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Finn Rees, one of the key members of Melbourne’s bubbling music scene, announces his debut solo album, Dawn Is A Melody on Mr Bongo with the first single, ‘Looking Up’. As part of 30/70 and Close Counters his previous work has found form in its groove, Dawn Is A Melody instead places the piano and arrangements centre stage, embracing a timeless warmth infused with bittersweet melodies and saturated textures.
 
The lead single ‘Looking Up’ is a divine dose of uplifting, soul-rousing optimism that kicks off the album. A blank canvas for Finn and a whole host of Melbourne’s finest talent to fill with colour. Sitting between spiritual and cinematic, the track instantly envelops you in a swell of vintage hues, Lucky Pereira feathering the drums as Blakely McLean Davies riffs on the double bass. Finn’s fingers flow across the ‘70s Yamaha grand piano, delicately dancing around Siwei Wong’s stunning harp playing as the track builds and breaks. A sublime string section made up of Chloe Danger, Eunise Cheng, Nils Hobiger and McLean Davies, alongside shimmering vocal harmonies by 30/70 bandmate Allysha Joy, lift the track to limitless heights.
 
Finn’s layered synthwork on the Moog and Prophet provides a contemporary touch to proceedings, but one of the beauties of ‘Looking Up’ and the rest of the Dawn Is A Melody is its inability to be placed by age or era. A blend of inspirations from Arthur Verocai to Alice Coltrane, Miguel Atwood-Ferguson to Kamasi Washington, tied together with recording and mix engineer Henry Jenkin’s vintage recording setup warmth.
 
Just as the swell washed in at the start, the tide draws ‘Looking Up’ to a close, fading back out across the horizon as the sun sets another story.

Finn Rees - Looking Up

‘Expansion’ is the second single from Melbourne-based, Finn Rees’ forthcoming debut album, Dawn Is A Melody. A Brazilian-inspired, spirit-embracing jazz immersion, that nods to greats like Luiz Eça, Dom Salvador and Cesar Camargo Mariano yet showcases the vibrancy of Finn’s contemporary palette. 

Further illuminating the microcosm of colour that is Dawn Is A Melody, ‘Expansion’ explores the connection between the worldly and those cosmic realms that float in between, with the help of some of Melbourne’s finest musicians. Igniting the track, Lucky Pereira’s exquisite drumming marries with Blakely McLean Davies’ strutting double bass playing, as a Latin touch shines through Dom Kirk’s percussion. 

Sitting at the helm, Finn’s signature mastery across the keys from the ‘70s Yamaha grand piano to the warming tones of the Rhodes, elevate your mind to a weightless dimension. Enhancing those earthly measures, he taps into the cosmic-channelling Moog to add an undertone of interstellar electronics.  A foundation that gives ground for the triplet of horns to form a harmonious unison, Audrey Powne on trumpet, Cheryl Durongpisitkul on tenor sax, Josh Moshe on alto sax, all gliding as one. 

Both grounded and galactic, it’s an intricate, soulful and spiritual jazz journey with a depth and richness that is perfectly saturated by recording and mix engineer Henry Jenkin’s vintage recording setup.

Finn Rees - Expansion

Mr Bongo proudly presents the debut album from Tasmania-born, Melbourne-based, Finn Rees. Gliding across a swirling palette of saturated hues, Dawn Is A Melody feels vintage yet vibrant, new but familiar at the same time. A spiritual, deep and textured jazz record, tipping its hat to greats from the past, capturing memories and reformulating them into new ideas with the help of some of Melbourne’s finest talent.

Expert keys player for the likes of 30/70 and Elle Shimada, alongside one-half of Close Counters, this debut LP was Finn’s conscious departure from the realm of groove-based jazz. Instead, Dawn Is A Melody places the piano and arrangements centre stage, giving Finn and his fellow Melbourne crew freedom to explore the spaces in between, new emotions and alternate soundscapes.

In Finn’s own words: “My intention with Dawn Is A Melody was to create a world; a microcosm of colour. Something rich and beautiful that allowed the melodies and compositions to reach their full potential. It was driven by hope, curiosity and the search for beauty and reassurance in this ever-changing world. The emotion behind the music is really about the journey of life, growing up and changing, as well as my relationship with Tasmania’s natural landscapes where I grew up, a part of the world that is incredibly unique and beautiful.”

The album arcs between opening, middle and end. Beginning with the optimism of ‘Looking Up’ and ‘Lagoon’, the former a celestial, string and harp marbled slice of positivity, the latter a spiritual journey of exuberance and hope, Finn’s fingers dancing across the ‘70s Yamaha grand piano. From there the songs blossom outwards with the cinematic soulful journey of ‘It’s Behind Me Now’ and Brazilian-inspired ‘Expansion’, as the divine ‘Crossing’ signals a transition to a new realm. The energy is transformed from the rich cosmic textures to a more intimate and personal feeling with ‘Ablaze’, ‘Between Spaces’ and ‘As It Passes’ which blissfully fades down to simply piano and strings to close out the record.

Recorded at Rolling Stock in Collingwood, Melbourne, Henry Jenkins was drafted in as recording and mix engineer, his minimal vintage mic setups giving a live aesthetic and warmth to the arrangements. Lucky Pereira and Blakely McLean Davies form the rock-solid rhythm section, with a hand-picked line-up of other Melbourne talent on display, including Cheryl Durongpitikul on tenor sax, Siwei Wong on harp, Audrey Powne on trumpet and Allysha Joy on vocals to name only a few.

Plotting a course from Alice Coltrane, through Herbie Hancock, to Arthur Verocai, this is a debut nourished by the past but firmly made in the present. A record unable to be age-stamped, casting ambiguity as to when, what era and by whom it has been crafted. Like a vintage lens capturing a current scene, Dawn Is A Melody is warm and familiar yet focused on the here now.

Finn Rees - It's Behind Me Now

Finn Rees - Horizons

Finn Rees - Lagoon

http://www.mrbongo.com/product/tudo-ben-jorge-ben-covered-cd-1149

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.


Wilson Simonal - Resposta

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

Hexagrama 28

Brazilian 7" singles (compactos) are often the source of hidden treasures. Those special obscure nuggets that tend to be overlooked and flicked past in shops and flea markets. Carlos Bivar's 'Amargo Amar' is one such find, nestled as a B2 on the end of a four-track 7" EP on Esquema Records from 1978. This seldom-seen slice of Brazilian sunshine is the second single taken from miche’s third With Love compilation on Mr Bongo.

The ZBETO EP is one of only two 7” singles that we are aware of, released by the pianist, singer, and songwriter Carlos Bivar. 'Amargo Amar' starts with the swagger of a ‘70s Blaxploitation soundtrack, transitioning into a loose Brazilian MPB-funk. Floaty keys, uplifting horns, and backing vocals elevate the energy, as Carlos' lyrics ride the groove. This song is a sheer delight and an example of the talented output of independent Brazilian musicians, as equally great and bold as their major label contemporaries.


Amargo Amar

Pedro Mizutani & Skinshape - Sozin (Instrumental)

Listen everywhere: https://idol-io.ffm.to/tomorrows-yearning-yesterdays-princess
Pre-order the EP on Bandcamp: https://yesterdaysprincess.bandcamp.com/album/tomorrows-yearning
Listen to the DeepMatter Catalogue: https://tinyurl.com/dm-catalogue

Buy the EP

Meanwhile

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)

Buy vinyl + digital: lnk.to/lcdhome

It wasn’t really hiding, just sitting quietly online. But Tom Sharkett’s edit of “Home” was too good to ignore. Originally a bootleg we first heard played on Flo Dill’s Breakfast Show on NTS, it wormed its way into our hearts and never left. So we made it official. Sometimes the internet actually makes your life better.

Buy vinyl

Home (Tom Sharkett Edit)

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


The Oriental Brothers International Band of Nigeria is a popular Igbo highlife boy band from Nigeria [based in Owerri] for several decades, known for their powerful lyrics (whether it be of proverbs, or specials being dedicated to special people in the country of Nigeria), and deft instrumental work (whether of the lead guitar, or the conga man's professional play of the congas in their break sections of songs) with their unique style of highlife. The Original Oriental Brothers International consisted of five members; Godwin "Kabaka" Opara [leader of the band, and rhythm guitarist], Chief Christogonus "Dr. Sir Warrior" Ezewuiro Obinna [vocalist, also know asUltimate Dr. Sir Warrior from 1993-'96], Ferdinand "DanSatch" Chukwuemeka Opara [Founder, lead guitarist, bass player till 1976 when self-titled album, featuring song "Murtala Mohammed," released], Livinus Akwịla (spelt "Aquila" in English) Alaribe [conga player and maraca player], and finally, Fred "Ichita" Ahumaraeze [drummer]. Later members came at the time of the band being, such as Charles Boumda, Aloysius (Aloy) Anyanwu, and Tony Awoma [who was apart of the band with Satch in the beginning before the band formed, but left because he could not stay in one place].



Oriental Brothers International Band - Edi (UMOJA Drum Dub)

Over the years, some of us have grown to shudder at the term Easy Listening, but not Teen Daze. In the face of such harsh realities, we need some Easy Listening more than ever, and so once a month, Teen Daze hits the dublab airwaves to play two hours of music that is easy to listen to! Whether that’s mellow jazz, peaceful ambient, soft house, smooth rock, whatever! When the music is breezy, the listening is Easy!

For more info: www.dublab.com/shows/easy-listening

Tracklist

Mind Over Matter - Being One (Air)
Hiroshi Yoshimura - In The Sea Breeze
Hiroshi Yoshimura - Deep Echoes
Hiroshi Yoshimura - Flora
Shiho - Red Sunlight
Hiroshi Yoshimura - Sunrise
Ian O'Brien - A Midwestern's Night Dream
Yoshio Suzuki - What Do You Do When It's Spring?
Joseph Shabason - Our Place (featuring Thom Gill)
Aragon - Horridula
Double Fantasy - Food For Fantasy
Total Blue - Corsair
Benny Sings - Dreamin' (Sam Wilkes Remix)
Heathered Pearls - Soft Lock
Modern Living - Snow Bird
Space Dimension Controller - Variation Five
Alex Kassian - Orange Coloured Liquid (Part II)
Haruomi Hosono - Heliotherapy
Loidis - Why Do
Coral D - Cuttin' Out
Benedek - Lost Groove
Superstructure - Escape
Teen Daze - One For Paradise (Ambient Mix)
Warp 69 - Natural High (Global Communications Remix)

Easy Listening - Episode 22 (08.20.25)

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

Wilson Simonal - Resposta

Mr Bongo

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