Marcos Valle

Review: The 11th in his 27 album strong career, Vontade de Rever Voce is regarded as Marcos' funkiest return to form. Having spent a lot of the 70s writing for TV (including Sesame St) and writing with the likes of Chicago and Leon Ware, this 1981 re-engaged his legacy as a solo artist and did so with a strong emphasis on boogie as tracks such as the synth-pimped uptempo bossa "Pecados De Amor" and the hip-flaring strutter "A Paraiba Nao E Chicago". Meanwhile his sunkissed Latin soul shines on hazy jazz explorations such as "Campina Grande" and the more sunset styled "Nao Pode Ser Qualquer Mulher". One of Marcos's most comprehensive and captivating LPs, grab this while you can.

Review: On his previous excursion for Far Out Recordings, legendary Brazilian artist Marcos Valle offered up a string of samba-soaked Latin jazz and jazz-funk gems. Here he flips the script by offering up a set of songs that recall the boogie-fired brilliance of his disco-era output. There's much to admire throughout, from the warmth of cheery opener "Olha Quem Ta Chegando" and the Azymuth style samba jazz-funk shuffle of "Odisseia", to the glassy-eyed sweetness of "Alma" and the slow and seductive grooves of "Distancia". Best of all, though, is "Vou Amanha Saber", a rousing disco-funk outing rich in weighty grooves and surging horns.

Review: Here's a serious dose of Brazilian boogie to get diggers rejoicing. Marcos Valle first released his self-titled album back in 1983, and now it's been given a generous remaster and reissue treatment from Vampi Soul. It's an album that glides from seriously funky party tracks to soft-focus ballads, with some of the sweet spots in between delivering the most memorable moments. Look no further than the slow but so damn groovy "Samba De Verao", or if you prefer something with a bit more swing then "Naturalmente" has you covered. A gold dust rarity from the annals of Latin music history given a much-deserved dusting down.

Review: 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".