Back catalogue: All genres

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: As Tangent, one of London's cherished underground institutions, marks a decade of unforgettable nights, it does so with a meticulously curated compilation on Mr Bongo. The new release is more than a celebratory gesture; it's a sonic anthology reflecting the essence of a decade spent at the heart of the city's underground scene. Curated by Tangent's own John Gomez and Nick the Record, the compilation presents a blend of rare and dancefloor-ready tracks that have defined their parties over the years. This isn't merely a collection of past hits; it's a celebration of the edits that transformed these tracks into Tangent anthems. Alongside remastered reissues, the CD edition includes three exceptional edits by Nick, John, and Dan Tyler of the Idjut Boys, each crafted with the kind of attention to detail that only years of club experience can bring. Nick's collaboration with Dan Tyler on Leo Basel's 'Quelle Drole De Vie' breathes new life into a 1987 remix, honing in on the standout elements of the original. The result is a vibrant, French boogie-infused track that promises to elevate any dancefloor. John and Dan's rework of Love Isaacs' 'Surprise Surprise' offers a cosmic twist on 80s electro-funk, extending the grooves and adding a highlife touch that enhances the track's dancefloor potential. The compilation's crowning piece is Nick's edit of Rick Asikpo and Afro Fusion's 'Let's Get High'. This 12-minute reimagining takes the energetic climax of the original and expands it into a frenetic, cosmic journey, showcasing synthesised jazz-funk in its most exhilarating form. This release is not just about revisiting old favourites; it's about acknowledging the transformative power of edits and the unique role Tangent has played in shaping London's underground music scene over the past decade.

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: Dawn Is A Melody is the debut album from Tasmania-born, Melbourne-based Finn Rees. It is a deep, textured jazz record that skilfully blends vintage vibes with modern vitality all while also paying homage to jazz greats and exploring new ideas with Melbourne's top talent. Known for his work with 30/70 and Elle Shimada, Finn shifts from groove-based jazz to spotlight the piano and arrangements on his mission to create a rich, colourful microcosm driven by hope and curiosity. The album spans from the optimistic 'Looking Up' and 'Lagoon' to the intimate 'Ablaze' and 'As It Passes.' It is a delight to listen to and will appeal to fans of everyone from Alice Coltrane to Herbie Hancock.

Review: A bona fide Brazilian rarity: Alucinolandia was the only full length from talented multi instrumentalist and bandleader Zito who really should have enjoyed more attention. Ranging from the R&B style stomp of "Primeira Conjugacao" to the Gershwin standard "Love Is Here To Stay" via the instant feel good sensations of "Bye Bye" where you feel like you're in the room, clicking, clapping and crying along with the band, this is a timeless document that really should have had more exposure than it did at the time of the original release back in 1969

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".