oldies but goodies

http://www.mrbongo.com/product/survival-of-the-fattest-cd-1138

Prince Fatty is a group put together by producer and engineer Mike Pelanconi, whose credits include Lilly Allen's smash hit Alright Still for Regal/EMI and Little Barrie’s Stand your Ground for Genuine/PIAS. The group was originally formed for the purpose of recording a limited-edition single for Stussy to celebrate their 25th anniversary. The track, titled Nina’s Dance, became an underground smash, enjoying multiple plays on Radio 1, and by popular demand the Mr Bongo label secured Fatty's recording services for a follow up album titled Survival of the Fattest.

Prince Fatty’s sound – delivered in an upbeat, positive and organic funk fashion – is designed to dub your feet with rock steady beats while stimulating brain waves in a jazz-like way. Mixed in an analogue haze of vintage spring reverbs, tape echoes and a custom high grade mixing console, Prince Fatty’s music won’t disappoint lovers of the early 70s dub sound. 

Survival of the Fattest boasts a guest line-up that includes legendary drummer Style Scott from the Roots Radics, Hammond organ by Bubblers from the infamous Ruff Cut Band, Afrobeat star Bukky Leo on sax alongside the Nostalgia 77 horn section and special guest vocals from Little Roy, Winston Francis and Hollie Cook, The Slits’ latest vocalist. 

Little Roy has worked with such reggae greats as Jackie Mittoo, Prince Buster, Lloyd ‘Matador’ Daley, Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry and Studio One and has enjoyed hits with tracks such as Bongo Nyah, Black Bird and Tribal War. Winston Francis for his part is the prodigy of Chuck Bird, the great impresario, writer and performer. Winston has worked with Carlos Malcolm, Derrick, Harriott and Boris Gardiner and recorded at Coxson's infamous Studio One in Jamaica, where he collaborated with foremost reggae artists such as Dennis Brown, Bob Marley and Bob Andy amongst others. He enjoyed success with Mr Fix It and his cover of the Mamas and the Papas' classic California Dreamin', which was Tony Blackburn's ‘Hit Pick of the Week’ on Radio One for two weeks straight.
All of which makes Prince Fatty champion in the Dub Arena.


Prince Fatty - Meltdown

Prince Fatty ft. Little Roy - Don't Give Up

Prince Fatty ft. Hollie Cook - Milk and Honey

Prince Fatty - Milk And Honey In My Dub

n an ever-expanding musical universe, Azymuth have long existed as a celestial giant, drawing countless artists, musicians and followers into their orbit. Marking fifty years since their 1975 debut album Azimuth, their new album Marca Passo proves that the band’s alchemic brew of Brazilian jazz-funk and cosmic samba soul remains as vital as ever, as the group honours the profound legacy of their departed founders.

Recorded in Rio de Janeiro, Marca Passo is the first full-length release since the passing of founding drummer Ivan "Mamão" Conti in 2023, following the earlier loss of keyboardist José Roberto Bertrami in 2012. Alex Malheiros, the sole remaining original member, sees his stewardship of the band’s musical legacy as his spiritual duty. He is joined by the equally devoted Kiko Continentino (Milton Nascimento, Djavan) on keyboards, who has been with the group since 2016, and new recruit Renato Massa (Marcos Valle, Ed Motta) on drums.

Yet since their earliest recorded music, Azymuth have always been far greater than the sum of their parts. The "three-man orchestra’s" unmistakable sound is rooted in Brazil's MPB studio scene of the 1970s and early 1980s—a time when artists blended traditional Brazilian rhythms with global jazz, rock, and emerging psychedelic and progressive elements. Marca Passo continues this legacy, seamlessly fusing Brazilian musical traditions with global influences while showcasing the exceptional musicianship that powers Azymuth's distinctive, multi-dimensional sound.

The album is produced by studio mastermind Daniel Maunick, responsible for Azymuth’s two previous studio albums, Fênix in 2016 and Aurora in 2011. Daniel’s credits also include albums by Marcos Valle, Sabrina Malheiros and Terry Callier. Azymuth also invited Daniel’s father, British jazz-funk royalty Jean Paul “Bluey” Maunick, of Incognito, to play guitar on a new version of Azymuth’s eighties classic “Last Summer In Rio”, in tribute to the song’s composer, José Roberto Bertrami. Equally, “Samba Pro Mamao” is a new composition dedicated to Azymuth’s beloved original drummer, Ivan “Mamão” Conti.

Marca Passo releases on limited edition blue, red & black vinyl LP editions, CD and digitally on the 6th June 2025, via Far Out Recordings, supported by European and North American tours.

Azymuth - Andaraí

Azymuth - Arabutã

In an ever-expanding musical universe, Azymuth have long existed as a celestial giant, drawing countless artists, musicians and followers into their orbit. Marking fifty years since their 1975 debut album Azimuth, their new album Marca Passo proves that the band’s alchemic brew of Brazilian jazz-funk and cosmic samba soul remains as vital as ever, as the group honours the profound legacy of their departed founders.

Recorded in Rio de Janeiro, Marca Passo is the first full-length release since the passing of founding drummer Ivan "Mamão" Conti in 2023, following the earlier loss of keyboardist José Roberto Bertrami in 2012. Alex Malheiros, the sole remaining original member, sees his stewardship of the band’s musical legacy as his spiritual duty. He is joined by the equally devoted Kiko Continentino (Milton Nascimento, Djavan) on keyboards, who has been with the group since 2016, and new recruit Renato Massa (Marcos Valle, Ed Motta) on drums.

Yet since their earliest recorded music, Azymuth have always been far greater than the sum of their parts. The "three-man orchestra’s" unmistakable sound is rooted in Brazil's MPB studio scene of the 1970s and early 1980s—a time when artists blended traditional Brazilian rhythms with global jazz, rock, and emerging psychedelic and progressive elements. Marca Passo continues this legacy, seamlessly fusing Brazilian musical traditions with global influences while showcasing the exceptional musicianship that powers Azymuth's distinctive, multi-dimensional sound.

The album is produced by studio mastermind Daniel Maunick, responsible for Azymuth’s two previous studio albums, Fênix in 2016 and Aurora in 2011. Daniel’s credits also include albums by Marcos Valle, Sabrina Malheiros and Terry Callier. Azymuth also invited Daniel’s father, British jazz-funk royalty Jean Paul “Bluey” Maunick, of Incognito, to play guitar on a new version of Azymuth’s eighties classic “Last Summer In Rio”, in tribute to the song’s composer, José Roberto Bertrami. Equally, “Samba Pro Mamao” is a new composition dedicated to Azymuth’s beloved original drummer, Ivan “Mamão” Conti.

Marca Passo releases on limited edition blue, red & black vinyl LP editions, CD and digitally on the 6th June 2025, via Far Out Recordings, supported by European and North American tours.

Azymuth - Last Summer In Rio (Featuring Jean Paul "Bluey" Maunick of Incognito)

Murmuring

Proudly presenting ‘Transe’ the first single taken from Zé Ibarra's forthcoming second album. You may be familiar with the hypnotic entrancing tones of Zé’s vocals, through his work in the four-piece, Latin Grammy award-winning Brazilian powerhouse, Bala Desejo and the band Dônica. Zé has also toured with Brazilian legend Milton Nascimento on vocals and guitar, a real honour but also a reflection of Zé's craft to be selected in the band by such a musical titan.

A classic singer-songwriter, 'Transe' sees Zé starting as the song would have been written, simply an acoustic guitar and his voice flowing in an intimate dance. It’s an instantly comforting tone reminiscent of classic Brazilian songs from the past (think Caetano Veloso), before the song builds with ghosty string arrangements, vocal overdubs, and percussion. The energy in Zé's voice intensifies to a climax, as the dial swings in a more contemporary direction powered by a grooving bassline. 

Speaking about the song, Zé mentions, “This song represents, at this moment, a side of me that is still little explored and more intimate. It moves between pop and conceptual, creating an experience closer to a film than a traditional song. This effect is reinforced by the guitar and bass of Frederico Heliodoro, who is also part of Milton Nascimento's band."

‘Transe’ therefore shows a more experimental side to Zé beyond the scared partnership of voice and guitar. Mixing elements of jazz, MPB, and progressive rock, it’s rich and dynamic with a cinematic feel that is full of suspense. A stunning single and a taste of what is to come from one of the finest modern-classic musicians in Brazil’s blooming contemporary scene.


Transe

Dreams In Aspamia

So Long Stay Safe

Presenting the second single taken from Gabriele Poso’s forthcoming compilation on Mr Bongo, Ritmo Italiano ‘Unspoken Sounds of Italian Tamburo’. This original composition from Sardinian multi-instrumentalist, percussionist and producer, Gabriele Poso, is the track that gives the album its title, ‘Ritmo Italiano’. It pays homage to the Italian masters of percussion and drumming and was recorded to emulate the classics of their era. Using drum machines and tape recordings to provide the necessary warmth, the track is driven by funky bass and equally funky synths. As you would expect from Gabriele and a track on this compilation, masterful percussion is demonstrated throughout. A central element of the song, the many percussive layers combine and are played with a swing that gives maximum dancefloor energy. Add to that an undeniable ear-worm of a chorus, and there you have the sound of ‘Ritmo Italiano’.

Ritmo Italiano

https://brintex-collective.bandcamp.com/track/3454-thoughts

Brintex Collective - '3454 (thoughts) feat. Ranie Ribeiro)'

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.


Shy Girl

This one was an unexpected treat. Two of our favourite contemporary musicians, Finn Rees & Sholto coming together and collaborating on a double dose of celestial, cinematic alchemy.

At Mr Bongo we are massive admirers of drummer, musician, and producer Sholto (Oscar Robertson). His two albums on Funk Night Records and DeepMatter Records, had both been highlights of their respective years. We’d gotten to know Oscar and sent him a few records. Included in the package was Australian pianist-composer Finn Rees’ debut album, Dawn Is A Melody, which was one of our favourite releases on Mr Bongo in 2024.

In Oscar's words 'For me it was a standout modern jazz record - encapsulating a spiritual / hazy dreamy soundscape which hugely resonated with me. Glissando keys and harp with lush melodies, I was instantly intrigued.”  

The pair started following each other online and as luck would have it, Finn was staying in London for the summer season, so they arranged to meet. The pair instantly clicked and said it felt like they'd known each other for years. After 40 minutes of chatting, they started to jam. 

'Love In Memory' and 'Bluebell' were recorded over two days - a track a day in Oscar's SFJ studios. Laid down on mostly analogue equipment, the pair utilised Wurlitzer’s, mellotrons, and ribbon mics through Oscar’s ‘70s Studer desk. Composed and crafted without any real intentions, other than a shared appreciation for the same style of music and approach, the tracks started to take shape. The results were as lush, nostalgic and textured as you’d expect from these two brilliant musicians, with a classical feel inspired by artists such as Piero Piccioni, Piero Umiliani, and Henry Mancini. 

For the beautiful string arrangements, the pair recruited the talents of Sholto's long-time friend and collaborator Clementine Brown (Penguin Cafe Orchestra) and Matthew Hayes of 30/70, Allysha Joy, Xpress Point, Zeitgeist Freedom Energy Exchange fame, was brought in to play bass on 'Bluebell'.

So here we have it, a chance collaborative project built on two musicians' mutual respect for each other's outputs. The result is truly breathtaking.


Finn Rees & Sholto - Bluebell

Coxson's vinyl 45 Mix vol.1 60-80's
Mixed by 3M

 1.EVENING NEWS / LOAD CREATOR
 2.YOU CAN'T KEEP A GOOD / THE CLARENDONIANS
 3.SHU- BE-DO / THE CLARENDONIANS
 4.DON'T BREAK YOUR PROMISE / CHOSEN FEW
 5.I AM A FOOL / KEN BOOTHE
 6.RIDING FOR A FALL / DELROY WILSON
 7.WONT COME HOME / DELROY & KEN
 8.I'VE GOT TO GO BACK HOME / BOB ANDY
 9.DANGER IN YOUT EYES / DON EVANS & THE PARAGONS
10.SEA OF LVE / THE HEPTONES
11.GIVE ME THE RIGHT / KEN & NORMA
12.I WAS BOAN TO BE LOVED / THE RIGHTEOUS FLAMES
13.THROW ME CORN / LARRY MARSHALL
14.SLACK TIDY / HORACE ANDY
15.PARTY TIME / THE HEPTONES
16.LOVE ME / SAM COOKE
17.NEW LOVER / SUGER MASSIVE
18.RUB A DUB PARTY / JHONNY OSBOURNE
19.I'M JUST AAGUY / ALTON ELLIS
20.VANITY / SUGAR MINOTT
21.NEVER GIVE UP / SUGAR MINOTT 
22.BOBY BOBYLON / FREDDIE MC GREGOR
23.FORWARD / JUNIOR MUFFIN
24.LET THEM TRY / ALTON ELLIS
25.MAD MAD / ALTN ELLIS
26.SMILE / THE SILVERTONES
27.WAGES OF SIN / GLEN WASHINGTON
28.ARMAGEDEON TIME / WILLIE WILLIAMS
29.BAD BOY BAD BOY / SILVER TONES
30.NICE UP THE DANCE / MICHIGAN & SMILEY
31.LEND ME YOUR 16 / JHONNY OSBOURNE
32.NEVER LET GO / SLIM SMITH
33.THE ANSWER / LONE RANGER
34.CALYPSO CALYPSO / JIM BROWN
35.AIN'T NOBODY ELSE / THE HEPTONES
36.WAR NO RIGHT / DENISE DARLINGTON
37.I'M TRYING / BB SEATON
38.PROUD AS I AM / BB SEATON
39.WHEN I AM READY / FREDDIE McGREAGOR
40.I HOLD THE HANDLE / THE HEPTONES
41.DON'T CRY / THE SILVERTONES
42.LOVE LIGHT SHINING / TONY TOUGH
43MAKE IT EASY ON YOURSELF / DENNIS BROWN
44.DESTINY / SILVERTONES & VIN MORGAN & BRENTFORD ROCKERS

Coxson's vinyl 45 Mix Vol.1

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

Prince Fatty - Milk And Honey In My Dub

Mr Bongo

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