Back catalogue: Funk

Review: 'Deixa Eu Dizer' is a timeless Brazilian classic that was famously sampled by Marcelo D2 on his iconic hip-hop track 'Desafabo' and maybe just as notary, it was also the debut release on Mr Bongo's now much loved Brazil 45's imprint. It originally featured on Cizinha's stunning album of the same name and until Mr Bongo stepped in it had never been available on a 7". 'Deixa Eu Dizer' has been a long-standing favourite with deep diggers despite its mysterious origins and this welcome reissue not only celebrates Cizinha's unforgettable contribution to Brazilian music but also brings this beloved track to a new generation.

Review: Sandra de Sa's 'Olhos Coloridos' and Equipe Radio Cidade's 'Bons Tempos Sao Paulo' bring vibrant Brazilian boogie back to life in this remastered reissue from Mr Bongo's Brazil 45's series. Sandra de Sa's track, from her 1982 self-titled LP, is a brilliant example of '80s MPB and boogie, featuring the iconic collaboration of Lincoln Olivetti, Robson Jorge, and members from Banda Black Rio. Funky basslines, dreamy Rhodes and jubilant horns complement Sa's outstanding vocals, making it a joyous, danceable piece reminiscent of Tim Maia and Marcos Valle's best. On Side-2, Equipe Radio Cidade's 'Bons Tempos Sao Paulo' transforms Chic's 'Good Times' into a Brazilian boogie delight. Originally a rare promo-only release from 1980, this version infuses the classic melody with samba rhythms, clavinet grooves, and cuica percussion breaks. Voiced by Sao Paulo radio DJs with festive greetings, it adds a unique local flavour to the familiar tune, reminiscent of the era's vibrant Brazilian music scene.

Review: For the 83rd release in their Brazil 45 series, Mr. Bongo presents yet another a gem in the form of two classic tracks by Brazilian soul legend Roberto De Melo Santos, also known as Di Melo. Born in Recife in 1949, Di Melo is celebrated as an icon of Brazilian funk despite a limited discography. His 1975 self-titled debut is a prized collector's item that is widely loved by Brazilian funk fans, breakbeat enthusiasts and sample seekers. This release revives two standouts from that cult album in 'Kilario,' which is a smooth, soulful masterpiece, and 'Pernalonga,' a feel-good tune featuring catchy guitar, horns and a memorable drum break that was famously sampled in 2009's 'The People Tree.'

Review: The Brazil45 series has always been pure gold and now come a pair f beauties from Harmony Cats, a vocal quintet-turned-trio from Sao Paulo known for their disco-era hits. Harmony Cats' 'Theme' from 1976 is their most recognised track outside Brazil and is inspired by Rhythm Heritage's Barretta's Theme with its spacey breakbeats, lush vocals and percussive flair, all of which have made it a true crossover classic. On the B-side, 'Seja Como Nos (De Pe No Chao)' delivers an exuberant Brazilian twist on The Jacksons' 'Shake Your Body (Down to the Ground)'- it's a guaranteed floor-filler with radiant disco energy and Harmony Cats' signature vocal style.

Review: Mr Bongo's Brazil 45's series brings us two Brazilian classics: Rita Lee & Tutti Frutti's 'Agora E Moda' and Pete Dunaway's 'Supermarket'. 'Agora E Moda' from Lee's 1978 album Babilonia is a psychedelic disco-boogie groove highlighted by squelching guitar licks, funk drums, and cosmic vocals. Rita Lee, the former lead singer of Os Mutantes and a key figure in the Tropicalia movement, left a lasting legacy upon her passing in 2023. On the flip side, Dunaway's 'Supermarket' is a rare groove/AOR gem with a standout bassline, swaggering guitar, and lush strings, showcasing his talent as a composer and multi-instrumentalist. This release celebrates the enduring influence of Brazilian music.

Review: The wonderful Brazil 45 series from Mr Bongo is back with its big old torch to shine a beam of deserving attention on two standout funk and bossa nova tracks from Rosa Maria, which originally came in 1972 and have remained in demand ever since. The A-side, 'Deixa Nao Deixa', blends Afro-Latin guitar, wild horns and percussion with infectious vocal harmonies that all coalesce into a Brazilian funk classic. On the B-side, 'Avenida Atlantica' delivers alternating funk and bossa beats beneath layers of vocals, horns and percussion to bring big energy and dancefloor-ready heat. This reissue ensures these timeless tracks become available for your rotation once more.

Review: Mr. Bongo credit themselves with taking a selection of the most in-demand and asked-for titles in their Brazil '45s catalogue, lending them all a loving repress in due homage to the music of the nation. This time, they focus their energies on the synergy shared between the late composer and record producer Nonato Buzar and drummer Jose Roberto, both of whose contributions to the MPB canon are unmissable, referent sonic studs. Nonato's 'Cafua' is a powerful eurythmic, its strigiform vocals proving a suitable narcotic to offset to the track's otherwise restless horns and post-bossa-nova drum clacks, which hit like quick patterings against soft cartilage. Roberto's 'Crioula Multicolorida' is a more vintage recording, erstwhile bringing rare "samba rock" grooviness and reflective, call and response lyricisms to a redolent rhythm.

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: The relaunch of the BRZ45s series brings back some of the most coveted Brazilian 45s, this time with a vibrant new design. This release features two standout tracks sure to captivate collectors and DJs alike. On Side-1, Trio Ternura's 'Vou Morar No Teu Sorriso' delivers an energetic blend of funk and soul, with powerful drums, dynamic breaks, and rich horns that drive the track forward. Originally from their 1971 self-titled LP, it's a perennial favorite in DJ sets, known for its infectious rhythm and big, soulful vocals. On Side-2, Eliana Pittman's 'Quem Vai Querer', a samba-funk gem from 1977. This track rolls out with a groovy samba beat, layered percussion and Eliana's captivating lead vocal, building beautifully into a catchy chorus, with the intensity of the drums amplifying as it progresses. Both tracks are perfect for the dancefloor, offering a taste of Brazil's rich musical heritage with a fresh, modern twist.

Review: Waldir Calmon's 'Airport Love Theme' has that special appeal that makes it a true gem. Sampled by Madlib on the Madvillain album track 'Curls', this lounge classic from Calmon's 1970 Waldir Calmon E Seus Multisons LP on Copacabana exudes nostalgic charm. Despite its unassuming cover, 'Airport Love Theme' delivers a dreamy, feel-good vibe that could soundtrack a perfect world. Afro Son, from the same album, shifts towards a Brazilian-rooted, cinematic groove, reminiscent of Jean Jacques Perrey's E.V.A.. Calmon, a Brazilian music fixture from the 50s to the 80s, who collaborated with legends like Tom Jobim and Joao Gilberto and left a unique musical legacy that lives on in these timeless tracks.