ARTHUR VEROCAI Vinilo y CD

Review: In the 60s and 70s Arthur Verocai arranged for the likes of Jorge Ben, Gal Costa, Marcos Valle and other such legends of Brazilian pop music. However, it was his self-titled debut album in 1972 which now largely defines Vaerocai's reputation, although it was a resounding failure in Brazil upon its release. His sound looked to US jazz, pop and soul as much as bossa nova, and it was only in the 2000s that it started to be picked up on in the US and elsewhere. The passage of time helps place certain records, and that's especially true of this incredible curio from a bygone era, which strikes a mysterious out-of-time-and-place quality as Rodriguez's classic Cold Fact. Here's to the overlooked greats - may they all find their moment in the sun eventually.

Review: This official reissue of Arthur Verocai's classic self-titled album from 1972 sounds very much like the epitome of a labour of love for Mr Bongo. The press release states the Brighton-based jazz funk archivalists have had this album on top of their reissue hitlist and with the permission of Sir Arthur himself have come through with this official vinyl reissue in newly remastered form from the original Continental master tapes. Do we need to set the scene for this masterclass in long players from Verocai? The ten tracks bristle with sonic fusion, transcending genre to become something more than Brazilian jazz funk across its sublime 29 minutes. Alongside contributing musicians, Verocai invites the listener on a journey through Bossa nova, samba, jazz, MPB, psychedelics and funk. Tip!