Brasil

Here's something of a treat for disco diggers: an essential collection of little-known, hard-to-find and downright essential Brazilian disco and boogie. Put together by Brazilian digger Junior Santos, Brazilian Disco Boogie Sounds is full of must-have material, from the familiar bounce and punchy horns of the Teena Marie-ish "Moral Tem Hora" from Cristina Camargo, to the sweet shuffle and carnival-friendly swing of Carlos Dafe's "Escorpiao". With quality material throughout picking highlights is tough, though we're particularly fans of the jazz guitar-laden boogie of Famks' "Labrinto" and Sandra De Sa's thrilling "Negra Flor".

Mr Bongo's Brazil 45s series gets its rock on with two hairy grooves, both of which have enjoyed the sampler's crafty knives over the years. First up, Tom Ze's "Jimmy Renda-se" rolls with an oily sleazy groove that's peppered by a playful lyrical rhythm that transcends language barriers. Ben's "Take It Easy My Brother Charlie" joins the dots between Samba and very light Rock with all the signatures that made Mr Ben the legend he remains to this day with big vocal harmonies and infectious textures of Brazilian percussion.

Greg Caz and Deano Sounds have teamed up once again to bring you another fine package of vintage Brazilian music. This one stretches across the scope of funk, soul, and psychedelic music from Brazil. Some highlights include: the extremely rare and funky “Labirinto” by 2001 & Beto, the blistering psychedelic funk of Antônio Carlos & Jocafi’s “Quem Vem Lá,” the essential rare groove track “Bananeira” by Emilio Santiago, Osmar Milito E Quarteto Forma’s rare “América Latina” sampled by Madlib, Tom Zé’s unstoppable riff on “Jimmy, Renda-Se,” and many others. Here are some words on the project from co-compiler and Brazilian music aficionado, Greg Caz:“Without necessarily having a central theme other than funky nuggets from the first half of the 70s, we believe this compilation displays its own particular sense of logic, and that these songs ultimately all sound fantastic together. Regardless of one’s familiarity, or lack thereof, with artists like Antonio Carlos & Jocafi, Os Incríveis, Toni Tornado or Celia, the material on these 45s speaks its own truth and justifies their inclusion here. Many of these were originally available as singles, while others were taken from albums, but all are guaranteed to find their way into many DJ boxes and playlists.” The 45 box set version comes in a durable glossy case with 7 x 45s, a poster containing the original artwork for the album, a booklet filled with imagery from the original artists and releases and liner notes by Greg Caz, the “Mad Scientist of Brazilian Beats.”

Limited Edition 10" collection of ultra-rare Brazilian tracks from 50s and 60's- curated by Nicola Conte. Italian jazz man Nicola Conte is internationally known for his sophisticated productions on labels such as Blue Note and Universal, as well as touring the world with his floor-shaking DJ sets.The passion and knowledge that Conte brings to the DJ booth is perfectly represented in this Viagem 10", the fourth volume of a five-part vinyl only series, curated by Conte and dedicated to bringing some of the rarest and most sought after samba jazz and bossa gems to a new generation of record collectors. The majority of these tracks have only seen the light of the day on small 7" runs in 1960s Brazil and they're next to impossible to find unless you're willing to part with some serious cash.This volume kicks off with As Meninas' infectious 'Rondo Sambao', playful subtropical samba stroke bossa that takes so many turns in its short cycle that it leaves you breathless, the sweet vocals and whistles alongside the shaking percussion will have you smiling wide and swinging to a beat that runs throughout 'Viagem 2'. Elsewhere, Claudia's 'Deixa O Morro Cantar' delivers big brass and a soaring vocal to a chant that demands we leave alone the girl singing sad songs from the mountains. This collection is full of atmosphere and history, a glorious vintage trip through the steamy samba joints and grooving jazz clubs of Rio and Sau Paulo, amounting to a nostalgic journey deep into the lost sonics of Brazil's musical history and jazz identity. Viagem 2 is an essential addition to any connoisseur's collection and brings to the listener an unparalleled experience of music that inspired the foundation of Far Out Recordings."The tracks are much more than "tunes". They are proper compositions with arrangements. That is to say: substantial harmonic colour, richly voiced chords, changes of key, myriad parts for rhythm section, horns and voices, and a strong sense of narrative. They are short stories that are long on ideas. If the marriage of jazz and Brazilian music is one made in heaven, then this is a set of sophisticated yet earthy wedding songs of the highest order." BBC Music

We have released several of Brazilian jazz legend Dom Salvador's records on Mr Bongo. He worked with artists including as Elis Regina, Jorge Ben and Edu Lobo and led Salvador Trio, as well as releasing under his own name. Dom lives in New York and plays a Hotel piano bar daily. 'Barumba' is an uptempo funk-jazz monster with heavy drums and piano right from the off. Soaring horns add to the drama. Originally released on his self titled LP on CBS Brazil in 1974. 'Morre o burro, Fica o Homem' is the third Osmar Milito track to feature in our Brazil 45's series. A classic samba-rock track, funk drums fills and punchy horns underpin the MPB vocals, building in tempo slightly over the track. The song was originally written by Jorge Ben. Taken from his expensive and hard to find ‘Nem Paletó, Nem Gravata’ LP released on ATCO Brazil in 1973.

Due to popular demand, a double A side from the one and only, Marcos Valle. This is the second time he has appeared in the Brazil 45's series.'Democustico' is a lush, uptempo MPB constructed from guitars, rolling percussion and soaring woodwind. Taken from his 1972 LP 'Vento Sul' on Odeon Brazil.'Freio Aerodinâmico' is an uptempo piano driven, bossa/MPB, laden with hooky vocals, strings and horns, underpinned with a funk drum groove.Aeroplane sound effects thrown in for good measure! Taken from his 1970 self-titled LP on Odeon Brazil.

Anilza Pinho de Carvalho, better known by her stage name Anilza Leoni was a Brazilian actress, singer, former ballerina and painter.Balumba is uptempo samba jazz at it's finest. Originally appeared on a very obscure 7" on Copacobana in 1967 entitled 'Enfarte Musical / Festa Do Balamba', and was included by Nicola Conte on his Viagem Vol. 4 compilation.Sambalanço Trio were formed by Cesar Camargo Mariano, Humberto Clayber and Airto Moreira in 1960's Sao Paulo. The group released some of the most important records of the period and in the genre of samba-jazz.When the group split in 1965 Airto formed Quarteto Novo with Hermeto Pascoal, and Cesar Mariano went on form Som Tres.Sam Blues is a Mr Bongo HQ favourite - uptempo bossa jazz fusion, taken from their self-titled LP originally released on Audio Fidelity (Brazil) in 1964.