Back catalogue:

Review: Mr Bongo plunders the Brazilian vaults for more long-forgotten Latin classics. Besides the fact that she was pretty prolific (12 albums between 1960 and 1983) Mr Bongo don't know much about Ely... Her music tells us volumes, however. Minimal, jaunty and wholly vocal-focussed, there's a great sense of mischief about "Taieiras" as the band and singers develop momentum. Even less is known about Trio Esperenca besides the fact they're sisters. Solid vocal soul, backed with lush, rich harmonies and a catchy Motown finish, it's the type of track you feel you've known forever.

Review: Jorge Ben is a legendary figure in Brazilian music, often called the James Brown of Brazil, and is famous for writing the iconic anthem 'Mas Que Nada' as well as innovating within the samba sound. Amongst many other great successes, he collaborated with singer and guitarist Toquinho on the duet 'Carolina, Carol Bela' on the Brazilian label RGE. This song was famously sampled by DJ Marky and XRS for their drum and bass track 'LK' which became a global hit and topped the UK charts. Joao Donato is a renowned Brazilian jazz and bossa nova pianist who worked with icons like Tom Jobim, Astrud Gilberto, and Gilberto Gil and his track 'A Ra' appeared on his classic 1973 album Quem e quem, which has since been recognised by Rolling Stone as one of the 100 greatest albums of all time. Both of them are real Latin gems.

Review: The remastered 7" reissue from Brazil 45s/Mr Bongo features two highly coveted tracks from Quinteto Ternura and their predecessor, Trio Ternura. This pressing revives two rare gems from the past with a fresh, high-quality cut. On Side-1, Quinteto Ternura delivers 'Baby,' a dazzling Brazilian modern soul track penned by Caetano Veloso and arranged by Arthur Verocai. Originally from their 1974 self-titled LP, this song is a smooth blend of tropical bliss and has long been a cherished rarity. Flipping to the Side-2, Trio Ternura's 'Filhos De Zambi' offers an upbeat samba-funk delight. Released in the same year, this track is filled with vibrant energy from the original trio, featuring a catchy chorus and a dynamic key change. Co-written by the siblings' father Umberto Silva and Jose Ribamar, it remains a dancefloor favorite. This reissue provides a valuable opportunity to own these classic tracks in their prime.

Review: Wilson Simonal - Nem Vem Que Nao Tem
An instant and super catchy samba-MPB hit made famous by its inclusion in Fernando Meirelles and Katia Lund's 'City Of God'. This is a firm Simonal favourite at Mr Bongo HQ.

Simonal was a hugely successful singer in the 1960's and early 70's; one of the most popular artists in Brazil infact. 'Nem Vem Que Nao Tem' was previously released on 7" by Odeon in France and Spain, and appears on his 'Alegria, Alegria !!!' LP on Odeon Brazil, released in 1967

Trio Mocoto - Nao Adianta
Trio Mocoto were one of Jorge Ben Jr's main backing bands and highly influential to his sound. They recorded with him on the seminal 'Forca Bruta', 'Negro E Lindo' and 'Tabua de Esmeralda' LP's.

'Nao Adianta' first appeared on Trio Mocoto's self-titled 1977 Arlequim LP. It was subsequently released on 7" in Spain, Portugal and Italy (and we are assuming in France too).

Review: A dynamic duo of Brazilian classics on 7" from Wilson Simonal and Trio Mocoto. On Side-1. you have the infectious samba-MPB hit 'Nem Vem Que Nao Tem' by Wilson Simonal, a standout from his 1967 Alegria, Alegria !!! album. This track gained renewed fame in 2002 when it was featured in the critically acclaimed film City of God, exciting new audiences with its lively rhythms. On the flip side, Trio Mocoto delivers the orchestral-infused gem 'Nao Adianta,' first appearing on their self-titled 1977 Arlequim LP. Known for their collaboration with Jorge Ben on seminal albums like 'Forca Bruta,' this group was instrumental in developing the samba rock sound, blending samba, soul, and rock with an unmistakable sun-kissed flavor. This release is a vibrant celebration of Brazil's rich musical heritage, capturing the essence of two legendary acts in one compelling package.

Review: Mr Bongo's Brazil 45s series gets its rock on with two hairy grooves, both of which have enjoyed the sampler's crafty knives over the years. First up, Tom Ze's "Jimmy Renda-se" rolls with an oily sleazy groove that's peppered by a playful lyrical rhythm that transcends language barriers. Ben's "Take It Easy My Brother Charlie" joins the dots between Samba and very light Rock with all the signatures that made Mr Ben the legend he remains to this day with big vocal harmonies and infectious textures of Brazilian percussion.

Review: Rich gutsy soul from a man who's regularly described as Brazil's James Brown, "O Journalerio" is a blueprint funk jam. Released in 1971 (on his hyper-rare album BR-3) it's all about the orchestrated swing, bluesy groove and Hammond licks so lavish you need to towel on every listen. Flip for Som Tres... An off-shoot of the Sambalanco Trio, it's the sound of Cesar Camargo Mariano controlling a restrained rolling slice of filmic instrumental funk where horns, keys and drums gather momentum with big band drama. Neither have been released on 45" before, making this all the more special.

Review: Mr Bongo offers up an incredible 86th volume in the Brazil45 series, and this time it's Black Rio funk from two mainstays of the sound, Toni Tornado & Zeca Do Trombone. A-side 'Sou Negro' is from Tornado's 1970 EP on Odeon Records. It's a sought after number that despite lasting only just over two minutes still makes an indelible impression. Zeca Do Trombone & Roberto Sax join forces on the flip for 'Coluna Do Meio,' which is a more smooth, easy going jazz laced tune compared with the raw and direct a-side. This one has an acrobatic vocal and sunny riffs bringing pool-side vibes under clear blue skies.

Review: Three stunning flavours on Mr Bongo, none of which have ever been released on 45" before... Trio Mocoto - famously the backing band for Jorge Ben - lay down a frenetic samba where the group vocals take full lead of a sprightly groove with tinkling keys. Jazz Tenorio Jr's "Nebulosa" is exemplary jazz bossa, all heavy keys and creative drama. Finally Trio drummer Jorge Autuori gets representation with the lavish key-heavy samba "Autorizando". Each one a stunner, Mr Bongo have delivered once again

Review: Two premium Latin funk documents on one limited 45, Mr Bongo deliver once again: Marcos Valle needs no introduction to Brazilian music enthusiasts. "Mentira" is a self-cover as Valle takes his 69 classic "Mentira Carioca" and develops the dynamic with a vocal style that's highly reminiscent of Donovan. Flip for Toni Tornado's Black Rio anthem "Me Libertei". Fusing sleazy rock n roll with jazzy Latin soul, madly this is the first time it's ever graced a 45!