Tags: Samba

Review: Since its release in 1973, Ze Roberto's debut single "Lotus 72 D" has become something of an in-demand item amongst collectors of soul-fired Brazilian "MPB". So much so, in fact, that Mr Bongo has licensed it and served up this 7" reissue. In its original A-side form, the track is a carnival-ready slab of samba-soul brilliance rich in razor-sharp horn blasts, rich bass guitar, punchy hand-percussion and twinkling jazz piano solos. Roberto's confident vocals take centre stage, inviting us towards the dancefloor. Over on the flip you'll find a "Fast Version" of Roberto's tribute to 1972 Formula 1 champ Emerson Fittipaldi. This has a slightly more dancefloor-centric tempo, an effect achieved when it was accidentally pitched up for inclusion on a 2001 compilation.

Review: Five years on from their debut collaborative EP 'Frisina Meets Toco', modern Brasilian dance artists Gerardo Frisina and Toco return for a second faceoff, this time with liaising artist Luzia Dvorek serving as ringmaster. Centring on samba-infused jazz and deep house with mystical and folk influences, "deixa passar" translates from Portuguese to "let it pass", though the mood is certainly not outright passive. This delectably quartered slice of carnivalesque dance music is rather rich in sonic papaya juice, charting sustained vocal contrasts between Toco and Luzia against smoky and furnaced beats. Aperient track 'Deixa Passar' leans heaviest on languid piano, whilst dozier mists emerge on the B-side in the form of 'Ile' and its rework by Gerardo Frisina, bringing pan flutes, strings, breathy vocal counterpoints, cabasa shaker, and subtle bass undercurrents.

Review: This limited release offers a rare glimpse into the genius of Jorge Ben, the father of samba rock, with two coveted tracks that any collector would jump at. One track is previously unreleased, while the other is a live performance from 1972 that was originally only available in Japan, making it a cult favourite among a select group of collectors. Featuring the legendary Trio Mocoto as his backing band, Ben's incisive guitar and signature sound shine in two extraordinary live cuts that capture the raw energy and brilliance of samba rock at its peak. Pressed on limited white vinyl, this 7" release is a treasure for anyone seeking rare gems from Brazilian music's golden age.

Review: Belpaese Edits hits a 12th release with more mash-up and reworked takes on classics from across the disco, funk and Italo spectrum. 'Ancora Noi' is first here and is a lively jam with raw drums and expressive Italian vocals over tight, funky guitar riffs. 'Profumo Di Mar' keeps up the energy levels with some big horns rising high out of a tight and funky disco groove. These are timeless and charming sounds designed to blow up mature dancefloors.