MARCOS VALLE Vinilo y CD

Review: First released in 2003 and long out of reach for collectors, Contrasts finds Marcos Valle folding early 2000s production into ever-fluid Brazilian songwriting. Now on a double vinyl reissue through Far Out, the record snags a protracted moment of creative stretch, where samba, bossa, baiao and pop intertwine with broken beat, house and trip-hop textures. 'Parabens' and 'Agua De Coco' became cult favourites, the former sampled by Childish Gambino and flipped by Tom Misch and Misa Negra. Produced by Roc Hunter with Valle's wife Patricia Alvi on vocals, plus Robertinho Silva and Azymuth's Alex Malheiros, Contrasts finally gets its due, complete with 'Valeu' and 'My Nightingale' on vinyl for the first time.

Review: First released in 1971, Garra captures Brazillian legend Marcos Valle at his most playful and politically subversive i a sun-soaked record full of breezy melodics, cerebral arrangements and beneath-the-surface protest. Reissued by Spanish imprint Vampi Soul, it sounds as compellingly bittersweet as ever. Valle blends samba, soul and psychedelia into something smooth but quietly radical, with lyrics (penned by his brother Paulo Sergio) touching on everything from consumerism to cultural identity, often disguised as love songs. Tracks like 'Jesus Meu Rei' and 'Com Mais de 30' retain all their sonic charm and tropical levity, while 'Black Is Beautiful' stands out for its politicism as much as its poignancy. The arrangements are rich but never overly busy, balancing Rhodes keys, strings and rhythm with ample airiness. Garra is a magnificent reminder of how music, when done right, has the power to elevate discourse, challenge the establishment, and joyfully celebrate unity.

Review: Marcos Valle's 1983 self-titled album remains a cornerstone of Brazilian boogie and it is famously anchored by the enduring classic 'Estrelar.' Co-produced by fellow giants of the Latin scene, Lincoln Olivetti and Paulo Sergio Valle, the record features a stellar lineup including Rosana, Robson Jorge and Oberdan Magalhaes and blends MPB, funk, soul and AOR influences from Valle's time spent in Los Angeles. US legend Leon Ware also get involved and makes a fine contribution and now this definitive reissue arrives with half-speed mastering to elevate the warmth and detail of the original recordings. This is one of Marcos Valle's most iconic works.

Review: 'Girassol' has long been one of the hardest-to-find gems in Brazilian great Marcos Valle's vast catalogue of sun-drenched musical treats. It was initially recorded and released as a promo-only seven-inch, with copies being handed out to customers of a Brazilian supermarket chain. This, then, marks the track's first ever commercial release. In its' original form (side A), 'Girassol' is a lusciously short, soft-focus affair - a two-minute chunk of laidback, jazz-funk influenced South American boogie bliss with the kind of high production values that you'd expect from Valle during his successful post-disco period. As with the original 7", it comes backed with the slightly more elaborate 'Playback' instrumental mix, where gentle, eyes-closed saxophone solos come to the fore.

Review: For the latest volume in their ongoing Brazil 45s series, Mr Bongo has decided to change tack. The two tracks showcased here are from the golden age of Brazilian boogie. On the A-side you'll find Marcos Valle's "A Paraiba Nao E Chicago", a largely overlooked cut from his 1981 full-length Vontade De Rever Voce. While not as instantly as infectious as some of his better-known singles, it's still superb; a breezy, blue-eyed soul cut full of rising horns and sweet Portuguese vocals. On the B-side, you'll find Don Beto's 1978 disco-funk jam "Nao Quero Mais", a superb track that was seemingly inspired by the Doobie Brothers' "Long Train Running".

Review: Two silky sides of Brazilian disco soul on Mr Bongo's perennial Brazil 45s series. First up, long-haired lothario samba fusionista Marcos teams up with Leon Ware for a pristine polished piece of early 80s disco funk. Golden harmonies, staccato vocals and a super juicy bassline; it's not hard to see why it was his best selling single. Flip for the equally smooth "Alleluia" from Brazilian boogie gospelist; this one is all about the percussion heavy breakdown. Proper sunshine block party business.

Review: Two premium Latin funk documents on one limited 45, Mr Bongo deliver once again: Marcos Valle needs no introduction to Brazilian music enthusiasts. "Mentira" is a self-cover as Valle takes his 69 classic "Mentira Carioca" and develops the dynamic with a vocal style that's highly reminiscent of Donovan. Flip for Toni Tornado's Black Rio anthem "Me Libertei". Fusing sleazy rock n roll with jazzy Latin soul, madly this is the first time it's ever graced a 45!

Review: Jazz Is Dead is a series that welcomes contemporary musicians to revisit jazz storied of old. This collection challenges Adrian Younge and Ali Shaheed Muhammad to utilise vintage equipment to create new master soundscapes, and they really come correct. Roy Ayers, Gary Bartz, Marcos Valle, Azymuth, Doug Carn, Joao Donato, & Brian Jackson are some of the legends who feature and the album is a free flowing delight that touches on soaring and soulful highs as well as bossa-tinged shufflers and plenty in between.