Mr Bongo Record Club Guest Mixes

When it comes to Latin soul, Bobby Matos And The Combo Conquistadores 'Tema De Alma Latina', has to be up there as one of the heaviest tracks ever recorded. This much-loved Latin workout has been rocking dancefloors for years with its infectious, driving energy and pulsating rhythms. Released in 1968, the 'My Latin Soul' album on Philips Records now receives a welcome reissue on Mr Bongo. It’s a sheer delight throughout and a premier example of the Nu Yorican sound that was thriving in New York in the ‘60s. 

From a young age, the Bronx, New York-born Latin jazz percussionist Bobby Matos found inspiration through the conga drum masters Mongo Santamaría and Patato Valdez (who he had informal backstage lessons with) and timbales legends Willie Bobo and Tito Puente. Bobby was drawn into New York's club scene and began playing in the vibrant ‘60s beat / bohemian Greenwich Village cafes, followed by stints in a wide range of different venues. These included Bronx dance halls and after-hours clubs in El Barrio, through to the elegance of Carnegie Hall, Central Park concerts, and off-Broadway theatres.

Later relocating to Los Angeles, Bobby played an important role in spreading Latin music far and wide. He became an inspiration to many on the jazz dance and acid jazz scenes in the ‘80s / '90s where his recordings were picked and played, becoming prized collector items amongst DJs. The track 'Tema De Alma Latina' was immortalised as a classic for many, after being featured on the Gilles Peterson’s Street Sounds Jazz Juice 5 compilation in 1987. A captivating listen from start to finish, the album features other treats such as the dynamic album opener ‘Nadie Baila Como Yo’, the blazing flute led 'Mambo Maxims', and the blistering piano shuffler 'Raices'. 

A truly iconic Latin classic whether you’re being reunited with it like an old friend or discovering it as a fresh new find.


My Latin Soul

Almost fifteen years since the release of her self-titled debut LP on Mr Bongo, reggae’s orator of love Hollie Cook is returning to the label for Shy Girl, her fifth studio album and her most authentic yet. Woven with tight grooves, beautiful vocals and catchy melodies, Shy Girl hears singer and songwriter Hollie Cook revel in her contemporary lovers rock sound, more confident and open to vulnerability than ever before.
 
A sun-drenched exploration of love in all its guises, Shy Girl tells stories of the magical and the melancholy, the heart-lifting and heart-breaking, across 12 luscious, analogue reggae compositions - the culmination of a soft-hued and instantly recognisable “tropical pop” sound that Cook has made her own.
 
Put together across three years and four cities – from LA and NYC, to Vejer de la Frontera in Spain and Cook’s hometown London – Shy Girl was written with long-time collaborators, The General Roots Band, and features a contribution from legendary dub MC Horseman, who lends his voice to the album’s first single ‘Night Night’.
 
The album opens with the title track ‘Shy Girl’, a buoyant and elastic slice of lovers rock that was written in a moment of spontaneous intuition, and bubbles with a charisma and positivity that Cook radiates. “I’m not a natural show-off,” Cook explains. “The Shy Girl theme is me. It’s just about being my most vulnerable self and being as true to the music that Iove as possible.” It is this honesty which shines throughout, from the chugging deep dub of ‘Frontline’, complete with raking electric guitar lines, to the bittersweet roots ballad ‘We Share Love’, which closes out the album.

It's clear to see that Cook’s songwriting draws on a lifetime of musical influences and inspirations. From her father, Sex Pistols drummer Paul Cook’s record collection and touring with post-punk icon Ari Up’s The Slits, to her love for strong female-led pop music and the bassweight of London’s sound system culture. Enamoured with the music of Janet Kay and Phyllis Dillon, Shy Girl represents a homecoming and a coming-of-age for Hollie Cook, distilling and refining a shimmering reggae sound that will capture your heart, as it first captured hers. 


Shy Girl

Presenting a joyous double dose of Brazilian pífano magic by João do Pife, taken from his iconic Folclore Alagoano LP and pressed for the first time on 7” vinyl. The infectious, uplifting energy of the instrumental track 'Garoto Do Pife' has been a dancefloor weapon for revered selectors such as Gilles Peterson, Cliffy and the Mr Bongo DJs, and we are proud to be reissuing it for the first time.  

The pífano, pifaro or pife, which creates the distinctive melodies in these tracks, is a simple seven-hole woodwind instrument from the Northeast region of Brazil. Often made out of bamboo or taquara wood, they are rich in folkloric music tradition and paired with percussion instruments to form the Bandas de Pífanos groups, which originated from the Northeastern states of the country. "Pifeiros” such as João do Pife, Edmilson do Pífano, and Carlos Malta brought the pífano into a wider public eye through their albums and vinyl recordings.

A part of pífano maestro João do Pife’s rich legacy, these two mesmerizing and timeless tracks originate from his sought-after 1975 LP Folclore Alagoano, released on the Tropicana label. Born João Bibi dos Santos, in the state of Alagoas (Brazil), João do Pife became an ambassador of Northern Brazilian culture and folklore through his music, which placed the pífano centre stage. 

For this 7" issue, we have curated two of our favourite tracks from the album, 'Garoto Do Pife' and 'Homenagem a Ludugero', that exude a driving and joyous dancefloor energy. With lively accordion and organ accompaniments that weave around João do Pife's sublime pífano playing, they channel a folk spirit that will resonate deep within your soul.

As inspiration for the picture sleeve, we have adapted the original cover photo art for this 7 inch issue. João do Pife’s music, which is housed within, will sweep you away to Northeastern Brazil in an instant.


Garoto Do Pife / Homenagem a Ludugero

“Krok” means “step” in Belarusian - and for Alex Chumak and his band this word comes with a lot of meaning. It’s the title and theme that run throughout СОЮЗ (SOYUZ)'s fourth album, reflecting the journeys the band has navigated in recent years, having moved to Warsaw due to political unrest in their homeland of Belarus and the outbreak of war in Ukraine. Embracing the uncertainty became both the inspiration and main lyrical theme for Alex Chumak, SOYUZ’ composer and arranger, who also decided to go a step further and change the language in which he writes songs from Russian, which is used as lingua franca in many post-Soviet countries, to his native Belarusian. The result is nine songs about dreams and outer space, ordinary miracles, things very close and very distant at the same time. 

In early 2022, Chumak and original members, Mikita Arlou and Anton Nemahai, joined tens of thousands of Belarusians seeking safety abroad. Resettling in Warsaw, the band released Force of the Wind in October 2022, garnering widespread acclaim, a string of major European gigs, and led to Polish musicians Albert Karch and Igor Wiśniewski joining the band.

Deeper and more melancholic than previous works, KROK is quintessentially SOYUZ, laced with hope, dreams and a celebration of life. Given the difficulties with finding rehearsal and recording spaces in Warsaw and the departure of the drummer Anton Nemahai from the band, Chumak explored alternative options. He reached out to friend and fellow musical collaborator, Sessa, about the possibility of recording the new album in his recently finished studio in São Paulo, with Sessa and Biel Basile coming onboard as recording engineers.

At the tail end of 2024, Chumak and SOYUZ’ new drummer, Albert Karch, made the trip to São Paulo to record the first sessions for KROK. Laid down directly to tape, these sessions featured prominent Brazilian musicians Sessa, Biel Basile, and Marcelo Cabral, with a guest vocal feature by Tim Bernardes recorded at a later date. The final touches were then added back in Europe. Lush string and woodwind arrangements written by Chumak and Karch were recorded at the Polish Radio studio in Warsaw, and Rhodes parts were added by Chumak at Sven Wunder’s studio in Stockholm.

Though primarily recorded in Brazil, KROK is not a Brazilian or MPB album. It blends the band’s Eastern European roots with jazz, folk and global influences. The genre of the music is hardly identifiable: there are folk ballads and jazz-driven pop compositions covered in lush and often dissonant string and woodwind arrangements where each note is placed with care and meaning behind it.

The title track was the first song Chumak wrote in Belarusian as an adult, making for a fitting opener and one of the band’s finest tracks. Darker than most of SOYUZ’ songs, the tensions lift and lighten as the track progresses. The cinematic library jazz of 'Voo Livre', with ghostly vocals sung by Ciça Góes and Ina, feels like a modern twist on the Italian library composer Alessandro Alessandroni through its sublime choir and woodwind orchestration. Elsewhere, the heartfelt 'Lingua Do Mundo', composed, written, and sung by Chumak and the incredible Tim Bernardes, features one of the standout string arrangements from Chumak and Karch. 'Cichi Karahod' is an instant SOYUZ classic, almost Pat Metheny-esque as it opens, with the acoustic guitar and bass riff transitioning into jazzy AOR / pop-folk territory. The record closes with 'Smak žyćcia', a gentle, dreamy spoken-word poetry piece in Japanese by singer-songwriter Manami Kakudo. 

Despite immense challenges, SOYUZ have delivered a career-defining album in KROK.


KROK

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Following on from six volumes, a detour to Brooklyn and a cut-up megamix – all as collected in a special 8-CD boxset – our famed Brazilian Beats compilation series finally returns. Brazilian Beats 7 continues to shine a light on the country’s wealthy musical heritage, both past and present, while acting as an honest guide for listeners seeking exciting and different musical pastures.

Volume 7 collects 20 tracks, spanning a range of styles and scenes from the more obvious to the weirder and lesser-known gems to be found throughout Brazil. There’s cutting-edge, bass-heavy new school hip hop with Karol Conka and her trailblazing producer Nave; sunshine laden soul from Djavan; a Jorge Ben cover courtesy of Junip that does the maestro’s legacy proud; funky Forro accordions from little-known Odair who used to play with Tom Ze; samba rock from SamJazz, a bonafide Sao Paulo classic, and Abilio Manuel; disco fusion from Coaty de Oliveira, taken from an album made for a restaurant no less; hard-edged bossa from the Jorge Autouri Trio; and last but not least Brazil-meets-LA funk in the shape of Jackson Conti, the unforgettable collaboration between Madlib and Azymuth’s drummer Ivan Conti.

1 Karol Conka – Boa Noite / 2 Bemba Trio – Melô do vatapá / 3 Som Sete – Esquindindin / 4 Cláudia - Deixa Eu Dizer / 5 Djavan – Nereci / 6 Junip – Oba, Lá Vem Ela / 7 Odair Cabeça de poeta - Isso é Bonito / 8 SamJazz - Nega, Neguinha / 9 Abilio Manoel - Luiza Manequim / 10 Junior Com Orquestra E Coro - O Campeão (Meu Time) / Hindo Do Flamengo / 11 Coaty de Olivieira – Caminho Livre / 12 Arnaud Rodrigues - Turma do Poie / 13 Brazil Selection – Bananaticoco / 14 Zapattta - A Mesa Santa / 15 Jorge Autuori Trio – Autorizando / 16 Cizinha - Prá Fazer Um Samba / 17 Quarteto Novo – Misturada / 18 Wan Trio – Selvagem / 19 Mestre Bimba - Corridos / 20 Jackson Conti - Plateau Pt. 1

Cláudia - Deixa Eu Dizer

The Brkn Record is a new project led and produced by Jake Ferguson, the co-founder and bass player for the UK’s foundational deep jazz outfit the Heliocentrics. With fellow Heliocentrics co-founder and legendary drummer Malcolm Catto, Ferguson has been a regular collaborator with globally recognised artists including Archie Shepp, Mulatu Astatke, Melvin Van Peebles, Orlando Julius and many others.

The Architecture of Oppression Part 1 represents Ferguson’s debut as a bandleader and orchestrator, and manifests as a committed and soulful response to ongoing and systemic anti-black racism, social oppression and state violence both at home in London and across the globe. Combining poetry, testimony and song with rich and cinematic backdrops, Ferguson has produced a sui generis sound that conjures flavours of Arthur Verocai, Ennio Morricone, classic library productions, Madlib-style deep-jazz beat science, and psychedelic soul. With bandmate Malcolm Catto on drums, Ferguson draws on their long years of collaborative experience in the Heliocentrics to build an album of striking texture and depth. 

But the album does not only reflect Ferguson’s full-spectrum musical prowess, experience and vision. It is equally a manifestation of his longstanding and high-profile work as a frontline activist for racial justice and social equity in London and beyond.

Alongside Malcom Catto, contributors to the album are drawn from the intersecting worlds of community activism, cultural education, politics and music, and include singer and political activist Jermain Jackman, Zara MacFarlane; Chicagoan activist, poet and singer Ugochi Nwaogwugwu; Lee Jasper, longstanding worker for racial justice and former advisor on equalities to the Mayor of London; acclaimed performance poet Dylema; Hackney community leader Janette Collins MBE and Leroy Logan MBE, founder and former chair of the Black Police Association, and the subject of Steve McQueen’s Small Axe episode ‘Red, White and Blue’.

The Architecture of Oppression Part 1 is a singular and urgent chronicle of the black British experience, an upful expression of Pan-African creative unity and community solidarity, and a militant and unbending missive from the frontline in the great tradition of The Impressions’ This Is My Country, Irreversible Entanglements Who Sent You?, Max Roach’s We Insist - Freedom Now Suite, or Linton Kwesi Johnson’s Bass Culture.

A broken record repeats itself, and never plays through – the music is interrupted or trapped in a cycle by damage to the grooves. But The Brkn Record is a work of healing and protection, and a chance to let the full story be heard – all the way to the end, no skips.

The Brkn Record - Break The Chains

The tenth record in our Brazil 45s series - http://www.mrbongo.com/products/jorge-ben-joao-donato-7

A. Jorge Ben & Toquinho - Carolina, Carol Bela
AA. Joao Donato - Ara

Jorge Ben & Toquinho - Carolina, Carol Bela 

Jorge Ben is a name that any lover of Brazilian music will be very familiar with. He is widely regarded as the James Brown of Brazilian music and is famed for writing the Brazilian anthem ‘Mas Que Nada'. For the duet ‘Carolina, Carol Bela' he teamed up with the singer & guitarist Toquinho. Toquinho is best known for his collaborations, as composer and performer, with Bossa Nova poet Vinicius de Moraes.

'Carolina, Carol Bela' featured on the album ’Toquinho’ by Toquinho. It was originally released in 1970 on the small independent Brazilian label, RGE. This version is the first time it has been reissued as a 45.  

The song was sampled by DJ Marky and XRS for their Drum & Bass track ‘LK’ (V Recordings, 2002). This went on to be a huge chart hit across the world, and a number one hit in the UK.

Joao Donato - Ara

Joao Donato is a Brazilian Jazz and Bossa Nova Pianist. He has collaborated with many of the greats of Brazilian Music, including Tom Jobim, Astrud Gilberto and Gilberto Gil. He was one of the few Brazilian artists who went over to perform in the States during the Bossa Nova boom of the late 60’s. The song ‘Ara’ was originally released on his seminal album Quem é quem”, (EMI, 1973), an album that is full of great tracks and was considered as one of the 100 best albums in all times by the Rolling Stone magazine. 

See more of our Brazilian 45 series here.

Jorge Ben & Toquinho - Carolina Carol Bela

Quarteto Em Cy - Tudo Que Voce Podia Ser

Brazil 45, number 20: http://www.mrbongo.com/products/wilson-simonal-nem-vem-que-nao-tem-b-w-trio-mocoto-nao-adianta

Wilson Simonal - Nem Vem Que Nao Tem:

An instant and super catchy samba-MPB hit made famous through by its inclusion in Fernando Meirelles and Kátia Lund’s ‘City Of God’. This is a firm Simonal favourite here at Mr Bongo HQ.

Simonal was a hugely successful singer in the 1960’s and early 70’s; one of the most popular artists in Brazil infact.

‘Nem Vem Que Nao Tem’ was previously released on 7” by Odeon in France and Spain, and appears on his ‘Alegria, Alegria !!!’ LP on Odeon Brazil, released in 1967

Trio Mocoto - Nao Adianta:

Trio Mocoto were one of Jorge Ben Jr’s main backing bands and highly influential to his sound. They recorded with him on the seminal ‘Força Bruta’, ‘Negro É Lindo’ and ‘Tábua de Esmeralda’ LP’s.

Nao Adianta first appeared on Trio Mocoto’s self-titled 1977 Arlequim LP. It was subsequently released on 7” in Spain, Portugal and Italy (and we are assuming France too).

Trio Mocoto - Nao Adianta

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http://www.mrbongo.com/product/carolina-lp-1304

Debut album from the City Of God and Life Aquatic star Seu Jorge, co-produced by Mario Caldatto of Beastie Boys and Planet Hemp fame.

Seu Jorge - Carolina

http://www.mrbongo.com/product/brazilian-beats-cd-boxset-1143

The fifth of eight installments of the all-Brazilian compilation series

Vanessa De Mata - Nao Me Deixe Só

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Marcelo D2 was the leader and vocalist from rap/rock band Planet Hemp, who have sold over 900,000 units in Brazil. 

A Procurada da Batida Perfeita, or Looking For the Perfect Beat, was the long awaited second solo album from MD2, with his first album Eu Tiro Onda having sold over 100,000 units in Brazil. Marcelo D2 goes deeper into his search for the perfect mix of samba and hip hop.


Marcelo D2 - A Procura Da Batida Perfeita

Marcelo D2 - Vai Vendo

Marcelo D2 - A Maldicao Do Samba

Marcelo D2 - Loadeando

Marcelo D2 - C.B. Sangue Bom

Marcelo D2 - Qual É

Marcelo D2 - Eu Tiro E Onda

http://www.mrbongo.com/product/brazilian-beats-cd-1125

http://www.mrbongo.com/product/brazilian-beats-lp-1322

http://www.mrbongo.com/product/brazilian-beats-cd-boxset-1143

The sixth of eight installments of the all-Brazilian compilation series

Black Alien - Como eu te quero

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A collection of covers of master Brazilian musician and writer Jorge Ben. With such classics under his belt as Mas Que Nada, covered by the likes of Sergio Mendes, Ella Fitzgerald, Dizzy Gillespie and Al Jarreau, and the song Taj Mahal which was the source of Rod Stewart’s Do You Think I’m Sexy?, Ben is a huge force in Brazilian popular music.

Often described as the James Brown of Brazilian music due to his prolific output, he is the most sampled Brazilian artist ever with people from the Black Eyed Peas to DJ Marky lifting elements off his tracks. His song catalogue has also been covered by some of the finest bands in Brazil.

This selection represents a more dance-floor orientated outing including mega rarities for the collecting fiends like Cosa Nostra by Os Mutreteiros Grilados and tracks that even Ben himself never got around to singing like Rei Do Maracatu's Cyro Aguiar.
Available on CD, LP, 7" and digital download.


Os Originais Do Samba - Tenha Fé, Pois Amanhã Um Lindo Dia Vai Nascer

Os Originais Do Samba - Falador Passa Mal

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Slum Dunk is a musical collective made up of Brazilian artists residing in London. At the core of Slum Dunk is the electronic duo Tetine, made up of Eliete Mejorado and Bruno Verner, who have compiled this album.

Funk Carioca represents the old Brazilian Baile Funk sound which is - in our opinion - some of the best funk music.

Originally released as a mix on in 2004, we re-released this as an unmixed version on Mr Bongo Bass as it is in our opinion even more potent today.

Bonde Do Tigrão - O Baile Todo

Bonde Do Tigrão - Cerol Na Mão

MC Batata - Feira De Acari

Cidinho & Doca - Rap Da Felicidade

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http://www.mrbongo.com/product/supersize-lp-1337

Renowned sound engineer and record producer Mike ‘Prince Fatty’ Pelanconi has been a prominent member of the reggae and dub scene in the UK since the mid-90s. Finding himself frustrated by the tempos and mixes of certain records he loved – typified by DJing one time after Don Letts who had already played half his selection – he set about recording his own versions with a super group of London’s finest reggae musicians. 

“I have worked with many of the UK-based reggae musicians at one point or another so I went about selecting the best possible musicians from my experiences with two criteria in mind: the best skills and the most vibe. At the same time my Dub Supervisor and Reggae Jedi aka Little Roy and I had started to record tracks for his new album and I found myself recording reggae every day. The Pioneers were dropping by my studio, Al Capone was cutting specials and singers like Winston Francis were just hanging out.”

As well as versions of favourite reggae and soul songs, two tracks stand out: covers of Ol’ Dirty Bastard’s Shimmy Shimmy Ya and Cypress Hill’s Insane in the Brain.

“I was sad when Ol’ Dirty passed away and for me the great hip hop era ended with him. I cut the version of Shimmy Shimmy Ya soon after he died. As a tribute we often hold a minute’s silence when Horseman and I perform it live. We did Insane In The Brain for fun as we had a show supporting Madness. The nutty boys challenged us to a sound clash and they lost. Though we played a dirty hand, they were gracious in defeat.”

The vocal line-up on the album also include Hollie Cook – Slits singer, daughter of Sex Pistols drummer Paul Cook and new Mr Bongo signing. Also on the album is a dub of That Very Night from Hollie’s own debut album. 
Prince Fatty’s 2007 debut album Survival Of The Fattest achieved widespread critical acclaim from the music press and was supported across BBC Radio, resulting in a raucous live session on Mark Lamarr’s show. Favouring recording on vintage equipment to preserve his signature sound, Pelanconi’s unique style has attracted the likes of Lily Allen, Graham Coxon, Little Barrie, Gregory Isaacs and Sinead O'Connor to work with him. He has recently opened his own studio, The Ironworks, in Brighton.


Prince Fatty ft. Horseman - Shimmy Shimmy Ya

Hollie Cook, one of reggae’s most exciting voices, makes a return to the label that released her cherished debut album in 2011. Landing back on Mr Bongo, 'Night Night' is a stand-alone aperitif and taster of what to expect from the next era in Hollie's musical journey. 

Revisiting her roots, this latest single embraces the trademark reggae / tropical pop sound Hollie found fame with on her first two albums. With a career that has gone from strength to strength since those formative days, the buoyance, charisma, and confidence gained in those subsequent years are on show for all to see.

Recorded at Crosstown Studios in London with the General Roots band and produced, mixed and dubbed by Ben McKone, ‘Night Night’ documents the longing of a lonely lover. Grounded in a sound system rattling bass line, strutting guitars and shimmering keys provide a sunshine-infused contrast. Hollie’s smooth sultry tones radiate throughout, backed by the legendary Horseman on toasting duties - a collaboration that hasn’t been heard since Hollie’s first album. Trading verses, the warmth of Hollie's velvety vocals balances Horseman's raw explosive energy in an absorbing harmony.

In true reggae style, the 7" single is backed with a classic dub mix, adding spacey reverb and delays, whilst giving Hollie and Horseman a more spacious streamlined flow in the mix.


Hollie Cook Ft. Horseman - Night Night

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Previously only available as separate albums, this boxset contains over 120 tracks from the mambo and boogaloo to the sounds of fania, Latin funk and jazz as well as contemporary remixes from the likes of Gilles Peterson, Masters at Work, Quantic and Bonde de Role.

Artists featured in this release include Tito Puente, Pete Rodriguez, Ray Barretto, Fania All-Stars, Lenni Sesar, La Lupe, Charlie Palmieri All-Stars, Henry & Orlando Fiol, Don Barreto, Havana Casino Orchestra, Lecuona Cuban Boys, Sao Benitez, Cachao Y Su Orquestra, Dave Cortez, Jose Conde, Hanny, Beny More, Jack Costanzo and many many more.

Jose Conde Y Ola Fresca - El Chacal

For her fifth studio album, Hollie Cook is returning to Mr Bongo almost fifteen years since the Brighton label released her debut album. Entitled Shy Girl, it’s a sun-drenched exploration of love in all its guises and marks her most authentic body of work to date. The second single from the release is the title track and provides the perfect opener for the album. It’s a buoyant and elastic slice of lovers rock that bubbles with a charisma and positivity that Cook radiates.  

Written and recorded in a moment of spontaneous intuition at Relic Room Studios in NYC, with the finishing touches written in Echo Park, LA, ‘Shy Girl’ is a snapshot into the vision and meaning behind the album as a whole. “I’m not a natural show-off,” Cook explains. “The Shy Girl theme is me. It’s just about being my most vulnerable self and being as true to the music that I love as possible.” 

Across three glorious minutes, shimmering guitars sit atop a groove-heavy, dubby bassline, and organ bubbles, as Hollie effortlessly serenades in her soft-hued tones. A song speaking of letting one’s guard down and opening up to love, it’s a signature example of the ‘tropical pop’ sound that Hollie has made her own.


The first single to be taken from СОЮЗ (SOYUZ)'s enthralling fourth album KROK, sees the release of the emotive and personal title track. “Krok” means “step” in Belarusian - and for Alex Chumak and his band this word comes with a lot of meaning. It’s a theme running throughout the album, reflecting the journeys the band has navigated in recent years. 
 
In early 2022, Chumak and original members, Mikita Arlou and Anton Nemahai, joined tens of thousands of Belarusians seeking safety from the political unrest in their homeland and the outbreak of war in Ukraine. Resettling in Warsaw, the band released Force of the Wind in October 2022, garnering widespread acclaim, a string of major European gigs, and led to Polish musicians Albert Karch and Igor Wiśniewski joining the band.
 
Embracing the uncertainty became both the inspiration and main lyrical theme for Alex Chumak, SOYUZ’ composer and arranger. ‘Krok’ was one of the initial songs written for the new album and was the first to feature lyrics. It paved the way for Chumak to find the new poetic language on the record - for the first time in his native Belarusian language. Chumak demoed the song whilst he was still in Minsk in early 2022, and then, as he and his band moved to Poland, he continued developing it. In September 2024, together with other songs, Alex took it on a trip to São Paulo, where he recorded it with the help of his longtime friend and collaborator Sessa and extraordinary musicians Biel Basile and Marcelo Cabral.
 
It is a song about transition and migration, in which this act is poetically reduced to “a step” – into the unknown and unexplored. While singing about it, Chumak also makes a step forward musically. He delivers his very atypical view on samba, which doesn’t pretend to sound Brazilian. A strict yet loose rhythm section is covered with layers of tense acoustic guitars, aleatoric piano lines, and a lush yet restrained arrangement for strings and flutes.
 
This ethereal opening track is taster of the magic to come from СОЮЗ (SOYUZ) new career-defining album.


Крок / Krok

Bobby Matos And The Combo Conquistadores - Caliente Y Grasoso

Bobby Matos And The Combo Conquistadores - Te Adoro A Ti

Bobby Matos And The Combo Conquistadores - En Casa De Alfredo

Bobby Matos And The Combo Conquistadores - La Cosa De Ritchie

Bobby Matos And The Combo Conquistadores - Nadie Baila Como Yo

The second single taken from СОЮЗ (SOYUZ)’s career-defining fourth album KROK comes in the form of ‘Ніці / Nici’. A dreamy, timeless production, it showcases SOYUZ’s composer, Alex Chumak’s brilliance as an arranger. Almost genre-less in quality, the music incorporates elements of AOR, jazz, and folk, but the structure and interplay between the instruments feel unique and are a testament to Chumak’s original thinking as a modern composer.

Broadly speaking, ‘Ніці / Nici’ is a song about the strange nature of dreams. Both wistful and hopeful in the same breath, that ethereal essence carries through as Chumak effortlessly rides the melodies with his signature soft vocal tones. Across this fourth album, Chumak took the step to change the language in which he writes songs from Russian, which is used as lingua franca in many post-Soviet countries, to his native Belarusian. The poetic nature of that switch shines in ‘Ніці / Nici’, with a distinct delicacy and intimacy to Chumak’s delivery. Deft Rhodes playing and a shimmering string arrangement by Chumak, coupled with a laidback beat by Biel Basile and electric bass from Marcelo Cabral, form the breezy basis of the song. Alex’s celestial vocals and the hypnotising, gently phasing guitar melodies loop around the ether, leaning ever further into the dreamstate nature of the song.
 
On first listen, due to its mellow nature, the production on ‘Ніці / Nici’ feels stripped back. But as you delve deeper into the song, its rich and delicate textures appear, and their subtle use transforms what first felt minimal into something understatedly expansive.


Ніці / Nici

Hollie Cook - Ooh Baby

Hollie Cook - Rockaway

Hollie Cook - Holding On

João do Pife - Homenagem a Ludugero

João do Pife - Garoto Do Pife

СОЮЗ (SOYUZ) – Lingua Do Mundo (feat. Tim Bernardes)

СОЮЗ (SOYUZ) – Калі ты запытаеш : Kali ty zapytaješ

СОЮЗ (SOYUZ) – VCB

СОЮЗ (SOYUZ) – P7 Blues

СОЮЗ (SOYUZ) – Смак жыцця : Smak žyćcia (feat. Manami Kakudo)

СОЮЗ (SOYUZ) – Ціхі карагод : Cichi karahod

СОЮЗ (SOYUZ) – Voo Livre

In the run-up to our Mr Bongo x Higo Beat Japan tour with DJ Nature we are shining a light on some of the incredible Japanese DJs we have joining us. 

Yukari BB is a key face in the Kyoto scene. She heads up Jazzy Sport Kyoto and her talents behind the decks / as a producer have seen her sign to the renowned Sounds Familiar roster. In her own words, “most of the tracks in this mix are ones I often play during my DJ sets, so it naturally turned out to be quite a danceable mix from the beginning. I usually mix a wide range of genres in a crossover style, and for this mix I blended in tracks like Nico Gomez’s “Caballo Negro,” which I often play, dedicating it to Mr. Bongo. Since I created this one as an all-vinyl mix, it turned out to be a more organic and eclectic set overall.”

“I got “Carnival At Night” by The Island Musicmakers this summer at Yo Yo Records in London. It’s a Caribbean funk tune with beautiful steel pan harmonies, and although I’ve only played it a few times so far, it’s already become one of my favourite tracks.”

Mr Bongo Record Club Guest Mix - Yukari BB

In the run-up to our Mr Bongo x Higo Beat Japan tour with DJ Nature we are shining a light on some of the incredible Japanese DJs we have joining us. 

miharu, a rising talent also based in Kyoto. As well as working behind the counter at Face Records, she’s regularly found playing across the city and broadcasting on the likes of Tsubaki fm. Her mix elegantly sweeps through a variety of Japanese sounds moving from celestial into more uptempo, touching on funk, cosmic, hip hop, jazz and beyond with a sprinkling of MPB in there for good measure.

Mr Bongo Record Club Guest Mix - miharu

To coincide with our Mr Bongo x Higo Beat Japan tour featuring DJ Nature we are shining a light on some of the incredible Japanese DJs we have joining us.

 Osaka-based Natsuki is regularly found spinning across venues in Osaka and beyond, whilst also working at the esteemed BAR Inc. With a sound unconstrained by genre and rather focussed on feeling, she’s weaved together an eclectic mix straight from the heart. Picking out a beloved cut she mentions: “My favourite song is ‘Bird's Lament’ by Sylvain Riflet. When I first heard this song, I felt a melancholic melody, but also an uplifting feeling, and the contrast really captured my heart. Having played this song many times in various places, I've always wanted to include this in a mix, so I'm very happy that I was able to do so this time.”

Mr Bongo Record Club Guest Mix - Natsuki

To coincide with our Mr Bongo x Higo Beat Japan tour featuring DJ Nature we are shining a light on some of the incredible DJs Japan has to offer.

DJ KAWASAKI has been a key figure in Japan’s scene since the early 2000’s. With releases on Nite Grooves, Columbia, Especial and his own Kawasaki Records, he’s got an illustrious back catalogue as a producer and has toured around the globe as a DJ. He holds the record for having eight songs reach No.1 in the iTunes Dance chart in Japan. MAGNETiC is the disco and jazz event he runs with Shacho from Soil & ”Pimp” Sessions at The Room Shibuya, Tokyo. 

His mix is a showcase of flavours he’s been feeling recently, blending disco, jazz funk, house, broken beat and beyond, proving why he has been such a force for the past 20 years. In his own words, “I wanted to share my musical world through tracks I usually play, chosen based on my current vibe. I also included a preview of my upcoming release and tried to balance new and older tunes. Favorites include ‘Kowree Sambazzi’ by Kyoto Jazz Massive and Shuya Okino’s ‘Thank You’ (Danny Krivit 7” Edit). You can also hear my new tune ‘Sunshine Madness’ with Chien Chien Lu!”

Mr Bongo Record Club Guest Mix - DJ KAWASAKI

Next up in our Record Club Mix series we welcome Polish DJ, promoter and radio presenter, Kacper Pieta. His reputation for deep cuts and soul-nourishing sets have taken him everywhere from Japan and Spain to some of the most respected venues and festivals around the UK. He also heads up the Uplift Your Soul parties in Manchester - with some exciting plans in the works for 2026.

In Kacper’s own words: “As 2025 comes to an end, I have been reflecting on the incredible year that this has been: some wonderful memories made and incredible music shared. This mix, rooted in jazz and broken beat, is a reflection of the uplifting energy that has blessed me throughout the last 12 months.

I've carefully selected a handful of tracks that I've been loving listening to at home recently, accompanied by a few tunes that I've been playing on the dancefloor. You can expect music from Don Glori, Close Counters, 2000 Black, as well as a special preview of ‘Echo Danza’, an upcoming track from the wonderful Italian duo Eternal Love.”

Mr Bongo Record Club Guest Mix - Kacper Pieta

Brazil 45, 40 – http://www.mrbongo.com/products/sandra-de-sa-olhos-coloridos-equipe-radio-cidade-bons-tempo-7

A. Sandra de Sa - Olhos Coloridos / AA. Equipe Rádio Cidade - Bons Tempo Sao Paulo (Good Times)

Two brand new names for the Brazil 45’s series.

‘Olhos Coloridos’ is an 80’s MPB/boogie jam, thats sits perfectly alongside the likes of Maia, Valle, Jorge and Olivetti. Backed here, by some of the members from Banda Black Rio.

Taken from her self-titled 1982 LP on RGE Brazil.


‘Bons Tempo Sao Paulo (Good Times)’

Originally released on a rare promo only 7" from 1980, this is a Brazilian boogie version of Good Times by Chic / Rapper's Delight, voiced by radio DJs from Sao Paulo especially for the Christmas holiday season!

The replayed version of ‘Good Times’ stands up to the Chic version, and the added cuica heavy percussion breakdown gives it the true Brazilian flavour.

BUY VINYL

Sandra De Sa - Olhos Coloridos

http://www.mrbongo.com/product/the-best-of-mr-bongo-cd-1150

Incredible Bongo Band - Apache

Labi Siffre - I Got The

The official Mr Bongo reissue. Replica gatefold vinyl LP/CD. Available from http://www.mrbongo.com/products/hareton-salvanini-sp-73-vinyl-lp-cd

Buy vinyl LP/CD

Hareton Salvanini – Só

https://www.mrbongo.com/products/mr-bongo-record-club-volume-three-vinyl-2-lp-cd

Volume Three in the Mr Bongo Record club series. Another showcase of recent vinyl finds and favourites from our DJ sets and radio shows. This is an extra special one however, as it lands in 2019, the year that we celebrate 30 years since it all began way back in 1989.

Compiled by David Buttle and Gareth Stephens, assisted by Graham Luckhurst and Gary Johnson.

Mr Bongo Record Club Volume Three

Coffee Cold

There is something simultaneously both brand-new and retro about 'All News Is Good News’ - the debut album from Melbourne's instrumental soul group Surprise Chef. It sounds like something dreamt up by lo-fi cousins of David Axelrod and Janko Nilovic, with dramatic Library-music-esque cinematic arrangements echoing both light and dark, delving into moments of dissonance and positivity. There is a meticulous education of 1970’s soul on display that touches on the legacies of the great composer / producers, yet at the same time, this is a truly contemporary record that could have only been made now. 

The first limited pressing of 'All News Is Good News’ was released on the band's own 'College Of Knowledge' imprint in November 2019. It slipped rapidly into the collective consciousness of underground music lovers around the world, with all copies selling out within a week and becoming a firm favourite at Mr Bongo HQ in the process. We felt Surprise Chef had made something very special, a future-classic, and that needed to be heard well beyond those lucky enough to have bagged those limited first copies.

Formed at the end of 2017, Surprise Chef have grown within the fertile, creative, and supportive Melbourne music scene. Whilst the band is comprised of four core members, the album features friends and family as guest instrumentalists on flute, saxophone, vibraphone, congas, and assorted percussion; all adeptly recorded by engineer Henry Jenkins from the band Karate Boogaloo. The warm-raw-authenticity of the album was captured in the recordings live to tape over a handful of sessions in the band’s home studio in Melbourne’s inner-northern suburb of Coburg. As band member Lachlan Stuckey explains “All of the music we record is tracked live to tape, simply because so many of the records we love most were made that way".

The results are a captivating journey of instrumental cinematic-soul that will connect with the hardened Axelrod, Truth & Soul, El Michels Affair, and Daptone's fans, as well as the open-minded first-time listener. We are very excited to share this first slice of Surprise Chef’s world, with plenty more magic from these guys coming around the corner very soon.

All News Is Good News

Surprise Chef - All News Is Good News

‘New Ferrari’ is the first single to be taken from Surprise Chef’s forthcoming album, ‘Daylight Savings’. The album is released on October 16th and is up for pre-order / pre-save now. Choose from black vinyl, Indie Edition creamy white coloured vinyl, CD, digital, and special vinyl presses courtesy of our friends at HHV Records and DINKED.

Daylight Savings

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Surprise Chef - New Ferrari

Record label. Record shop. Film label. Since 1989.

Mr Bongo

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