2015

Masterworks Music certainly know how to make an entrance, kicking off this new series, 'Bag Of Tricks', with a star-studded cast. Picking the best high-end sizzlers from a who's who of the nu-disco scene. Highlights include the sublime slicked-out Chic-style electro-disco of Rayko 'Looks Like Love', the shiny 80s synth-soul seducer 'Too Much For Me To Take' by Dr Packer and the shoulder-padded power-stomp of 80s Child's 'Bangkok Nights'Pressed on Limited White Vinyl these won't be around for long so act fast!

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.

Nassima is a deep hybrid of Soukous and Highlife, recorded in Abidjan in 1975 by the mysterious Bazaré D. Pablo. Thumping percussion, intricate guitar, ethereal vocals and a solid bassline add up to a perennial Sofrito classic that never fails.Atalaku 8 – a Paris-based Ivoirien/Congolese group operating out of the legendary Kos studio – lay down a seriously funky house-tempo Coupé Décalé track, topped off with a Siwo dub.

'Kirie' is one of "those" tracks. It gets better with every listen and you hear something different every time. You won't forget it, and you can't get it - taken from the hard to obtain 'A Moca do Mar' LP on Tapecar in 1976, previously unavailable on 7". Long championed by Gilles Peterson and co. Tight uplifting guitar changes, layered percussion and super-subtle strings groove under Georgette's vocal, backed by a chorus of male vocals.We are delighted to release this track, just in time for summer. Special thanks to Gareth 'The Knowledge' Stephens for digging it up.As if the A Side wasn’t enough… The AA side features one of Claudia's best, 'Com Mais de 30' a cover of Marcos and Paulo Sergio Valle original version. Fuzz guitars, piano, huge drums, percussion and Claudia's soaring vocal make for a heavy yet uplifting MPB/funk track of the highest order.Features on her hard to find 'Jesus Cristo' LP on Odeon in 1971.

'Eu Bebo Sim' is a samba-rock master class from Elizeth Cardoso originally released on Copacabana in 1973, as featured on her Disco de Ouro in 1974. Another find at Tony's Hits in Sao Paulo. She released around 40 albums during her career, most of which appeared under the name Elizete Cardoso. Elza, Queen of Samba, is one of the most prolific, successful and well-known Brazilian artists of all time. In 'Deixa A Nega Gingar' she delivers a top 10 Mr Bongo HQ favourite - Bossa nova underpinned with a Montuno-esque piano line, backed with percussion and horns that would rival Tito. This 7” cut sounds particularly enormous on a sound system.

Wilson Simonal - NanaNana is the fourth Simonal track to appear in the Brazil 45's series. Lush, horn and string laden MPB-samba-jazz, taken from his 'A Nova Dimensao do Samba' LP released by Odeon in 1964. Nana was released on 7" in the same year, also by Odeon.Osmar Milito - Rita JeepThe Jorge Ben penned Rita Jeep is Osmar Milito's second song in the Brazil 45's series, taken from his 'E deixa o relógio andar' LP from 1971 on Som Livre. Osmar worked with many artist over the years including Nara Leão, Maria Bethania, Vinicius de Morais, Gilberto Gil, Jorge Ben, Elis Regina, Chico Buarque, Sergio Mendes, Liza Minelli, Mark Murphy, Spanky Wilson and Sammy Davis Jr.

Sonia Santos - Poema Ritmico Do Malandro (Balanço do Crioulo)A beautiful track from the instantly recognisable Sonia Santos. Drifts from classic to psychedelic samba, laden with strings, horns and crown noise. Originally released on 7" by Copacabana in 1971, but never on an album, and now fetches up to £100 per copy. A different version of this song also appears on the truly excellent Zito Righi 'Alucinolandia' LPJoao Donato - Cala Boca MeninoThis is the second track on Brazil 45's taken from Joao Donato's much sought after and requested 'Quem É Quem' LP. Quirky percussion, bubbling keys, horns and a hypnotic vocal. Donato is a hugely prolific force in Brazilian music and worked with the likes of including Tom Jobim, Astrud Gilberto, Cal Tjader, Dom Um Romao and Gilberto Gil amongst others. Cala Boca Menino was released on a 7" in 1973 in Brazil, but is very difficult to find at a reasonable price and in good condition these days.

Afro-Latin warrior Jose Marquez is back once again on Basic Fingers with two new percussion infected workouts. Those familiar with Jose Marquez's previous works will not be disappointed as this might be his strongest release yet.On 'Quinto Y Bongo' he goes on dark tribal journey with hints of electronic layers and some serious bongo action. The flip track 'Canto Del Caribe' is more direct & to the point with a full on percussion assault and fierce latin chants.

London 2015, Los Charly's Orchestra team up with UK legend of Jazz & Neo Soul, Xantone Blacq, who takes a turn this time to lay down an stunning vocal delivery for this new release entitle "All Around The World".Unarguably London / Venezuelan production duo Juan Laya & Jorge Montiel Aka: Los Charly's Orchestra have proven to be one of the prime and most consistent purveyors of Soulful Disco, Jazz Funk & Latin fusion in the current global scene. On the other hand, Mr Xatone has been busy over the past few years doing some serious things, which range from playing keys for Amy Winehouse's band, to collaborations with Earth Wind and Fire and lately for the amazing album of Personal Life and his own material.So I think you are already getting an idea of where is this collaboration of LCO and Mr Xan heading to, right?The soul of Al Hudson's Spread Love, Earth Wind and Fire, Stevie Wonder & The Salsoul Orchestra, they all come together under the sound this massive groover "All Around The World" for an truly immersive experience of instant joy!