Back catalogue: International

Review: This is a real lost South American Latin Jazz-Funk treasure from Argentina taken from some original 1974 recordings led by Carlos Franzetti. Known for his late 70s jazz-fusion album Graffiti, Franzetti recorded Dedos after returning to Argentina from Mexico where he was musical director at Fermata International. His friend Mochin Marafiotti, A&R at Music Hall, proposed the Latin Jazz project and the session featured Ruben Rada, Ricardo Lew, Emilio Valle, Osvaldo Lopez and Franzetti himself. Though initially overlooked, Dedos and Doce y Diez now receive a long-overdue reissue as they remain high on energy and deeply jazz gems with a Latin twist.

Review: This one is such an evergreen summer classic that it sells out whenever it reappears and gets reissued on a regular basis. Last time was last summer but now the rays are back in our lives we're glad it is available one more. Brazilian jazz vocalist Tania Maria is a true icon with a huge back catalogue of music behind her. Here, Soul Brother look back to her 1983 album Come With Me and lift a pair of pearlers for this vital 7". 'Come With Me' is a sundown slinker, with Maria's airy tone gliding over the sprightly piano chords while on the flip 'Lost In Amazonia' is a joyous, scat-powered slice of jazz funk with incredible slap bass flex. Essential summer grooves.

Review: Dan Tyler and Nick The Record's third installment in the Mr Bongo Edits series brings a bold twist to Cuban classics with three tracks that are equal parts cosmic and dancefloor-ready. On the A-side, Tyler extends two Juan Pablo Torres tracks from his reissued 1978 'Algo Nuevo' and 1977's 'Super Son.' First, Tyler reimagines 'Cacao,' a standout track from Torres' LP, giving it room to breathe and intensifying the percussive climax with swirling synths and spacey dub effects. It's a track that thrives on a big system, building tension as it goes, and works wonders in the right environmentijust ask anyone who caught it at La Paloma in Barcelona. Next, Tyler dials into 'Pastel En Descarga,' turning the Latin-funk fusion into a punchy, trippy dub with delay and drama, keeping the track's energy while taking it further into spacey, cosmic territory. On the flip, Nick The Record tackles Grupo Los Yoyi's 1977 'Paco La Calle,' taking a 2009 edit and expanding it into a longer, more hypnotic piece. The percussion pushes and pulls as the psychedelic synths swirl, creating a dynamic and ever-building groove. The 2025 version is elevated with new synth lines courtesy of Tyler, deepening the track's psychedelic richness. A cosmic whirlwind of reworks that bridges the gap between '70s Cuban innovation and modern dancefloor sensibilities.

Review: Rewind to 1975, Brazilian supergroup Azymuth hit their richest creative vein with this self-titled full-length. Just as the band remain so themselves, this is still hugely relevant and ridiculously on-point considering it's 40 years on the clock. Proof can be found on every track from the sedative harmonic charms of the opener "Linha Do Horizonte", the raw slap bass funk, velvet keys and soaring synths on "Seems Like This" and the frenetic, almost techy mentality of "Wait For My Turn". An essential addition to any collection, this would have blown minds to pieces back in 1975.

Review: By the time they released Saci Perere in 1980, carioca outfit Banda Black Rio were amongst Brazil's biggest dance music stars - an outfit whose blends of samba, jazz, disco, funk and MPB moved the heart and feet of the country's dancers. The set remains a timeless Brazilian classic - hence this much-deserved CD reissue. Highlights come thick and fast throughout, from the leisurely sundown headiness of 'Saci Perere', and horn-heavy jauntiness of 'Melissa', to the funky samba-jazz fusion of 'Subindo O Morro', synth-laden downtempo sunshine of 'Amor Natural' and the atmospheric Latin disco-funk of 'Broto Sexy'. An album that should be in every Brazilian music fan's collection.

Review: We are thrilled to announce the European release of a record by one of our Brazilian musical heroes, a king of tropical groove across all eras. This highly limited edition comes in a unique sleeve, making it a killer record and absolutely essential. Great albums often lead to great shows, but with Donato Eletrico, the reverse is true. This album began to take shape after a 2014 performance at Sesc Pinheiros in Sao Paulo, Brazil. During this show, the artist finally presented the iconic album "Quem e Quem" live, more than 40 years after its initial release. For this significant event, Donato collaborated with young Sao Paulo musicians who had been working with him on a new project. Together, they recreated the original groove-laden atmosphere of Quem e Quem, centered around Joao's electric piano. The success of this performance made it clear that this collaboration had the potential for more. The result is Donato Eletrico, a vibrant collection of tracks that hark back to the distinctive sound Donato explored in the 70s.

Review: For the last decade, John Gomez and Nick The Record's freewheeling Tangent parties have proved popular in London, offering dancers the chance to shake their stuff to a wide selection of superb (and normally insanely rare) records over a high quality soundsystem. The pair's first Tangent compilation, which arrives via Mr Bongo, naturally offers a superb reflection of their approach and is packed with must-have cuts. For proof, check the proto-house era dubbed-out boogie of King B's 'Love Is Crazy', the sun-splashed Brazilian gorgeousness of 'Laberinto' by PERIKAS, the spaced-out headiness of Hidrogenese's 'La Carta Era Muy Larga (Dub)', the heavy batacuda business of 'Nira Gongo' by Conjuto Baluartes' and the dub disco-flecked, deep house brilliance of LTA's 'What Comes To Ya'.

Review: Those on London's crate-digging underground should be well aware of Tangent, an eclectic, anything-goes party created by esteemed record collectors John Gomez and Nick The Record. With a little help from Mr Bongo, they've curated this compilation featuring some of their favourite selections from the party - the vast majority of which are either obscure, rare or overlooked. It's a predictably impressive selection all told, with the pair bouncing between digital reggae-infused global grooves (Srirajah Soundsystem), mid-80s French jazz-funk-synth-pop fusion (an exclusive edit of Leo Basel), quirky riffs of the Pointer Sisters (Marc Thornhill's 'Automatic'-inspired 'No Way To Control It'), zouk, proto-house-era Balearic brilliance (Androo), squelchy AOR synth-disco (Hidrogenesse), heavy Latin percussion workouts (Conjuto Balurantes), dub (Lee Jackson Band) and much more besides.

Review: To celebrate ten years of one of London's most loved underground club nights, Tangent, Mr Bongo are thrilled to launch this new compilation series. Crafted by its two residents, John Gomez and Nick the Record, it aims to transmit a taste of Tangent's spirit: a party rooted in inclusivity and open-mindedness, whose name captures the spontaneous switches in musical direction that are a defining element of their nights. For the compilation, the pair have cherry-picked a selection of their prized, rare and dancefloor-ready tracks from around the globe, that have soundtracked the past decade of parties. Spanning live-recorded disco, Brazilian boogie and weighty lovers' rock, this selection of rare sonic meats is a prized procuring, the consistent quality of which you likely won't be able to track down in many other contexts.

Review: Ronnie April's Positive Energy's 'Snowflake' is a legendary release that has achieved mythical status within the jazzdance scene. Originally pressed on Ronnie's own Jude imprint and distributed locally with limited success, this impossibly rare gem has become a coveted holy grail for collectors. The track's infectious groove and captivating melody have solidified its place as a timeless classic, even spawning bootleg copies due to its scarcity. Beyond its rarity, the music itself is truly exceptional, showcasing Ronnie April's immense talent as a composer, arranger, and multi-instrumentalist. With a career that boasts collaborations with jazz luminaries such as Tito Puente, Louis Armstrong, and Lionel Hampton, 'Snowflake' stands as a testament to April's enduring musical legacy. The album continues from there, highlights including the excellent upbeat gem 'Dancer's Theme' and the beautiful haunting 'A Ballad For Sir James' that really exemplify that variety of great Soul music here.

Review: This timely reissue features a curated selection of standout tracks from Seu Jorge's acclaimed 2002 debut album Carolina (which was originally titled Samba Esporte Fino). The release marked the beginning of Jorge's international fame and was quickly followed by acting roles in City of God and Wes Anderson's The Life Aquatic where his Portuguese covers of the late great David Bowie became iconic. The record was co-produced by Mario Caldato of the Beastie Boys association and mixes up samba, funk and jazz into a timeless sound full of colour and soul for the warmer months of the year. Tracks like the anthemic title song, the funk-tinged 'Mangueira' and the infectious 'Tu Queria' remain essential showcases Seu Jorge's effortless musical charisma.

Review: Marcos Valle's 23rd studio album, Tunel Acustico, is a sweeping blend of the Brazilian legend's six-decade career, from his iconic bossa nova beginnings to jazz-funk and LA disco. Valle, who has worked with names like Sergio Mendes and Leon Ware, pulls together past and present on this release. With two members of the renowned Brazilian jazz-funk group Azymuth on board, the rhythm section sets a lively foundation for Valle's soulful melodies. Highlights include 'Feels So Good,' a groovy 1979 collaboration with Leon Ware, freshly updated with AI stem-separation and new Portuguese lyrics, and 'Life Is What It Is,' a disco-infused track co-written with Chicago's Laudir De Oliveira. Guest lyricists such as Ceu and Moreno Veloso add a contemporary flair, while the closing track, 'Thank You Burt (For Bacharach),' pays homage to the legendary composer. With its dynamic mix of samba, soul, and timeless grooves, Tunel Acustico is another standout in Valle's storied career.

Review: Marcos Valle's extraordinary life is marked by international fame, political upheaval and diverse musical achievements. Rising to fame overnight, he evaded a military dictatorship and the Vietnam War draft, had his music featured on The Simpsons, and became an unexpected fitness icon. With 22 studio albums since 1962, his work spans bossa nova, samba, disco, rock, and more and compositions have been recorded by legends like Frank Sinatra and Sarah Vaughan, and sampled by Jay-Z and Kanye West. Valle's latest album, Tunel Acustico, brings together his eclectic sound with tracks like 'Feels So Good' and 'Life Is What It Is,' reimagined with fresh arrangements and contributions from prominent Brazilian artists. The album also includes a tribute to Burt Bacharach, so what's not to love?

Review: Marcos Valle's illustrious career is nothing short of extraordinary. From becoming an international sensation overnight to navigating political turmoil, dodging the Vietnam draft, and shaping fitness trends, Valle's journey is as dynamic as his music. To truly grasp his impact, one must experience his diverse discography. Spanning from his 1962 debut to the present, Valle's work covers bossa nova, samba, disco, psychedelic rock, and beyond. With 22 studio albums, his music has been celebrated by legends like Frank Sinatra, Elis Regina and sampled by contemporary icons such as Jay-Z and Kanye West. Valle's twenty-third album, Tunel Acustico, marks a grand synthesis of his musical evolution. The album unifies Valle's varied styles with a natural, sincere touch. It features two tracks from his time in Los Angeles in the late seventies: 'Feels So Good,' a soulful gem created with Leon Ware, and 'Life Is What It Is,' a disco delight co-written with Laudir De Oliveira of Chicago. 'Feels So Good' was restored from an old demo with producer Daniel Maunick, who used AI to enhance the track, while Valle added Portuguese lyrics and new instrumentation. Valle's take on 'Life Is What It Is' boosts the tempo and groove for an infectious summer vibe. The album also showcases contemporary Brazilian talents like Joyce Moreno, Ceu and Moreno Veloso, alongside Valle's brother, Paulo Sergio Valle. Closing with 'Thank You Burt (For Bacharach),' a tribute to Burt Bacharach, Tunel Acustico promises to be a compelling addition to Valle's legendary career.

Review: Mr Bongo Record Club's Volume 7 presents a meticulously crafted mix of classic favourites and exciting new finds spanning a broad array of genres, including Brazilian, Latin, soul, disco, gospel, cosmic, dancehall and downtempo. This series has fans of the label excited about each volume that comes. With standout tracks like Os Panteras' Brazilian funk, the underground disco vibes of Claude Jay, and the soulful melodies of the Danish duo Gitte & Inger. Truth & Devotion's gospel soul and Chain Reaction's infectious grooves further illustrate the diverse range of influences at play. This volume particularly emphasises Brazilian music, diving deeper into folk and Afro-Brazilian sounds with selections from As Sublimes, Romeu Fernandes, and Conjunto de Percussao Dora Pinto. These tracks offer a refreshing shift from earlier volumes and showcase Brazil's rich musical heritage. A highlight is the exclusive 'Spring Has Sprung,' a collaboration between legendary Asha Puthli, the inventive band SOYUZ, and Swedish producer Sven Wunder. This track exemplifies the high-quality productions Mr Bongo Record Club is known for. Volume 7 blends Brazilian depth with dancefloor-ready hits, such as The Shades of Love's 'Come Inside.' This collection celebrates both timeless and contemporary music, reflecting the enduring allure of diverse and dynamic sounds.

Review: The latest edition of the Mr Bongo Record Club series is a meticulously curated blend of timeless gems and fresh discoveries. Volume 7 showcases a rich tapestry of genres, spanning Brazilian, Latin, soul, disco, gospel, cosmic, dancehall and downtempo music.This version on purple vinyl shines a spotlight on vintage tracks while introducing a contemporary gem. Highlights include Os Panteras' Brazilian funk, Claude Jay's underground disco beats, and the soulful Danish duo Gitte & Inger. The gospel soul of Truth & Devotion and the infectious grooves of Chain Reaction also stand out, reflecting the diverse influences that inspire this compilation. Notably, this volume leans heavily into Brazilian sounds, exploring deeper into folk and Afro-Brazilian influences with selections from As Sublimes, Romeu Fernandes, and Conjunto de Percussao Dora Pinto. These tracks offer a refreshing contrast to previous volumes and highlight the expansive nature of Brazilian music. A standout feature is the exclusive track 'Spring Has Sprung,' a collaboration between iconic Asha Puthli, the innovative band SOYUZ, and Swedish producer Sven Wunder. This new production is a breathtaking addition, exemplifying the exceptional quality that Mr Bongo Record Club aims to deliver. Additionally, the compilation includes club-tested hits like The Shades of Love's 'Come Inside,' ensuring that the dancefloor favourites continue to resonate.

Review: Encore has been remastered from the original tapes and features 11 compositions by Arthur Verocai who was joined by the legendary Azymuth, Ivan Lins and a nine-piece string section. The album was a long-awaited follow-up to his 1972 debut so bridges 35 years and bottles up Brazilian influences with American soul and cinematic experimentation. Initially overlooked amongst his wider canon, Verocai's debut gained cult status thanks to Far Out Recordings' Joe Davis who rediscovered it in the late 80s. In 2004, producer Dave Brinkworth brought Verocai back to the studio to reignite his musical brilliance. A master arranger, Verocai's work with Brazilian legends shaped his visionary sound and have helped to cement him as a timeless force in music history.