International Recommendations October 2014

Review: Supreme Cape-Verdean funk from the 70s, two of Abel Lima's most distinctive cuts are re-energised by Sofrito. "Corre Riba Corre Baxo" translates to what comes up must come down... But there's no come down here; pure positivity oozes from every highlife guitar strum and the overwhelming presence of the walking bassline. "Nos Maos" is a tad more subdued as the French and Portuguese lyrics pin down a tight, horn-led Caribbean groove. Act fast: as with all Super Singles, this one is super-limited!

Review: As famous as "Carolina Carol Bela" is, and as famous as both Jorge Ben and Toquinho are, madly this is the first time this track has ever appeared on a 45! Famously contemporised by D&B artist DJ Marky, its dreamy ebb and flows remain a timeless lesson in the most beautiful Brazilian music. As you'd expect from a super-limited Mr Bongo 7", it's coupled by an equally stunning slice of Latin folk. "Ara" is the creation of one of bossa nova's most decorated ambassadors. Driven by rhythmic staccato vocals, strident jazz-tinged pianos and layers of tangible instrumentation, it's been warming hearts since 1973. Gorgeous.

Review: Now firmly into double figures, the Brazil 45 series from Mr Bongos continues to be a source of much delight for the selectors out there seeking sought after gems from the 'golden era' of 1960s and 1970s Brazilian music. Fist up on this latest 7" is an alternate version of the Latin standard "Mas Que Nada" from Samba legend Elza Soares, who takes Jorge Ben's classic song into tougher and jazzier territory without losing any flavour. Complementing it, Mr Bongos present a rarity discovered from one of their trips to Brazil with the horn heavy delights of "Vou Falar-Lhe Francamente" from the unknown Elizabeth uncovered whilst digging through the now defunct Sao Paolo vinyl spot Tony's Hits.

Review: In addition to the ongoing series of Fela Kuti reissues undertaken by Knitting Factory, the Brooklyn label has latterly taken to irregularly calling on some celebrated fans to curate their own box set-shaped collections of personal favourites from the Nigerian legend's sizeable archives. Commencing in 2010 with Roots rhythm doctor Questlove at the helm, it seems that the series operates on a bi-annual axis with Ginger Baker's 2012 edition now complemented by this 7LP set curated by Brian Eno. Drawing from a cross section of Fela Kuti output that joins the dots between the '70s and '80s, the box set also features a 12-page booklet with a foreword by Eno, song lyrics, and in-depth commentaries by Afrobeat historian Chris May.

Review: Mr Bongos hit paydirt once again with their Brazil 45s series, with this 11th seven featuring a pair of Latin gems from Joao Bosco and Antonio Adolfo E A Brazuca that have never been pressed on 7" before. In original form, "O Ronco Da Cuica" was a certified highlight of the prolific Bosco's 1976 LP Galos de Briga, the supple bossanova groove truly blessed by some excellent vocal harmonies when the chorus hits. Those sample freaks in search of a killer break will however gravitate to the B Side jazz fusion bomb "Transamonica" from Antonio Adolfo E A Brazuca as it's packed full of them!

Review: Mr Bongo's Brazilian 45 series hits it's ninth gear with two region-defining slices of sun-kissed samba soul. Doris takes the lead with delicate frontage. Leading from the front, all instruments follow her cues and mirror each vocal flourish with mild big band cheekiness. The instantly distinctive "Tudo Que Voce Podia Ser" from sister quartet Quarteto Em Cy is a great twist on a Latin classic with its slightly rocky guitars and full bodied harmonies. Previously released in 1972, a return has been long overdue.

Review: A slice of Senegalese history... Aby Ngana Diop's only album was the country's first commercial album to feature a traditional female tassukat. It took Awesome Tapes From Africa several years to track down the late artist's family but they've finally done it and can now unleash this for everyone's pleasure. Ranging from the classic drum samples of opener "Dieuleul-Dieuleul" to the more traditional mbalax dynamics of the album's title track, this is a captivating and unique listen from start to finish. As usual superbn stuff by Awesome Tapes From Africa.