Back catalogue: International

Review: Sandra de Sa's 'Olhos Coloridos' and Equipe Radio Cidade's 'Bons Tempos Sao Paulo' bring vibrant Brazilian boogie back to life in this remastered reissue from Mr Bongo's Brazil 45's series. Sandra de Sa's track, from her 1982 self-titled LP, is a brilliant example of '80s MPB and boogie, featuring the iconic collaboration of Lincoln Olivetti, Robson Jorge, and members from Banda Black Rio. Funky basslines, dreamy Rhodes and jubilant horns complement Sa's outstanding vocals, making it a joyous, danceable piece reminiscent of Tim Maia and Marcos Valle's best. On Side-2, Equipe Radio Cidade's 'Bons Tempos Sao Paulo' transforms Chic's 'Good Times' into a Brazilian boogie delight. Originally a rare promo-only release from 1980, this version infuses the classic melody with samba rhythms, clavinet grooves, and cuica percussion breaks. Voiced by Sao Paulo radio DJs with festive greetings, it adds a unique local flavour to the familiar tune, reminiscent of the era's vibrant Brazilian music scene.

Review: Thanks to their superb collaborative album "Atemporal", many are now fully aware of the joint musical explorations of French band Cotonete and Brazilian singer Di Melo. That wasn't the case in early summer 2018 when their first single, "A.E.I.O.U", landed in stores. The record became a sleeper hit, was later remixed by Dimitri From Paris and is now given the re-press treatment. The original version (side A) is an inspired fusion of warm, breezy Brazilian disco and jaunty jazz-funk with one of the strongest, catchiest choruses we've heard in years. It's utterly ace all told, as is the more spacey and synth-laden B-side "Dub" mix. If you don't already own a copy, do yourself a favour and grab one of these.

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: This time last year, French combo Cotonete joined forces with Brazilian singer Di Melo to deliver what became one of the sleeper hits of last summer - the Latin disco/jazz-funk fusion of "A.E.I.O.U.". Here they continue their partnership with a first collaborative full length. It's a quietly impressive outing, with Di Melo's distinctive vocals rising above cuts that variously doff a cap to sultry Brazilian disco-funk, Azymuth-esque jazz-funk, soundtrack-friendly cinematic soundscapes, Astrud Gilberto style sweetness and humid salsa-funk (standout "Kilario (2019 Version)". It's a warm, loose and hazy set that feels authentically South American despite its Parisian roots.