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.
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!
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: 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.
Asha Puthli - "Our Love Is Making Me Sing" (Black Devil Disco club remix) (4:04)
Review: Naya Beat, the LA reissues and reworks label gathering and recasting some of the most delicious sounds of the South Asian diaspora, gathers some of its standout digital-era reworks onto vinyl for the first time, offering a vibrant cross-section of global disco, house and experimental editry from its roster. At the centre is a brand-new reimagining of Asha Puthli's 'Our Love Is Making Me Sing' by Bernard Fevre, better known as Black Devil Disco Club, who brings to the fore his signature moody synth atmospheres. Also included is a pulsating disco mix of Pinky Ann Rihal's 'Party Tonight' by Turbotito & Ragz, already spun by the likes of CC:DISCO and Barry Can't Swim. JKriv then twists RD Burman's 'Birth of Shiva' into a house stomper laced with bansuri and squelching bass, while Daniel T. transforms 'Zindagi To Zindagi Hai' into a dubbed-out Bollywood journey.
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".
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.
Review: In celebration of 50 years in the performing arts, Idris Ackamoor presents Artistic Being for Record Store Day 2025-a powerful blend of jazz, spoken word and activism. Featuring the voices of acclaimed actor Danny Glover and stage legend Rhodessa Jones, this record captures highlights from the Underground Jazz Cabaret, which was performed during Black History Month 2024 at The Lab in San Francisco. Co-produced by Ackamoor's Cultural Odyssey, the release fuses poetic storytelling with evocative musical textures while reflecting on social justice, identity and resilience. Artistic Being is a profound statement from a visionary artist.
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.
Ranil Y Su Conjunto Tropical - "Sonido Amazonico" (3:09)
Los Wembler's De Iquitos - "Sonido Amazonico" (2:32)
Review: Two cornerstones of rare Amazonian (!) cumbia appear together on 7" for the first time, as Vampisoul resurrect these wildly sought-after versions of 'Sonido Amazonico'. On one side is a hypnotic, percussion-heavy take by Ranil Y Su Conjunto Tropical, first and only released on LP. Led by Raul Llerena, this Iquitos band helped forge the sound of psychedelic cumbia through Llerena's Producciones Llerena imprint, now a holy grail label for collectors of such trove-bound tropical rarities. On the inverse comes Los Wembler's de Iquitos - of equal stature as one of the genre's most enduring groups - bringing their stomping rhythmoids to the same track; it also just so happens to remain one of their most defining anthems. The UK's not the only "jungle scene" out there - just listen to these killer, understoried sonic forests.
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.
For All The Side Chicos & Chicas (feat Coco Maria) (3:44)
Maybe Man (feat Silvia Machete) (1:13)
Hay Esperanza (feat Coco Maria) (2:42)
She's In LA (feat Young Gun Silver Fox) (1:27)
Todo Chvere (feat Don Leisure & Coco Maria) (3:12)
Review: Rio 18's Radio Chevere is a vibrant, genre-defying musical experience that resists being neatly boxed in. Part mixtape, part radio show, it's a sprawling tribute to Tropical Music, bursting with energy, sincerity, and groove.
Guided by guest DJ Coco Maria, Radio Chevere embarks on a sonic journey across multiple continents. From the samba rhythms of Brazil to Venezuelan salsa and even Californian psychedelic disco, the album becomes a musical metaphor for migrationicelebrating the movement of people, sounds, and stories.Collaboration lies at the heart of this record. Brazilian legends the +2's appear on the soft samba ballad 'Oh Minha Querida', while transatlantic Yacht Rockers Young Gun Silver Fox bring laid-back charm to 'She's In LA'. Silvia Machete from Sao Paulo adds an infectious funk vibe to 'Maybe Man', and Venezuelan icon Luzmira Zerpa delivers rhythmic intensity on 'Padre Tiempo'. The album's linguistic variety is equally impressive, blending Spanish, Portuguese, Welsh, and English into one rich tapestry. Founder Carwyn Ellis, having explored Latin music since Rio 18's 2018 inception, takes a step back from singing on Radio Chevere, focusing instead on songwriting and production. With bold cover art by Colombian artist Yoda, Radio Chevere is a lively and heartfelt celebration of the diverse influences that make up its unique sound.
Review: Eight years on from its previous reissue (that time courtesy of Analog Africa's "Limited Dance Edition" series), Mr Bongo is offering up a fresh, licensed re-press of Rob's eponymous 1977 Afro-funk masterpiece. If you missed out in 2011, the set is definitely worth picking up because it's rock solid heat from start to finish. Check, for example, the heavily percussive Afro-beat/Afro-funk fusion of "Funky Rob Way", the flanged funk guitars and heavy brass action of "Boogie On", the jazz guitars and loved-up vocals of "Your Kiss Stole Me Away" and the William Onyeabor-does-James-Brown heaviness of closing cut "More".
Review: Soundway surpass themselves again with this wonderful reissue from the Ghanaian artist Rob, who released two albums back in 1977 for the West African Essiebons label. Rob was a seasoned musician in the 70?s, having recorded and toured with many well known bands. The album is a somewhat Spartan, brooding affair where less is most definitely more as slow burning, hip swaying cosmic funk drenched compositions are offset by wonderful punchy brass arrangements. A slow burning pulse is present throughout with highlights being ''Loose up Yourself'' and the irreplaceable carnal conquest anthem '' Make it Fast, Make it Slow''. Songs of celebration sit alongside other pieces of introspection and socially conscious topics; some might criticise the odd duff notes and occasional raw vocal edge, but this just adds texture to the overall performance and vibe. Without question one of the best reissues of 2012.
Review: This vinyl reissue honours the wonderful Roberto Roena y Su Apollo Sound's 1970 debut for Fania Records. Formed in 1969, Apollo Sound became one of Puerto Rico's premier salsa bands. Highlights of this rich and vibrant album include 'Tu Loco Loco, y Yo Tranquilo,' 'El Escapulario,' and the Bobby Capo classic 'SoNando con Puerto Rico.' The 180-gram vinyl features lacquers cut from the original master tapes by Kevin Gray at Cohearent Audio, ensuring top-notch sound quality. Packaged in a vintage-style tip-on jacket, this US import is a must-have for salsa lovers.
Review: Percussionist Robin Jones was one of the earliest - and eventually longest-serving - exponents of Latin jazz in the UK. While he guested on hundreds of records and was still playing a couple of years before his death at 84 last year, Jones only ever released a handful of albums under his own name. Arguably the best - and certainly most popular amongst Britain's legion of jazz-dancers - was 1972's "El Maja", credited to the Robin Jones Sextet. A scintillating fusion of Afro-Cuban and Afro-Brazillian rhythms laden with sprightly woodwind and brass sounds, jaunty piano, jazz-funk Rhodes sounds and notable nods towards rhythm and blues, the hard-to-find album has now been reissued by legendary London jazz DJ Paul Murphy's Jazz Room Records imprint. It should be an essential purchase for anyone who loves Latin jazz.
Review: Get ready for the release of Curyman II, Roge's eagerly awaited album, arriving via Diamond West Records. This record has collaborations with esteemed musicians, blending the essence of Brazilian music with innovative elements. It promises to be both a homage and an evolution of Roge's distinctive sound. As a Latin Grammy-nominated and Brazilian Music Awards-winning artist, Roge has become a key player in the revitalization of Musica Popular Brasileira (MPB). Over his two-decade career, he has released seven solo albums, establishing his presence in the contemporary Brazilian music landscape. His U.S. debut, CURYMAN, released in 2023, was produced by Thomas Brenneck of the Budos Band, known for his work with icons like Lady Gaga and Beyonce. This album celebrated samba while conveying themes of resilience and redemption. With Curyman II, Roge aims to build on the momentum of his previous success, delivering even more dynamic samba rhythms and insightful lyrics.
Review: Curyman II, set for release via Diamond West Records, is the highly anticipated follow-up to Roge's US debut album. This album honors the roots of Brazilian music while pushing its boundaries, showcasing Roge's evolution as an artist. Collaborating with legendary figures such as Seu Jorge and Arthur Verocai, who arranged strings for both Curyman albums, Roge creates a vibrant tapestry of sound that bridges the past and future of Brazilian music. With a career spanning over two decades and multiple accolades, including a Latin Grammy nomination, Roge is a pivotal figure in the resurgence of Musica Popular Brasileira (MPB). His previous release, Curyman, produced by Thomas Brenneck of the Budos Band, celebrated samba infused with messages of resilience and hope. Curyman II promises to build on this success, delivering even more infectious samba rhythms and thought-provoking lyrics. As Roge continues to evolve, he remains dedicated to sharing Brazil's rich cultural heritage with audiences worldwide, making this album an exciting invitation to immerse in his soulful musical world once again.
Review: A welcomed heavyweight vinyl reissue of 1994 GRAMMY award winning album from two of the 20th century's most inspirational, creative bluesmen from two wholly contrasting sides of the world: Ali Farka and Ry Cooder. Most of Talking Timbuktu kicks its feet in the dusty plains of Mali with traditional instrumentation and time signatures before dropping into occasional splashes of soul surging blues such as the fiddle-like picking of "Ai Du" and the foot-stamping yearns of "Amandrai". A timeless meeting of two amazing minds that will never happen again, this should be reissued every 20 years by law to ensure future generations are aware this happened.
We use cookies to personalise content and ads, to provide social media features and to analyse our traffic. We also share information about your use of our site with our social media, advertising and analytics partners who may combine it with other information that you've provided to them or that they've collected from your use of their services.