensing reasons, the digital compilation features 2 additional songs. Chico de Abreu and an unreleased track by Beto Luiz called "Uma Canção Que Fale” chosen by Juergen von Knoblauch.. Although the contributions originate from three different decades (1979 - 1992) they all have the discoid and boogiesque vibe in common mainly to come alive in productions from Maranhão, Rio and Bahia.

The release is accompanied by extensive liner notes by Junior Santos (in Portuguese and English). Just now in the colder and greyer season this compilation is great fun and radiates so much joy like only Brazilian music can.

Brownout’s legendary status as a “Funk Powerhouse” (Stereogum) is a reputation well deserved. The band of musicians have an impressive resume performing with Prince (RIP), GZA of the Wu-Tang Clan, Bernie Worrell (RIP), and accolades from Ozzy Osbourne for their Brownout Presents: Brown Sabbath project. The latter helped grab the attention of Fat Beats Records, who worked with the band to release the critically acclaimed Public Enemy instrumentals project Fear of A Brown Planet in 2018. The Austin 9-piece is back with their first full length album of original music in over 8 years. The album, aptly titled, Berlin Sessions (out March 6, 2020 on Fat Beats) was produced by Steve Berlin of Los Lobos and is the first with lead singer Alex Marrero, whom they originally collaborated with on their wildly successful Brown Sabbath records. Berlin Sessions finds the group merging a multitude of styles, from rock to psych and of course the Latin Funk and Breakbeat on which they have built their sixteen-year career and reputation as Austin's premier party-starters. NPR recently featured the band on their heralded “Tiny Desk Concert” series, performing songs off the new album. NPR described the diversity of the band, stating, “One of the things you need to know about this band is that they can change traditions or genres almost on a dime. The core members dip into soul, Latin funk, a form of Peruvian cumbia called chicha, and funk covers of both Black Sabbath and Public Enemy. What each configuration has in common is the almost telepathic bond the band has developed after 15 years of working stages across the country. As you can see on the video, it's so infectious that Prince once used them for a while as a back-up band.”

Still untouched by human settlement barely 500 years ago, the islands of the Southwest Indian Ocean, Mauritius, Reunion Island, Rodrigues and the Seychelles were colonized by Europeans (French, English and Dutch) from the end of the 16th century on and operated as trading posts on the Indian route. Slaves were deported from Africa and Madagascar to cultivate coffee, spices and sugar cane. On the margins of the plantations, during clandestine gatherings, they exorcised their daily lives through percussion, singing and dancing. It is the tschiéga, chéga or sega, from Mozambique and Malagasy influence.

The gradual appropriation by the Creole populations of Western instruments and European melodic traditions (quadrilles, waltzes, polkas, scottish, romances, mazurkas), as well as the cultural contribution of committed workers from India laid the foundations of the modern sega.

This crossroads of influences was to continue to grow, especially from the 1950s, when the first phonographs arrived, playing all kinds of varieties but also jazz, soul, rock'n'roll, and even Cuban or Brazilian music.

For the Sega, these were the first steps towards a period of intense creativity that would cover the 1960s and 1970s. Amplified instruments arrived, and electric guitars, basses, drums and keyboards quickly replaced violins and accordions. Record production exploded and saw the advent of many micro-labels featuring genius arrangers such as Marclaine Antoine, Gérard Cimiotti, Eric Nelson, Claude Vinh San, or Narmine Ducap who explored the Sega in its many facets. Psychedelic keyboards, fuzz guitars and undulating basses invited themselves on the furious ternary polyrhythms of drums, ravannes, bongos, claves, triangles and maracas, to produce a unique style.

Here are some pearls from this golden age of the segas of Mauritius, Seychelles and Reunion Island that are compiled in this volume 2 for our greatest pleasure!

This new 7-inch by S-tone Inc., that includes two brand new tracks, confirms Stefano Tirone’s 20-year old collaboration with Brazilian songwriter Toco. “Try My Love” is a fluid, relaxed and dreamy funk song that blends soul jazz with a ‘70s downtempo drumming groove. “Odoya”, featuring Toco on vocals, is a bit more faster composition, that would perfectly fit as a soundtrack of a typical Italian police movie from the same decade! Simply fantastic!

Stefano Tirone is an eclectic artist, open to a wide range of different music genres. This new 7-inch, that includes two brand new tracks, confirms his 20-year old collaboration with Brazilian songwriter Toco. Working on these songs for Stefano was like going back to the years when he used to listen to Acid Jazz music, especially to the records produced by the Mizell brothers. Their influence here is obvious from the first notes: the funk in “Try My Love” is not as high-fueled as in James Brown’s songs but, as the legendary brothers taught us, by blending a hint of soul jazz with the ‘70s downtempo drumming groove, we get a fluid brew, relaxed and dreamy. This is exactly what “Try My Love” is about. “Odoya”, featuring Toco on vocals, is a bit more faster composition, that would perfectly fit as a soundtrack of a typical Italian police movie from the same decade! Simply fantastic! - - - Stefano Tirone è un artista eclettico e aperto a una vasta gamma di generi musicali. Questo suo nuovo 45 giri, che contiene due nuove tracce, conferma la sua ventennale collaborazione con il cantautore brasiliano Toco. Lavorare a queste canzoni è stato per Stefano come volgere lo sguardo agli anni in cui era solito ascoltare dischi della scena Acid Jazz, specialmente quelli prodotti dai fratelli Mizell. La loro influenza è evidente sin dalle prime note: il funk di “Try My Love” non è carico di energia come quello di James Brown ma, come i leggendari fratelli ci hanno insegnato, dall’unione di un pizzico di soul jazz con il groove di batteria ‘downtempo’ tipico degli anni ‘70 otteniamo una miscela fluida, rilassata e sognante. Esattamente ciò che si respira in “Try My Love”. “Odoya”, brano che vede la partecipazione di Toco alla voce, è una composizione dal ritmo leggermente più sostenuto, perfetta come colonna sonora di un tipico ‘poliziottesco’ italiano! Eccezionale!

“Frisina meets Toco” is the result of the artistic union of two main Schema Records’ characters, Gerardo Frisina and Toco, spontaneously born from many listening sessions of Brazilian music LP’s. The music contained in this 12” record stands in the middle between Rio and Bahia, merging together the Brazilian rhythmic culture and groove (Toco) with the modern sound of clubbing latin jazz (Frisina), and it’s also enriched by the presence of the young pianist and composer Vitor Araújo and his peculiar signature style, particularly apparent in the instrumental version of the song “Craque”.

Schema Records’ musician and producer Gerardo Frisina has certainly got the ability to play his own distinctive style without being repetitive, and this record is no exception. His skills in working with strong percussive and tribal elements have now delivered us this brand new collaboration with Schema songwriter Toco, the result of various artistic meetings in our offices, spontaneously born from many listening sessions of Brazilian music LP’s. The music contained in this 12” record stands in the middle between Rio and Bahia, merging together the Brazilian rhythmic culture and groove (Toco) with the modern sound of clubbing latin jazz (Frisina); the most observant will surely recognize a strong link in its cover artwork with the legendary 1965 LP “Em Forma!” by Bossa Três. “Frisina meets Toco” is also enriched by the presence of the young pianist and composer Vitor Araújo, whose signature style is especially noticeable in the instrumental version of the song “Craque”, which suddenly breaks in the middle and showcases a piano solo section that will leave you breathless! Another impressive effort from two of the most creative and revered Schema Records artists! - - - Gerardo Frisina, musicista e produttore di punta della Schema Records, ha senza dubbio la capacità di infondere il proprio personalissimo stile nelle sue opere, senza per questo risultare ripetitivo o ridondante, e questa release non fa eccezione. Le sue capacità nel manipolare elementi fortemente percussivi e tribali hanno dato vita a questa nuova collaborazione con il cantautore Toco, anch’egli di casa presso Schema Records: un lavoro nato spontaneamente da diversi incontri tra i due, e da svariati ascolti di LP di musica brasiliana. La musica contenuta in questo 12” è geograficamente a cavallo tra Rio e Bahia, e miscela la cultura del ritmo e del groove brasiliano (Toco) con il sound moderno del latin jazz da club (Frisina); l’interlocutore più attento saprà inoltre riconoscere un forte legame visuale con il leggendario LP “Em Forma!” dei Bossa Três. “Frisina meets Toco” è inoltre impreziosito dalla presenza del giovane pianista e compositore Vitor Araújo, il cui inconfondibile stile è particolarmente in evidenza nella versione strumentale del brano “Craque”, che si interrompe improvvisamente a metà per lasciare spazio a un assolo di piano che vi lascerà senza fiato! Un altro eccellente lavoro firmato da due tra i più creativi e significativi artisti Schema Records!

The debut album from the legendary Brazilian group, Os Novos Bahianos. Official Mr Bongo reissue.
Originally released by RGE in 1970 in Brazil, ‘É Ferro Na Boneca!’ features 13- songs composed by Luiz Galvão and Moraes Moreira. This record shows the roots of the group, moving through psychedelics, edgey pop, rock and Tropicália.
After writing ‘É Ferro Na Boneca!’ their music began to move towards MPB due to the influence of João Gilberto, who began working with the group. In 1972 they released their incredible ‘Acabou Chorare’ LP, which came top of Rolling Stone Magazine’s list of 100 Greatest Brazilian Records (published in 2007).

The Tropicália art movement of the late 1960s, with flourishes in visual art, poetry, theatre and music, is one of Brazil’s most adored cultural concoctions. It was a movement which began out of necessity, shortly after a repressive military dictatorship seized power after 20 years of peaceful democracy. The term Tropicália first came from the mind of Brazilian visual artist Hélio Oiticica, whose eponymous piece consisted of a sandy maze bordered by tropical Brazilian flora and, at the end, a television set.

Through satirizing symbols of their homeland and rejecting a pre-established national culture, the Tropicalists constructed a new form of “aggressive nationalism” outside of an innately anti-imperialist Left and an unthinkingly patriotic Right. By refusing to accept underdevelopment as their identity and excitedly “devouring” disparate culture (low and high brow, domestic and foreign, etc.), the Tropicalists carved out a unifying creative space, a universal sound, different from the older, bourgeois bossa nova movement and the newer, undiscerning rock movement.

Caetano Veloso’s self-titled debut solo album is one of the most important and influential Brazilian (and, dare we say, South American) albums of all time. With the release of this seminal album, Veloso would become the leading voice of Tropicália.

The songs on this album immediately connected with people. Alegria, Algeria was his breakout hit that gained traction as a hymn for liberty advocates, juxtaposing images of Coca Cola, guerrilla groups, bombs and Brigitte Bardot as part of the everyday experience. The album’s first song Tropicália was an anthem for the whole movement; it’s a fragmented allegory, a structure borrowed from friends

in the concrete poetry scene, touching on divergent cultural symbols, events, allusions and idioms, nimbly representing and critiquing the many contradictions in the new Brazilian dictatorship.

Superbacana (translated as “Supergroovy”) follows a hyperbolic superhero’s use of technology to fight a gang of cowboys led by the money-hungry Uncle Scrooge, serving as allusions to American imperialism and greed felt in their country, all in the rapid-fire structure of a comic book. The subtext in all these songs, which the dictatorship would not immediately catch, were that these repressed but glaring contradictions, not the bountiful sunny paradise that the military regime was pushing, were the true national identity.

Unfortunately, these cleverly veiled jabs in Veloso and his contemporaries’ bodies of work gained greater and greater exposure as the movement became more and more popular, leading to the arrest, imprisonment and forced exile of Veloso and many of his cohort. Despite these difficulties, the Tropicalists continued creating in exile, strongly influencing artists both at home and abroad.

This is the first authorized North American vinyl issue of Caetano Veloso. Whether you’re a longtime fan or first-time listener, Third Man Records could not be more proud to spread the compelling story of this album, this artist and the Tropicália movement.

Since the release of his 2 first albums on Favorite Recordings, Lucas Arruda has quickly established himself as one of the most talented young artist and composer from Brazil. His music is filled with fusion style, mixing influences and elements from his Latin musical background, with his genuine admiration for Jazz, Soul, Pop and Funk music.
In spring 2015, it was also not surprising to find Lucas Arruda back with a new LP called Solar, receiving great supports and feedbacks from international media and tastemakers. One of the highlight of the album was the song “Melt the Night”, on which Lucas teamed up with legendary producer Leon Ware, reminding his collaborations in the 80s with Marcos Valle, when they perfectly merged together the sophisticated Boogie and AOR touch from California, with the blazing sense of rhythm from Brazil.
Today Favorite Recordings proudly present Onda Nova, new and third album by Lucas Arruda. Mostly written, composed and arranged by himself, Lucas however teams up on a few tracks with his old mate Fabio di Monaco (Modo Solar), his brother and musical partner Thiago Arruda, who recently joined Ed Motta’s live band, or Gaël Benyamin, also known as Geyster, who brings his longtime “savoir-faire” and skills for writing and composing AOR and WestCoast music genre, and who share this deep passion with Lucas.
Onda Nova is therefore pursuing the music direction set with Solar, mixing touch of Blue-Eyed-Soul, Pop, Soul and Brazilian styles together, and influenced by the path of legendary Brazilian producer Lincoln Olivetti, who recorded some of the biggest stars of Brazilian music (Marcos Valle, Jorge Ben, Tim Maia…).
In Lucas words: “In this record I really wanted to honor Robson Jorge & Lincoln Olivetti. They are the main influence on this record. We recorded the basic tracks for the album in the same studio that Lincoln Olivetti did his last works. So, this was very important to capture the true essence of Brazilian Funk/AOR tradition. Hope you guys enjoy it!”

Still shrink wrapped but opened.
Cover as new with slightly dented corners.
Record with just a few paper scuffs, close to VG+.

The record was produced by the twenty years old Alex Tony Okoroji at the legendary ARC Studios in Lagos, a facility set-up by Ginger Baker. This is the third production for the Alex Tony Okoroji’s fledgling independent label Love Records, the previous record was the pioneering release by Udu - Sound of the People (Love Records, Nigeria 1976) also reissued by Dig This Way in 2020. Musically these two records are poles apart but similar in as much as both the band and producer present a personal musical vision that sounds nothing like their piers’ at the time… The Springs Band formed in Ibadan (Oyo State) which is roughly 130km northeast of Lagos. The seven members met while training to be Reverend Fathers for the Catholic Church and come from both Nigeria and Sierra Leone… in retrospect as unlikely as this sounds (particularly when you hear the record) the band were the Seminaries event house band at the time… Musically, the record consists of five prime time dancefloor gems with two very subtle afterhours numbers to close - not a bad track on here - which at times in itself is unique for records from the region in the late 70s. The first five tracks are complex hypnotic afro funk with an almost mesmerizing organ groove, that is deep and raw at the same time which well represent the time, the place and the people involved in the recording... As odd as it may sound the spiritually of the bands chosen profession is reflected in the fluid deep funk of the groove ... not being there we can only guess how the live performances of this "band in full flight" must have been ... as luck would have it the recording captures all of those elements and that’s what the end result sounds like near unbeatable! Judge for yourself via this enlightening release!!! Reading the original hand written press release for the record it would be fair to say, at the time, the members of the band were potentially not entirely focused on their chosen vocation and, reading between the lines, were mildly concerned what their educators might think… years later it’s pleasing to discover that all of the survivors became as good as it gets in their original career choice… better still… for the Afro-Centric music collector… the very same set of individuals (in their wilder days) recorded one of the most forward thinking and dance floor friendly records of the period… little known until now… “This is our dream world cristalised in vibes. In a world of uniform hate where people experience death in a trance , it is through love's cry that we see through the eyes of wisdom that he needs somebody. Music is the message transmitted in this super disko funk for funky people, to tell the brandifield dad the truth or ask a music-minded-lass, introduce me to your loving. So, if you have anything to say, why not join us and say it...after all it's a happy world... We have a right to the good things of life.”

Color de Trópico is a carefully-compiled work of healing and reconstruction, documenting a special moment in the history of Venezuelan music, when the country’s democracy was just a few years old and the profound impact of the oil industry on society had only just begun. DJ El Palmas and El Dragón Criollo have chosen eight impossibly hard-to-find jewels, originally released between 1966 and 1978, reissued here for the first time on vinyl. In this period, Venezuelan musicians assimilated a wide range of influences and styles, both local and global, to generate something new, a “modern” identity for Venezuelan music; artists who set their eyes on the future without giving up the search for their own sabor (flavour). This is how jazz, rock, salsa, funk, psych, prog and disco, sat next to guajira, cumbia, cha-cha-cha and even the hugely-popular Venezuelan style of joropo. It started a long tradition of Venezuelan musical pioneers, many of whom are still to get the recognition they deserve. Seconds after the needle drops on the vinyl, “El Despertar” (“The Awakening”) kicks off things with a goodbye for it was the last single Los Darts released before their dissolution in 1974. In the 60s they became the youthful face of pop, however, “El Despertar” settles into a later maturity, having digested the tumult of the times. A cha-cha-cha rhythm with bossa nova piano, bluesy stylings and a Caribbean context – a blueprint for tasty miscegenation – with the use of electric guitar, arriving in waves of chords, signalling the onset of modernity. “Guajira con Arpa” by the pioneering Hugo Blanco, who lists the creation of countless rhythms and his early adoption of rhythms like ska amongst his claims to fame, is a fusion that arrives without complexities. It approaches indigenous forms from a multitude of different angles, yet in the middle of its Caribbean approach it creates a melody so close to the pajarillo that the song seems to flip on its head. With “Zambo” the party is on. Here we have an all-star line-up comparable to master Cortijo’s brief project with his Time Machine in Puerto Rico. Alex Rodríguez, one of the most important jazz guitarists in Venezuela and his Retreta Mayor give a twist to the fusion by daring to venture into Latin jazz, funk and salsa. “Gaita Universal” by El Combo Los Capri, gives us a moment of solace, recalling the cultural, rhythmic and even spiritual brotherhood of Venezuela not only with the Caribbean but with the continent, South America and neighbouring Colombia. This cumbia is special, it interweaves musical phrases in the style of a popular party wanting to propose the permanence of culture. Rhythm is the point of union between all human beings and, as its name indicates, its proposal goes beyond the physical and particular. It’s pure tropical hedonism. Nelson y sus Estrellas reminds us once again of the Caribbean wave but here under his “urban” outfit. Nelson plays guaguancó in the style of original salsa, specifically in this version (the theme evolves over time) with a disco-soul twist on “Fantasía Latina”. It takes the sound of early masters like Eddie Palmieri but is developed with eclectic elements, a climatic structure in which a trumpet with vibrato, salsa-rock riffs with acoustic guitars and a flute that, unlike the charangas in those that Johnny Pacheco partook at the same time, rather have a cinematic character. The cosmic “Tu y Yo” from Almendra plots a journey between soul-jazz and psychedelia that sails over a Moog until ending as a P-Funk descarga. Despite the fact that the principal instruments are an organ and a synthesizer, the acoustic guitar provides a unique colour. A tropical psychedelic journey from beginning to end seasoned with congas. The album closes with Tulio Enrique León y Su Organ playing “Bimbom”, a European pop-styled track from 1975. It’s a version of Bimbo Jet’s Eurodisco “El Bimbo” that immediately became famous among popular easy listening orchestras throughout summer in Europe. Tulio Enrique shines by turning it into an enigmatic and spectral cumbia. Tulio was an organist whose blindness did not prevent him from becoming one of the most popular artists in the world, as cited by Billboard in 1965. We have left the politically-incorrect “Socorro, Auxilio” by Germán Fernando for the end. According to music journalist Alfredo Churión “those who saw him attested to having witnessed something indescribable”, a mysterious man who doubted even his sanity and of whom today practically nothing is known. He was someone who dared to show a completely foreign effrontery, signing unintelligibly, moving frantically and throwing himself to the ground before the stunned gaze of his audiences. Venezuelan writer Luis Armando Ugueto states: “his art could go from the sublime to bad taste – and it was craved by the press – when he subjected viewers to strange songs where he pleaded for socorro and auxilio [help].” Germán Fernando had a histrionic proposal that was a thousand times misunderstood and that even popular presenters of the time like Renny Ottolina dubbed “his follies”. A theme close to the jazz orchestra soundtracks of James Bond and Batman accompanies the showman here who comes across like a creole Screaming Jay Hawkins. He creates a whirlwind of sound that, while as agile as a featherweight, is also capable of knocking out all the old ideas we had about Venezuelan music.

Quero Ver Você Dançar is a collaboration between Rome-based DJ/producer The Rebel, Portuguese DJ/producer Dedy Dread, and Brazilian jazz singer Keila Abeid. Other musicians playing on the track – including Neney Santos (percussions), Marco Ravallese (keys), and Fab Samperi (flute) – masterly contribute to its soulful favela vibes. Housed in a single jacket with beautiful artwork by Roman illustrator Federica Fruhwirth, the 12- inch single also features a super groovy remix by Mo’Horizons whi ch, wi t h i t s powe r ful combination of bossa and drum’n’bass rhythms, makes this release a must for tropical-music aficionados. Also available on all major digital outlets, with two additional remixes by young Brazilian producers Afterclapp and Brasila Strut.

Outro Tempo II: Electronic and Contemporary Music from Brazil, 1984-1996 is the second installment of Music From Memory’s Brazilian series. This volume picks up where the first Outro Tempo left off, shedding light on a new wave of experimentalism that emerged in Brazil in the late 1980s and 1990s. The twenty tracks collected uncover another area of Brazilian music that looked to the future for inspiration. This time it drifts beyond the rainforest and into the pulsating heart of Brazil’s great cities, where it meets a generation of young artists eager to radically change the face of contemporary Brazilian music. In Outro Tempo II the avant garde and pop worlds meld in a haze of percussion and electronics. It presents another uncompromising and magnetic reinterpretation of the limits of Brazilian music. Outro Tempo II is compiled again by John Gómez and features original artwork by Alice Quaresma. The CD version also includes the 2 tracks 'Bruhahá' & 'Eyes' which were released as a separate single on vinyl and were not included in the 2xLP version.

Candombe fusion, art rock and psychedelia with punk attitude. With a unique mix of music roots and cosmopolitan sounds Jaime Roos would become one of the most successful and significant artists of Uruguayan music. Siempre son las cuatro, his fourth album, recorded in 1982 in Montevideo after a long stay in Europe, was the work that started to build Roos’ artistic personality and the first step towards mass appeal in his country. A psychedelic album with dark and somber tones but also full of groove and punk defiance, that is quintessentially Uruguayan. 500 copies. 140 gramms vinyl, Poster included

New Wave and Afrofuturism With a unique mix of music roots and cosmopolitan sounds Jaime Roos would become one of the most successful and significant artists of Uruguayan music. Released in 1984, Mediocampo absorbs the new wave trend in a unique way, blending the sounds of synths and electric guitars with Afro drums and Latin rhythms. The songs jump from candombe to rock, from ballad to murga roots, from pop to experimental music. The album paved Roos’ path to stardom in Uruguay and is considered nowadays as one of his most substantial works. 500 copies. 140 gramms vinyl, 12 page booklet included!

Berlin was live recorded at the ARK Studios Berlin in the summer of 2019 this record is Featuring: Renato Gama (Voice and Gittar) , Ronaldo Gama (Bass), Leo Carvalho (Percursion) along special guests Franck Bidin and Paulo Cedraz.

Our much in-demand series of classic Brazilian 45s are back! Featuring a vibrant new design, we’ve curated yet more wants-list regulars and unearthed fresh finds from Brazil that are destined to become collector’s items in their own right. Number 80 in our Brazil.45 series, aptly sees a double-sider focusing on the awesome 80's recordings by one of the giants of Brazilian music, Jorge Ben. First up is the addictive, building groove of 'Curumin Chama Cunhãtã Que Eu Vou Contar (Todo Dia Era Dia De Índio)’. Taken from the 'Dádiva' album from 1981, and originally released on Som Livre Records. A homage to the indigenous people and tribes of Brazil. The flip features one of Jorge's most beloved Brazilian-Boogie joints, 'Rio Babilônia’, which celebrates life in Rio, partying, the beach, and the city’s iconic monuments. The song was originally released on a compacto and taken from the 'Dádiva' album from 1983, it features arrangements by the late-great, Lincoln Olivetti.

180g vinyl edition. Recorded between New York, New Orleans, Miami and Costa Rica, After A Thousand Years features legendary multi-instrumentalist Bill Summers, famed for his work with Herbie Hancock, Quincy Jones and Eddie Henderson. The album also features Malawian-American guitarist Masauko Chipembere who has worked with the likes of RZA from Wu-Tang Clan and Ladybug Mecca from Digable Planets.

“Banana Peel is exactly what we need now. Visionary Jneiro Jerel at his finest channelling healing sounds and rhythms from Mother Earth. A much-anticipated lens through Jneiro’s third eye. Thank you!” King Britt

Created in 2006, Setenta, the Latin Soul Band spreads a unique mix over the world scene. For their fifth album Materia Negra, the Paris-based band returns to its roots: hard Latin funk with plenty of Afro-Latin percussion upfront in the mix contrasted with accents of lush vocal harmony and warm, breezy melody. But at its core, there is something essentially darker, rougher and funkier than their previous releases, especially in the guitar and synth work, bluesy minor key arrangements, and lyrical content. It’s essentially a heavier feel with this record, influenced no doubt on the negative side by the current dark times being experienced across the globe due to the pandemic, subsequent economic downturn and the lack of effective government leadership and global solidarity to deal with the crisis. On the positive tip, the inspiring Black Lives Matter movement and international protests against oppressive governments, systemic racism, corporate greed, global warming and environmental exploitation no doubt have something to do with the serious feel of Materia Negra as well. Another crucial aspect to this newfound toughness is what band member and Latin Big Note founder and director Osman Jr. states is the group’s desire to address DJs and dancers who appreciate the rawest songs from Setenta’s previous productions. The desire is to leave their mark on the decks and dance floors of the planet with a genre that “we defend by taking the torch extended by our mentors such as Joe Bataan: Latin Funk!” Setenta’s sound has always been soulful, with plenty of tropical Caribbean roots, but this time there is an even stronger Afro-centric theme and gritty psychedelic R&B angle, clothed in galactic, outer-space trappings, bringing to mind another forerunner, Mandrill, as well as the Afro-Futurist mothership vibe of Parliament-Funkadelic.

The fourth release from Jazz Is Dead records features Azymuth, one of the bands in Brazilian history, redefining Popular Brazilian Music. Having released almost 20 albums in their career, Azymuth proves to be a consistent source for an innovative mix of jazz, pop, MPB, and electronic music.

Composed and produced by Adrian Younge & Ali Shaheed Muhammad and recorded in the Linear Labs analog studio.

For those of you who haven't had the pleasure of seeing Koko-Jean and The Tonics featuring Dani Nel·lo, you are in for a treat! For the first time they join forces with this debut single to pay tribute to one of the greatest 60s rhythm and blues icon, Little Milton. 3 elegant yet greasy tunes that are sure to explode in your ear and make your body swing and shake. pop in this new single and let it roll!!

This limited edition 7" collects three unreleased tracks from the recording sessions from Los Mambo Jambo's third album, Jambology: ‘Cayo Diablo’, ‘El Último Shimmy’ i ‘Experiment In Honk’. It was published on June 20th to support the campaign 'Salvemos Las Tiendas De Discos' (Save The Record Stores) promoted by Record Store Day Spain.

Newborn french label Raoi Records is proud to release for the first time a remastered and fully licensed compilation of the two sought after records of Joe Sembene: Heart of Africa & Weur Di Dane/Le P’tit Quinquin. Side A is "Heart of Africa" with the songs "Gorelle" & "Autrefois", two timeless and unparalleled afro/electronic tracks. The first song on Side B is "Weur Di Dane", a perfect blend of afro and boogie vibes. The voice of Joe's wife, Josy Sene, stands out all along the track, a pure bliss! This is followed by a cover of a traditional song from the north of France called "Le P'tit Quinquin", but Joe gives it a strong reggae twist in the vain of Serge Gainsbourg’s "Aux Armes Et Cætera"! However, it had little success at the time... After recording these two remarkable and hard-to-find 7 inches at September Records in Lille (Fr), Joe suddenly disappeared… Who knows where Joe Sembene is right now?

HIGHLIGHTSFirst ever reissue of "Kabwlú", a very hard-to-find album released by Discos Fuentes in 1965.The mysterious Los Picapiedra (which translates as The Flintstones, inspired by the 1960s American cartoonshow), was a short-lived studio group with one albumto their name, "Kabwlú", mixing 'folkloric' and 'modern'elements with calculated 'caveman' humor.It is very musically diverse; not only are there the requisite genres that could be found on similar Colombian teenage-oriented groups' records of the time, such as cumbia, gaita, rock, twist and pachanga, but there is also a smattering of surf, doo-wop, Latin jazz, guajira, ska, and calypso. But what makes the whole thing so special is the odd, off-kilter arrangements, spooky tunings, rudimentary clanging percussion, invented 'cave' language, prominent twanging electric guitar and many zany sound effects.Several of Los Picapiedra's songs became very popular in Colombia as well as Venezuela and especially in the 'rebajada' (slowed down) version as played by the 'sonidero' sound system DJs in Mexico, such as "La Hossa".Presented in its original artwork and pressed on 180g vinyl.Part of Vampisoul's reissue series of classic Fuentes LPs.DESCRIPTIONWhile Discos Fuentes was known for recording all sorts of interesting sounds from traditional folkloric Colombian music to the latest popular international styles, every once and a while they would put out a "novelty" record, perhaps to exploit a passing fad, and at times the label would green-light something strange or even outlandish. Many of those left-field releases have their merits and have subsequently become collectors' items over the years.One such case is the mysterious Los Picapiedra (which translates as The Flintstones, no doubt inspired by the 1960s American sitcom cartoon show), a short-lived studio group with one album to their name, "Kabwlú" (an unpronounceable, invented "caveman" term that is also untranslatable, but seems to have been the 'traditional...

After the trilogy of King Sporty & The Ex-tra's EPs in 2018, Emotional Rescue returns to the music of Noel Williams with this first ever single release of his 1976 reggae disco bomb, Safari, backed with a special discomix by Lexx.
Taken from William's debut album, Deep Reggae Roots, it can be considered a culmination of his career to date, from growing up on the streets of Kingston, Jamaica, to his first singles for Studio One and Trojan, his relocation to Miami and the birth of his Konduko label and moves to incorporate the local clubs growing affiliation with funk and disco.
Prescient to the coming wave, Williams enlisted some of Miami's finest in George Perry and Clay Cropper (Chocolate Clay), Ron Smith (KC & The Sunshine Band) and legendary producer Alex Sadkin (Compass Point, Bob Marley, Grace Jones, Talking Heads).
The stand out from the album, Safari, with it's hazy, low slung groove of razor sharp rimshot, guitar licks and funk bass is topped with an incessant chant 'Disco, Safari'. Criminally brief, the choice of Lexx to step in the mix was a simple one. His dubbed rework is perfect, laidback, letting the groove roll and King Sporty's mantra shine.

Debut album by prize-winning recording artist, composer & arranger NATALIE GREFFEL out of Berlin. Natalie was born in post-colonial Mozambique and raised in Denmark from infancy. After moving to Berlin in 2010 to attend a music conservatory, and while engaged in various projects - RADIO CITIZEN, KARL HECTOR & THE MALCOUNS, ONOM AGEMO & THE DISCO JUMPERS - that exercised her stylistic flexibility. She was introduced to the pianist of Brazilian star Ed Motta; he encouraged her to record a demo. Inspired anew by the harmonic structures of Antonio Carlos Jobim, Hermeto Pascoal, Noel Rosa, Nelson Cavaquinho, Milton Nascimento, Elza Soares, Elis Regina, Gilberto Gil and Chico Buarque - architects of Brazilian music - Natalie began to interpret these blueprints in her own unique lexicon.

Prodigy child Marisol a.k.a. Pepa Flores was born Josefa Flores González in

Málaga, 1948. She was discovered in 1959 and started a successful solo career

that took her to win the Best Child Actress prize of the Mostra de Venezia in

1960s. She did many movies for Spanish directors, also for actor/director Mel

Ferrer in Hollywood and did also T.V. work.

Parallel to her cinema and television career Marisol produced an impressive collection

of records. This double LP set collects some of her most famous hits, spreading

through a variety of styles that go from traditional Spanish flamenco flavoured tunes to

ye-yé beat to more sophisticated pop productions, including songs written by famed

Spanish composers/conductors such as Augusto Algueró and Manuel Alejandro,

Spanish pop stars Juan y Junior and Los Brincos or jazz legend and ubiquitous

arranger / producer Juan Carlos Calderón.

Since her child star days, Marisol evolved both as an artist and as a civil rights

defender through the years until she retired from public life in the 1980s. This collection

is a small representation of her works from her earliest recordings in 1962 through

some of her more mature productions.

Jungle Fire: “Our thing is incorporating rhythms from a wide variety of African Diaspora sources. This album in particular is darker than the previous two.”

Nairobi, Kenya, 1978. In the Phonogram Ltd. music studio, the popular Congolese Rumba band Les Mangelepa is finishing a session. Things are going well: they have recorded all the music they planned and still have an hour to kill before giving back the studio keys. How about improvising one last song on the spot?
And this is how “Nyako Konya” was born. An incredible 9 minutes hypnotic jam, that’ll eventually become one of their biggest tunes, earning them a Gold record and international acclaim throughout Africa.
Meticulously restored and remastered by French engineer Nicolas Thelliez, the original version is featured here together with remixes by three talented producers: French House/Disco producer extraordinaire Yuksek and his wall of sound skills, Netherlands’ Afro lovers and world famous studio maverick Umoja delivering a space dub Lee Scratch Perry style, and last but not least, the trademarked syncopated stabs from Brooklyn’s Uproot Andy.

180g LP. On his debut album Travesseiro Feliz (Happy Pillow) Rio de Janeiro based dreamer and new Far Out Recordings signing Ricardo Richaid melds his tropical heritage with his love for psychedelic music, jazz and rock.He also takes inspiration from the many Brazilian greats - Caetano Veloso, Arthur Verocai, Hermeto Pascoal, and Azymuth (to name a few) - who he has worked with as an engineer, assistant and producer, in Rio's former RCA studio, Cia dos Tecnicos.

The aptly named Goza La Salsa (Enjoy Salsa) is the second album by Los Afroins, the flagship salsa band of the obscure but beloved INS label (Industria Nacional Del Sonido Ltda., Medellín, Colombia). The combo's repertoire focused mostly on cover versions hit tunes from New York, Cuba and Puerto Rico, both classic and contemporary, but for this record, their sophomore outing from 1975, their arrangements got tighter and there are more original compositions, which makes for a satisfying evolution in both style and content. Pianist Agustín "El Conde" Martínez, who would later work with Joe Arroyo and Juan Piña, led the group and did some arranging, with studio session production by INS artistic director Alfredo "Sabor" Linares. The vocals were handled by a pair of fresh-faced singers, Lucho Puerto Rico and Roy "Tayrona" Betancourt, who would later go on to fame in the 1980s, the former with his own Lucho Puerto Rico Y Su Conjunto Sonero and Conjunto Son Del Barrio (both in collaboration with Alfredo Linares), and the latter with Willie Salcedo, Reales Brass De Colombia, and Los Caribes. Additional arrangements were by Luis Felipe Basto of Los Black Stars and Luis E Mosquera, while the rest of the band was made up of INS related studio musicians. Goza La Salsa is just as hard to find as their first record and contains 10 bright and sassy salsa dura treasures that light up the dance floor with their incessant rhythms, syncopated trumpets and trombone and buoyant melodies. There are smoking covers of hits by Panama's Bush y sus Magníficos ('Salsa Al Pindin') and Bronx timbalero Orlando Marín and His Orchestra ('Está De Bala') as well as updated renditions of old Cuban chestnuts 'La Masacre' (written by Joseíto Fernández of 'Guantanamera' fame, and a hit for Cuarteto Caney) and 'Matusa' (originally titled 'Macusa', composed by Francisco Repilado aka Compay Segundo and made famous by Duo Los Compadres). This time around there are six excellent originals with the hottest pair being Lucho Puerto Rico's theme s...

Neno Exporta Som’s super-rare compacto 'Deixa A Tristeza’ from 1971, has been high on the want-lists of Brazilian record collectors and DJs for years. This was intensified, along with a wider cult-following, following Floating Points dropping the gem on his amazing 'BBC Radio 1 Essential Mix’ back in 2015. Mr Bongo included 'Deixa A Tristeza’ on our Record Club Vol 1 compilation. Following that came many requests to release it back on its original ‘compacto’ 7” format. So finally, here it is for all to enjoy.
By sheer coincidence, also released in 1971 on Copacabana Records is Agnaldo Rayol's ‘Sumaúma’. A fairly un-known record which has the potential to become an underground classic. This epic track has a psyche break-beat drum and bass groove intro - just asking to be sampled! Along with lush string and horn arrangements and a soaring female/male vocal duet. This beauty has been a firm favourite in the Bongo office since we came across it and hopefully you dig it as much as we do.

Brazilian composer, producer and multi-instrumentalist, Rafael Arosa produces a pop dance sound without giving up sophistication in harmonies, arrangements and melodies.
Admitting to have one foot in the present and one foot in the past, Arosa has a strong influence on the synth disco and AOR / westcoast styles that were striking in the early 1980s.
In his debut album, Arosa features the participation of experienced musicians from Rio de Janeiro. A prominent partnership was the participation of Donatinho, who in 2017 released the album "Sintetizamor" with his father, João Donato (one of the big names in Brazilian music). Donatinho co-produces 3 tracks with Arosa and has built layers of synthesizers on various tracks.
Another prominent partnership was with Pedro Guinu, a talented keyboardist who co-produced 2 tracks and sings on the "Vertigem" track.
Among the experienced musicians who participated in the recording are also André Vasconcellos (Ed Motta, Djavan), Alberto Continentino (Ed Motta, Gilberto Gil), Pedro Mamede (Natiruts), Adam Nitti (Kenny Loggins) and Leo Mucuri (Anitta, Jorge Vercilo).
The album was mixed by Latin Grammy winner Fabricio Matos and mastered at Metropolis Studio London by Stuart Hawkes. Mastering of the track Stellar Smile was performed at Sterling Sound Studio by Chris Gehringer.
Besides musician, Rafael Arosa is a geography teacher and this activity is somehow reflected in some lyrics.

180g Double LP released on vinyl only. Recorded in 1974 and unreleased until almost thirty years later, the album was written as the soundtrack to a ballet which dealt with the legacy of slavery in Brazil.Raw, atmospheric and emotionally charged, Maria Maria reveals one of Brazil's greatest ever songwriters at his creative peak