Back catalogue: All genres

Review: Legendary Brazilian jazz-funk trio Azymuth drop their latest record 'Arabuta', pointing themselves in a new cardinal direction in sound. The limited 7" brings two new mix version of their recently released 'Arabuta' to the fold, both by fellow producer and Azymuth collaborator Daniel Maunick. Part-dancefloor, part-dub, both versions bring preservative tones, fully circling the resinous Brazilwood tree after which the track is named. The Tupi Guarani word for the endangered tree fuses with deft unperturbed jazz licks, despite the sense of urgency in saving the species, underscoring Azymuth's fusion of timeless Brazilian jazz-funk and cosmic futurism. In more ways than one, this record serves as a symbol of both the value and fragility of Brazil's natural beauty.

Review: After his debut album E o que a casa oferece from 2023, Gabriel da Rosa is back with another silken bossa nova record, in homage to the musical style that raised him. 'Cafune' was first released digitally a follow-up single to the alnbum, one which rounded out the year that said debut was released, and which was written for the soundtrack to the film film All Happy Families (Haroula Rose). Now an authentic 12" version, the song is here backed by the B-side 'Sort Of', an impressive desert passage through refractive, rainbow dream pop.

Review: London producer and singer Anaiis (formerly Anais) shares a new, cinematic r&b record, touching on notes of Brazilian soul and alternative pop, and continuing her emphasis on making music as a liberation entreaty for social justice. Following 2019's Darkness At Play and the 2017 EP 'Before Zero', this record marks a turn towards sombre vibrancy and chromic experimentation, building on a personal process of roots rediscovery in Brazil. With features from Grupo Cosmo and Luedji Luna, local Brazilian musicians with whom Anaiis felt a deep connection, this is a record born of sunned idleness, providing a holding space for a turbulent life transition on the artist's part. With dripping strings, slowmo MPB motifs and infused lo-fi and r&b tones, this is a record that strikes a fine balance of imperfection and delicateness.

Review: The forthcoming collaboration between anaiis and Grupo Cosmo presents a captivating fusion of contemporary soul and Brazilian musical traditions. The album features tracks like 'Toda Cor' and 'Voyage,' which blend anaiis's soulful vocals with Grupo Cosmo's rich instrumentation, creating a sound that is both innovative and deeply rooted in cultural heritage. This milky vinyl LP offers listeners a unique auditory experience, highlighting the seamless integration of diverse musical styles.

Review: Nara Leao takes a reflective journey through her musical career with this stunning double album, originally released in 1971. Recorded in both Paris and Rio de Janeiro, it's an intimate collection of reinterpreted classics, showcasing Leao's gentle yet emotionally powerful vocals. The album features timeless tracks like 'Chega de Saudade', 'O Barquinho', and 'Corcovado', each stripped back to its essence with minimalist acoustic arrangements. Leao's voice shines throughout, capturing the nuances of these beloved songs with a delicate touch and heartfelt sincerity. The involvement of guitarist Tuca, known for her work with Francoise Hardy, adds another layer of depth to the recordings, her playing complementing Leao's vocals with sensitivity and grace.

Review: Brazilian rapper Marcelo D2 shares the release of new direct-to-disc album via Night Dreamer. Recorded alongside electrifying live band Sambadrive, the album revisits some of Marcelo D2's most important tracks, mining 25 years of groundbreaking music from the Brazilian legend, and capturing his now timeless 'samba hip-hop' sound in full flow. The aforementioned is an unusual yet compelling sound, marking the voice and style of a torchbearer and innovator, and not the last to be marked by the motto "looking for the perfect beat". Now, in 2024, D2 retells his story from a new perspective. Inspired by the iconic jazz-samba trios of the 60s and 70s, Sambadrive emerged from the improvised and often spontaneous jams that would preface Marcelo D2's live shows. Touring the world and reuniting with producer Mario Caldato Jr., the group dropped in on Haarlem's Artone Studio in October 2022 to record an album of 10 tracks, drawn from four of Marcelo D2's most loved albums.

Review: This timely reissue features a curated selection of standout tracks from Seu Jorge's acclaimed 2002 debut album Carolina (which was originally titled Samba Esporte Fino). The release marked the beginning of Jorge's international fame and was quickly followed by acting roles in City of God and Wes Anderson's The Life Aquatic where his Portuguese covers of the late great David Bowie became iconic. The record was co-produced by Mario Caldato of the Beastie Boys association and mixes up samba, funk and jazz into a timeless sound full of colour and soul for the warmer months of the year. Tracks like the anthemic title song, the funk-tinged 'Mangueira' and the infectious 'Tu Queria' remain essential showcases Seu Jorge's effortless musical charisma.