Clay

Someone Like You

Stream 'Honey' now: https://bfan.link/honey-29

After a successful run on social media, Boy Deco makes his highly anticipated return with "Honey," a sweet and soothing indie pop single. Blending '70s and '80s retro influences with modern compositions, the LA-based artist delivers a chill vibe with comforting riffs and long, breathy pauses. Known for his unique approach, including cassette recording, Boy Deco has caught the attention of curators like David Dean Burkhart and radios such as KCRW and FIP. "Honey" marks an exciting new chapter for him.

Honey

Boy Deco - Honey

Another New Day (Kid Fonque Refix)

Presenting the third single ‘Ron Song’ taken from Melbourne/Naarm multi-instrumentalist Don Glori’s forthcoming third album, Paper Can’t Wrap Fire. An ode to Brazil’s musical heritage, it’s Don’s nod to icons and influences including João Donato and Seu George. Samba-flecked, yet with a distinctive Don Glori groove, it’s doused in buttery Rhodes, hazy vocal harmonies and acoustic guitar riffs. Combine that with a serving of long majestic horn lines and the instantly recognisable cuíca and it’s a one-way ticket to Rio’s sunshine-soaked shores. 
 
Speaking about the track, Don mentions, “The thing I love about ‘Ron Song’ is all the ear candy. The Rhodes was routed through the preamp of an original suitcase Rhodes to give it the proper stereo trem it needed. The guitar just breaking through the ribbon mic contrasts against the very digital chorus on the bass. The bass is pushed out to the sides, using every dial tone sample at once. Texturally it feels like an ear massage. 
 
Alcides Neto laid down cuíca throughout the track and fans of Azymuth/Brazilian music in general will appreciate the partido alto underneath the trumpet solo. It’s as if the cuíca and Rhodes are having a conversation in the outro.”


Don Glori - Ron Song

Mr Bongo proudly presents, ‘AFIM’, the second solo album by one of Brazil’s most exciting new talents, Zé Ibarra. You may be familiar with the hypnotic, entrancing tones of Ibarra’s vocals through his work with the Latin Grammy award-winning, four-piece, Bala Desejo and the band Dônica. He has also toured with the musical titan, Milton Nascimento, performing guitar and vocals, which is quite the honour and a testament to Ibarra's craft. As a solo artist, he has performed headline solo shows in Japan, Portugal and the US, as well as recently completing a support tour with the great, Seu Jorge. 

‘AFIM’ is comprised of eight tracks, featuring his own compositions as well as cover versions of tracks by contemporaries and friends, Sophia Chablau, Tom Veloso, and Dora Morelenbaum. It combines elements of MPB, jazz, pop and progressive rock in a bold, authoritative style. The album represents the intersection between different facets of the artist, from the stripped-down, intimate, guitar singer-songwriter, to dense arrangements with sweeping strings sections. Writing this album allowed Ibarra "to explore sides of myself that had not yet been organized in an album: a certain darkness, a more cinematic musicality, a desire for new soundscapes.”

The album features the single, 'Transe', a song with an instantly comforting tone reminiscent of classic Brazilian songs of the past (think Caetano Veloso). It is built on a rhythmic guitar that supports dynamic sound layers, opening space for Ibarra's intense interpretation. Cinematic atmospheres that lend an air of mystery come courtesy of string arrangements by Jaques Morelenbaum.

His unique cover version of Sophia Chablau's 'Segredo' is equally compelling, taking Sophia's punky-indie original in a different direction and making it feel like his own. 'Essa Confusão', a song celebrating the intensity of love and co-written by Dora Morelenbaum, is steered into epic, 70's AOR, singer-songwriter territory with wind arrangements by Ibarra, Jorge Continentino and strings by Jaques Morelenbaum.

The album is the result of the collaboration of experienced musicians and long-time partners of Ibarra. Fellow Bala Desejo and Dônica member Lucas Nunes co-produced the album. The core band featured on the record consists of Lucas Nunes on organs, Alberto Continentino on bass, Daniel Conceição and Thomas Harres on drums and percussion, Rodrigo Pacato on additional percussion, Chico Lira on Fender Rhodes and Guilherme Lírio on guitar.

The overall feel of the record is archetypically quintessential without slipping into retro mode. It is a stunning album from one of the finest musicians of his generation. A true star of Brazil’s blooming contemporary scene.

Released on Mr. Bongo (ROW) and Coala Music(Brazil).


Morena

Nètsanèt

Sunday Sessions Nº452

“No Cigar” is a track that didn’t make it onto 2023’s 5 Songs, which was, technically, five songs, so there wasn’t room. It’s a pokey, plonky bit of dance music from Shit Robot (aka Marcus Lambkin), made with Joe Goddard and Al Doyle at their RAE Studios in London.

It sounded… dubby. Like “what if Adrian Sherwood got his hands on this?” dubby. So we asked. And he said yes!

The b-side is classic Sherwood at the controls—a version that’s not fully exploded, but submerged, warped, a little demented. We’re honored and still hearing crazy new sounds every time we play it.

The “No Cigar” 12-inch is out July 25. Pre-order it now before you can’t.

No Cigar

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

Ruby Rushton return with cinematic new single “Walk to Regio's”, the lead single from the London UK jazz quartet’s highly anticipated 'Legacy!' album on 22a Records.

As a bandleader, flautist, saxophonist, producer, DJ and label boss, Tenderlonious has earned his polymath stripes. On "Walk to Regio's", Ed takes inspiration from multi-talented legend Isaac Hayes, in particular his ‘Shaft’ soundtrack. 

“I’ve always been obsessed with film music and it’s played a key role in my approach to composition. Issac Hayes’s ‘Shaft’ soundtrack is one of my favourites and has had a big influence on my music over the years. “Walk to Regio’s” is my salute to Issac Hayes and is a nod to one of the coolest films ever made!”

Ruby Rushton trade the hustle and bustle of 1970s Harlem for the restless, ever-shifting energy of contemporary South London. A hypnotic piano motif sets the tone, locking into a deep groove laced with crisp horns and percussive layers. The rhythm section stays tight and purposeful, giving space for quick bursts of improvisation - each solo a snapshot of raw, soulful musicianship. It all circles back to that familiar refrain, closing with a flourish that feels both grounded and soaring.

'Legacy!' marks the fifth full length outing from the Ed ‘Tenderlonious’ Cawthorne led group who helped pave the way for the recent wave of jazz that has ignited the capital and enchanted the world. 

“Walk to Regio's” is released across all digital platforms on 31st July and you can pre-order ‘Legacy!’ on LP / CD / download on this day as well.

Pre-Save

Exclusive Premiere: Ruby Rushton "Walk to Regio's" (22a Records)

Super-funky business from Nigerian-born multi-instrumentalist, Peter King; fuses funk, jazz and highlife vibrations. Official Mr Bongo reissue.

‘Omo Lewa’ follows his ‘Miliki Sound’ album, also available on Mr Bongo. Recorded in London, originally released in 1976 by Orbitone, this is one of his finest records.

Licensed from Clinton Roberts.

Omo Lewa

Peter King - EDA

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