Review: We'll never tire of the incredible Brazil45 series on Mr Bongo, which has provided an authoritative window into the rich history of 60s and 70s grooves from South America. Here's a missing joint from the series which took some time to come to fruition - a split release featuring Brazilian Boys on the A side and Rubinho E Mauro Assumpcao on the B. 'Super Herois' is an obscure slice of off-kilter, psych tinged funk from 1975 that has the kind of individual sound which could find favour with a lot of different DJs. 'Tudo Ai' has a more recognisable samba shuffle, but much like the A side there's a subtle twist in the sound which leans towards blues rock and jazz, locking down on the rhythm and creating a low-key party starter in its own unique way.
Review: Captain Planet is a globe trotting DJ and producer who mixes up worldly roots music with his own fresh take on hip-hop and dancehall. For this one he joined up with Zuzuka Poderosa & Raphael Futura for a brilliant Brazilian disco and funk song that harks back to the 70s and 80s with influences like Tim Maia, Sandra Da Sa & Gilberto Gil. 'Moqueca' though also has some nice dance floor weight to it as well as the richly tropical percussion, steamy horns and seductive chords. On the flip is an instrumental and the good news is this is a taster of a full album to come.
Leo Basel - "Quelle Drole De Vie" (Nick The Record & Dan Tyler rework) (7:31)
Love Isaacs - "Surprise Surprise" (Joao Gomes & Dan Tyler Are Predictably Delayed rework) (5:43)
Rick Asikpo & Afro Fusion - "Let's Get High" (Nick The Record re-edit) (12:36)
Review: As Tangent, one of London's cherished underground institutions, marks a decade of unforgettable nights, it does so with a meticulously curated compilation on Mr Bongo. The new release is more than a celebratory gesture; it's a sonic anthology reflecting the essence of a decade spent at the heart of the city's underground scene. Curated by Tangent's own John Gomez and Nick the Record, the compilation presents a blend of rare and dancefloor-ready tracks that have defined their parties over the years. This isn't merely a collection of past hits; it's a celebration of the edits that transformed these tracks into Tangent anthems. Alongside remastered reissues, the CD edition includes three exceptional edits by Nick, John, and Dan Tyler of the Idjut Boys, each crafted with the kind of attention to detail that only years of club experience can bring. Nick's collaboration with Dan Tyler on Leo Basel's 'Quelle Drole De Vie' breathes new life into a 1987 remix, honing in on the standout elements of the original. The result is a vibrant, French boogie-infused track that promises to elevate any dancefloor. John and Dan's rework of Love Isaacs' 'Surprise Surprise' offers a cosmic twist on 80s electro-funk, extending the grooves and adding a highlife touch that enhances the track's dancefloor potential. The compilation's crowning piece is Nick's edit of Rick Asikpo and Afro Fusion's 'Let's Get High'. This 12-minute reimagining takes the energetic climax of the original and expands it into a frenetic, cosmic journey, showcasing synthesised jazz-funk in its most exhilarating form. This release is not just about revisiting old favourites; it's about acknowledging the transformative power of edits and the unique role Tangent has played in shaping London's underground music scene over the past decade.
Review: Joyce Moreno, a legendary Rio-born artist, is celebrated for her exceptional voice, musicianship, and songwriting. With over 30 albums in a career spanning more than 50 years, she continues to enchant audiences worldwide. Her iconic track 'Aldeia de Ogum,' known for its vibrant jazzy arrangement and rich samba rhythms, became a staple in London's Acid Jazz scene, championed by DJs Patrick Forge and Gilles Peterson. Originally featured on her 1980 LP Feminina and our 1997 Essential Joyce compilation, this beloved song first appeared on 7" through the Brazil 45 series. Rosinha de Valenca, another Rio native, was a revered composer, arranger, and guitarist who collaborated with giants like Baden Powell and Sergio Mendes. Her instrumental rendition of Gershwin's 'Summertime,' from her 1975 LP Um Violao Em Primeiro Plano, shows off her exquisite guitar skills accompanied by lush strings, delivering an emotionally stirring performance. A lot of great history on one 7".
Review: Fresh from delivering the excellent El U Vee EP, Make a Dance welcome North-East titan Geoff Kirkwood AKA Man Power to M.A.D Records for the first time. This time round, Kirkwood has company: Kenyan singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Rapasa Nyatrapasa. The pair set their stall out on opener 'Lou Land', where Nyatrapasa's Kenyan vocals and percussion slowly rise above a deep, drowsy and trippy deep house groove, before opting for an Amapiano-influenced Afro-tech-meets-Afro-House vibe on the more electronic 'Battle Hill'. Make a Dance deliver two takes on the latter on side B: a proto-house style vocal 'Remix' rich in vintage synth sounds, undulating acid bass, drum machine fills and echo-laden drum hits and a 'Dub Mix' that re-invents the track as a hazy, immersive slab of dub house/deep house fusion.
Painel De Controle - "Relax" (extended Waxist version) (5:54)
Rabo De Saia - "Ripa Na Xulipa" (Charles Maurice extended version) (5:28)
Famks - "Labirinto" (Nick The Record extended version) (6:17)
Review: France's Favorite label dabbles in all things funky and disco-flavoured, and this time they've decided to go with a Brazilian edge on their latest 12". Painel De Controle begins with a Waxist mix of "Relax", a chilled-out boogie monster with sultry vocals, while "Ripa Na Xulipa" by Rabo De Saia is more uplifting and heavy on the disco strings. Finally, Nick The Record rewires "Labirinto" by Famks into a subtly electro-fied boogie nugget. Nice!
Jazz Inspiration Orchestra Feat Frederic Rabold - "Red Point" (4:54)
Spring Feelings (feat Gisela Hafner) (3:17)
Review: As part of the Tramp Records tribute to German jazz legend Frederic Rabold as he approaches his 80th birthday sees the influential maverick's 'Red Point' released on 7", marking its first appearance on vinyl. 'Spring Feelings,' a track from Rabold's Time Machine album, is also included, a soulful glimpse into his creative genius. This release continues Tramp's tradition of championing exceptional artists, following in the footsteps of previous vinyl releases by Blue Rhythm Combo, Deep Jazz, and others. Rabold's work stands tall among these giants, and this collection is a fitting homage to his enduring influence in jazz.
Review: Labels Hot Mule and Secousse have teamed up to deliver something special: a killer EP of "lost gems from the golden era of Zouk and Gwo-Ka" in Guadeloupe (that's 1985 to '92, fact fans). The four tracks showcased here were performed and produced by an artist whose fame in Guadeloupe sadly never spread any further, Max Rambhojan. The A-side boasts two versions of the rather brilliant and suitably cheery "Tou't Jou Pa Min'm": the jaunty, sun-kissed, whistle-sporting 1986 original mix, and Rambhojan's heavily electronic, synthesizer-heavy, calypso-tinged 1992 re-make of his biggest local hit. Over on side B you'll find the bubby dub bass, sparse synths and flute solos of the decidedly tropical "Cecilia" and a suitably breezy, sunset-ready gem entitled "On Jou Matin".
Review: This 7" reissue brings together two scorching salsa gems from the early 70s, showcasing the vibrant energy and infectious rhythms of Ray Perez, aka "El Loco". Perez, a true innovator and iconoclast, is a revered figure in the Latin music scene, his influence spanning decades and continents. These two tracks, originally released in Venezuela, capture the essence of his sound, a fusion of Cuban influences, New York salsa, and Venezuelan flair. 'Muchacho Barrigon', a dancefloor filler that transcended borders, is a testament to Perez's ability to craft irresistible grooves. Its pairing with the equally infectious 'Guaguanco Del Adios' makes this 7" a must-have for any salsa enthusiast or DJ seeking to ignite the dancefloor.
Beo Dat May Troi - "Ho Chi Min" (feat HCMC Students) (7:19)
Co Doi Thuong Ngan - "Hanoi" (feat Viet Rice Band) (5:10)
Phu Quoc (feat Minh Duong) (6:13)
Hue (feat music Acadamy Students) (5:38)
Review: Thanks to the globe trotting "Trips" series in which they collaborate with local musicians in far-flung locations, Red Axes are clocking up plenty of air miles. Volume two in the series contains more exotic, cross-cultural treats, this time made in collaboration with Vietnamese musicians. They begin with the spacey dub disco shuffle of "Ho Chi Min", where ear-catching Vietnamese vocals and South East Asian string instruments ride a chunky groove, before stripping things back on the bass-heavy late night exoticism of "Hanoi". "Phu Quoc" sees them brilliantly chopping up, mangling and manipulating vocals and snaking solos over a druggy groove, while "Hue" is warm, deep, groovy and almost Balearic in its deliciously loved-up way.
Review: Timmy and South African songstress Toshi Tikolo, who hails from Kwalanga Township in Cape Town, collaborate on this powerful Afro House track that showcases a deep, spiritual side of the genre. Known for its impact on Shelter Heads and beyond, the instrumental mix alone packs a punch. Joaquin Joe Claussell elevates things with his signature and sacred style that transforms the original Afro roots into something entirely unique. His remixes, including the wonderful Cosmic Arts Afro and Drum Gathering versions, add plenty of depth to an already captivating original. This is as authentic as Afro house gets.
Review: For the latest volume in their essential "Brazil 45" series of seven-inch singles, Brighton-based Mr Bongo has decided to offer up a fresh pressing of MPB star Renata Lu's superb 1971 single "Faz Tanto Tempo". You'll find the title track, a heavyweight fusion of US style soul and funk with added Latin percussion and a touch of easy listening sassiness, on side A, with original B-side "Sambaloo" on the flip. This features Lu singing over a hybrid samba/boogaloo backing track rich in jaunty bass, rasping horns and jazzy electric piano riffs. It's arguably every bit as alluring as the A-side.
All You Got To Do (feat Jimmy James & Alex Rose) (4:29)
Original (feat Marina Alberto) (4:01)
Review: Reposado aka Tequila Funk brings more Latin and Afro flavours magic to this new 7". It makes a perfectly international soundtrack for global dancefloor fun with A-side 'All You Got To Do' bringing an uptempo soul vibe with some legendary guitar from the one and only Jimmy James, while some soulful background cooing comes from Alex Rose. It's a feelgood gem that will unite all who hear it and then the reverse is a salsa-tinged delight. 'Original' has masterful piano from Marina Albero and is an irresistible gem that completes a fine two-tracker.
Review: Ricardo Bomba was not only a studio owner, engineer, pianist and composer, but so too was he an accomplished amateur skateboarder. He lay down these previously unreleased, sun soaked Brazilian tunes in 1978 after years as bandleader with the one and only Jorge Ben's live show. The master tapes were said to have been binned during a heavy studio clear out but the man himself kept a tape copy that has been remastered for this special 7". Mariana Couto provides the angelic vocals while the music all trills with joy and happiness.
Review: Romero Bros deliver a vibrant double-feature with Samba De Flora Parts 1 & 2, a limited 7" release on Echo Chamber Recordings. This dynamic single ventures into broken beat and nu jazz territories with flair. Side-1 presents 'Samba De Flora' (part 1), a lively track characterised by its tribal rhythms, prominent piano lines, and infectious Latin house influences. This reminds us a lot of Ian Pooley's energetic style from the Since Then album. Side-2 features 'Samba De Flora' (part 2), offering a more subdued take. This version highlights instrumental elements with a refined approach, creating a nuanced soundscape that complements its energetic counterpart. Both versions make this a versatile and enjoyable little 7".
Review: Unlike its title, this isn't so much Disco Jazz as a cross between Bollywood and Balearic. As a young woman, Rupa Biswas made a disco record while on holiday in Canada in 1982, originally recorded in Calgary's Living Room Studios 'with a crack team of Indian and Canadian studio rats alike'. This remaster by Numero Group is from the original analogue source material and has been released with the permission of the producers and performers. Featuring the mesmerising 'Moja Bhari Moja' (radio version) on the first side, then flip over for the low-slung 'East West Shuffle'.
Review: Mongo Santamaria's 'Green Onions' here (a cover of the iconic Booker T standard) is a classic cut that showcases the legendary Cuban percussionist's mastery on the drums. First released in 1969 alongside the nighttime swayer 'In The Midnight Hour' , the single hears a funking reissue here that once more shines a blinding light on Santamaria's deft ability to blend originally American compositions with Latin rhythms and soul-jazz structures.
Zeca Do Trombone & Roberto Sax - "Coluna Do Meio" (2:58)
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.
Robson Jorge & Lincoln Olivetti - "Aleluia" (3:52)
Review: Two silky sides of Brazilian disco soul on Mr Bongo's perennial Brazil 45s series. First up, long-haired lothario samba fusionista Marcos teams up with Leon Ware for a pristine polished piece of early 80s disco funk. Golden harmonies, staccato vocals and a super juicy bassline; it's not hard to see why it was his best selling single. Flip for the equally smooth "Alleluia" from Brazilian boogie gospelist; this one is all about the percussion heavy breakdown. Proper sunshine block party business.
The Last Of The Past (with The Jazz Inspiration Orchestra) (6:17)
Berlin (with The Jazz Inspiration Orchestra) (6:40)
Solstice Celebrations (with The Crew) (4:33)
Blue Cha Cha Cha (4:17)
Spring Feelings (3:17)
Relaxing Walk (with The Jazz Inspiration Orchestra) (7:08)
Brother WH (with The Crew) (4:59)
Review: Frederic Rabold's career, spanning over six decades, is celebrated in this deluxe double gatefold vinyl LP, which captures the essence of his significant contributions to modern jazz. Born in Paris in 1944, Rabold transitioned from violin to trumpet, influenced early on by his jazz musician father and the vibrant French jazz scene. His formative years included playing alongside his father and later establishing his own band, the Frederic Rabold Crew, in 1968. The Crew gained prominence within the German jazz landscape, leading to performances at major festivals and extensive tours through Eastern Europe. This collection features key tracks from Rabold's extensive discography, including rare recordings and previously unseen photographs. Notable highlights include 'Noon in Tunisia' and the 1970s album 'Flair.' Throughout his career, Rabold collaborated with jazz luminaries like Gunter Hampel and Lester Bowie, reflecting his versatility and deep-rooted passion for modern jazz.
Review: Rail Band are one of the most legendary bands in Malian musical history, and like all great legends their greatest moment was fleeting. This incredibly heavy, soulful and hard-grooving record was released in 1973, when the official orchestra of the Malian State Railway decided to enter the studio and lay down their potent blend of Western funk and surf, Mande tradition and Afro-Cuban percussion. The band was led by trumpet and sax player Tidiani Kone and Djelimady Tounkara on guitar, but in the iteration captured on this album they also featured future stars Salif Keita and Mory Kante on vocals. Shortly after, Keita and Kante eloped to embark on hugely successful solo careers, but for a brief moment in 1973 one of the greatest African guitar bands of all time created a perfect storm of West African storytelling and smoking hot grooves.
Review: Tucked away on a private press release in the hidden corners of 70s Italian jazz, Enzo Randisi's debut album has been rescued from obscurity and given the reissue it so richly deserves. The extensive ensemble playing on this album includes Randisi's son Riccardo on Rhodes, Giuseppe Costa on bass, Enzo Palacardo on guitar and Franco Lota and Mimmo Cafiero on percussion, all serving as a backdrop to Randisi's exquisite vibraphone. It's a masterpiece of spiritual jazz cast in mysterious shades and sure to be cherished by any jazz aficionado, as confirmed by plaudits from such legends as Archie Shepp and Gil Evans.
Review: For Maria Raquel, there is no fear when it comes to following her passion. Whether it be moving from Colombia to New York to follow her dream, or getting onstage with the greats of Latin music, Maria does no second guessing. On her debut album Mucha Mujer, Maria dives headfirst into the classic sounds of boleros and cumbias, spotlighting her smoky alto amidst a live 16 piece orchestra of percussion, strings, horns, bass and guitar. Featuring all original compositions and recorded to analog tape, Mucha Mujer is reminiscent of classic recordings by artists like Omara Portuondo, Celia Cruz, and La Lupe, yet Maria Raquel breathes new life into these classic genres - the haunting yearning of the boleros contrasting with the pulsing insistence of Cumbia. Featuring some of New York's top Latin musicians such as Reuben Rodriguez (Tito Puente), Marcos Lopez (Marc Anthony), Ivan Renta (Eddie Palmieri), and arranged and produced by Mike Eckroth (Orquesta Akokán) and Jacob Plasse (Los Hacheros), Mucha Mujer introduces the world to a spellbinding new talent.
Review: Ray & His Court's self titled album is a masterclass in Latin funk by Ray Fernandez, a key figure in Miami's Cuban music scene. Originally released in 1973 on Sound Triangle Records, the album blends salsa, funk, soul, calypso and Afro-Cuban rhythms and is a real family affair that features Ray's wife, sons and top musicians like Rickey Washington, who is the father of the revered jazz cat Kamasi Washington. Side A boasts irresistible Latin tracks like 'La SeNorita Lola' and 'Lo Sabia' while Side B heats up with Miami funk including the DJ favourite 'Cookie Crumbs' and the standout instrumental 'Soul Freedom' to make for a magnetic fusion of Afro-Cuban energy and Miami groove.
Review: Raz & Afla bring together the talents of producer Raz Olsher and Ghanaian percussionist Afla Sackey here in order to blend electronic beats with traditional African rhythms and create a bold new and innovative sound. Olsher's boundary-pushing electronic compositions and Sackey's rich African melodies and soulful vocals result in a unique fusion that started with their acclaimed debut The Cycle. Their follow-up album, Echoes of Resistance, continues to explore new sonic realms from politically charged tracks like 'What's Going On?' to dancefloor anthems like 'Mon Ni Fere' this is a record packed with big tunes but also some real meaning and emotion.
Review: A unique political story told in 20 chapters, Angola 2 Soundtrack delves deep into the nine year history of recorded music culture that was born out of the live music oppression set in place by Portuguese rule. Between three labels over 800 recordings were released during this fertile period, each one reflecting Angolan folk and distinctive Latin influences. And these are 20 of the most creative highlights. From the frenetic guitar rhythms and harmonic chants of "Mabele" to the psychedelic highlife shimmers of "Avante Juventude" via the insistent, street-bound sermon of "Snipes", this collection is entrenched in a rich musical history. Complete with well researched booklet and powerful imagery, it's an immaculate lesson in modern music history.
Review: A bona fide Brazilian rarity: Alucinolandia was the only full length from talented multi instrumentalist and bandleader Zito who really should have enjoyed more attention. Ranging from the R&B style stomp of "Primeira Conjugacao" to the Gershwin standard "Love Is Here To Stay" via the instant feel good sensations of "Bye Bye" where you feel like you're in the room, clicking, clapping and crying along with the band, this is a timeless document that really should have had more exposure than it did at the time of the original release back in 1969
Rim & The Believers - "I'm Not Going To Let You Go" (3:11)
Rim & The Believers - "Peace Of Mind" (3:52)
Review: Having re-released Rim Kwaku's long lost Rim Arrives album, BBE follow it up with more dusty disco treasures from the Ghanaian hit maker's repertoire. From the blistering horns and thundering drum rolls of the near-nine-minute romp "Shine The Ladies" right the way through the looser, more Afrobeat-focussed "Peace Of Mind" by way of the emphatic Stevie Wonder-style showmanship of "I'm A Songwriter" it's a collection that still sparkles with soul 30 years after they were recorded. If you're unaware of Rim's story, you'd be wise to check it; from Quincy Jones endorsements to homelessness in the space of 24 hours, Rim's tales are as serious as his music is funky.
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