Incredibly unique concept album from the one and only, Tom Ze´. As featured in Rolling Stone magazine's 100 Greatest Brazilian Albums of all-time list (2007). One of Ze's finest albums in our opinion, originally released by Continental. Brazil in 1976 - a tough one to find at a good price in its original form now. 'Estudando do Samba' (or 'Studying The Samba') is a post-Tropicalia studio experimentation laiden with layers of hypnotic percussion, effects & samples that deconstructs the 'samba' form. Recorded during what was arguably his most creative period. David Byrne found the record in Rio in the late 90's and included several songs on his Tom Ze collection for Luaka Bop a few years later. At that time Tom was not recording or touring much; playing low-key shows in Sao Paulo and contemplating a move back to Irara´ to work at a service station owned by one of his cousins. Byrne's project helped to reignite his career and he hasn't looked back since.
Classic Brazilian album from master drummer, Ronald Mesquita, originally released in 1972. Featuring songs by Jorge Ben, Antonio Carlos-Jobim, Gilberto Gil, Edu Lobo and others. Mesquita is probably most well-known for playing with Luis Carlos Vinhas and his 'Bossa Tres' outfit, along with his own group, 'Ronie E A Central Do Brasil', that he formed after his return from the US in the early 1970s. He also played on several songs on Tenorio Jr.'s 'Embalo' album that Mr Bongo recently reissued. The killer track 'Balanca Pema' was very big in the Jazz Dance scene in the 90s and also featured on the Mojo compilation 'Dancefloor Jazz Volume Four'. Madlib sampled 'Balanca Pema' on his Medicine Show Number 2 'Flight to Brazil'.
Beautiful debut album from the incredible, Celia. Conducted & arranged by Arthur Verocai and Rogerio Duprat; featuring songs by Lo Borges, Antonio Adolfo and Joyce amongst others. Celia recorded four self-titled albums for Continental between 1971 and 1977, 'Amor' in 1982 plus several more before she sadly passed away late in 2017, aged 70. This is her debut album from 1970. Ce´lia was a Brazilian vocalist who worked frequently with master arranger-composer Arthur Verocai in her early years and many other heavyweights over the course of her extensive career. Joyce was particularly supportive in the making of this album, writing the beautiful 'Abrace Paul McCartney' and her husband at the time, Nelson Angelo, recorded some of the songs.
'Dancing In Outer Space' is a certified jazz-funk classic from a legendary band! 12" vinyl, cut loud at 45rpm. It sits at the pinnacle of the underground UK dance scene that went on to have a global influence. Stateside, the track had big support in clubs such as the mythic 'Paradise Garage' and 'The Loft' by the likes of Larry Levan and David Mancuso. An instantly recognisable anthem that is just as fresh today as it was when it was first released.
Mr Bongo presents the first 12" in a series of remix packages curated from Ebo Taylor's brand new album 'Yen Ara'. The 81-year-old composer, arranger, guitarist and vocalist has been a key figure in the evolving afro-funk sound since the Seventies, working with the likes of Apagya Show Band, CK Mann and Pat Thomas. This 12" combines three of the best remixers in the business - the legendary Ron Trent, west coast talent Flako, and disco connoisseur Nick The Record.
Mr Bongo brings another Brazilian rarity to the masses with this sublime reissue of Tim Maia's Disco Club. Recorded in 1978, it's a latter-period gem from the larger than life legend, combining the glitz and glamour of disco's heyday with Maia's raw funk and soul roots. When Maia first heard Little Richard as a teenager, he knew what kind of singer and artist he wanted to be. Five formative years spent in the US, where he ran wild in NYC and joined a doo-wop group called the Ideals, did little to dampen his enthusiasm for black music. Stirred by the civil rights movement in the US and driven by a punk spirit, Maia went on to blaze his own trail through the early 70s over the course of four successful albums for Polydor. Moving away from the straight MPB, Tropicalia and international rock dominating the airwaves, his sound represented a new black Brazilian consciousness.
Brazil, 1974. Burnier & Cartier release this self-titled suite of super-fly boogie-jazz and disco-soul. Many have loved this music since then, but relatively few have owned it, due to low print runs and high prices. Thankfully Brighton's Mr Bongo have stepped in with the reissue duties, allowing everybody to groove to this Brazilian wonder. LP with a replica of the original artwork.
Razor-sharp production of the highest order from two of the masters of the early 80's Rio de Janeiro boogie sound, Robson Jorge and Lincoln Olivetti. Both were highly acclaimed music producers of the time, starting around the mid-70's. Over the course of his career Olivetti worked with artists including Rita Lee, Erasmo Carlos, Don Beto, Marcos Valle, Tim Maia, Gilberto Gil, Gal Costa, Sandra Sa, Painel de Controle and many more. The album takes in mid-tempo, AOR, boogie and even latin all way through the tempo's to ultra-quick Prince style disco-funk workouts. Includes several standout tracks - 'Aleluia' and 'Ginga' being our two favourites. Synths, horns, claps, drum machines, guitars, keys and vocal harmonies combine effortlessly. Originally released in 1982 on Som Livre, Brazil. Replica original reproduction.
A1. Marcos Valle "A Paraiba Nao E Chicago"
B1. Don Beto "Nao Quero Mais"
For the latest volume in their ongoing Brazil 45s series, Mr Bongo has decided to change tack. The two tracks showcased here are from the golden age of Brazilian boogie. On the A-side you'll find Marcos Valle's "A Paraiba Nao E Chicago", a largely overlooked cut from his 1981 full-length Vontade De Rever Voce. While not as instantly as infectious as some of his better-known singles, it's still superb; a breezy, blue-eyed soul cut full of rising horns and sweet Portuguese vocals. On the B-side, you'll find Don Beto's 1978 disco-funk jam "Nao Quero Mais", a superb track that was seemingly inspired by the Doobie Brothers' "Long Train Running".