Midweek Mixdown: Mokomizik Records

Here's a stellar mix of latin jazz grooves from Mokomizik label's DJ Hvar for the Colectivo Futurecast.

Here's the scoop from Colectivo Futuro...

We’re truly delighted to present a new installment of our futurecast filled with tropical heat from Mokomizik Records. Based in Copenhagen, this duo and recently launched record label is focused on unearthing and lovingly restoring lost sounds of the past for listeners of today. Their first release, a lost gem by Panamanian Alonso Wilson De Briano is a wonderful LP of latin jazz, calypso and salsa of the highest standard, and one that doesn’t leave our record bag. Sit back, relax and take a trip to the tropics with Mokomizik. Click right here to listen.  

Mokomizik's first release is a reissue of Alonso Wilson De Briano's rare 1961 Panamanian tropical jazz LP. 

Alonso Wilson De Briano – Fantastic Variety In The Music of Panama: The Winsor Style and Calypso Impressions

Mokomizik Records is proud to present the first-ever reissue of this ultra-rare Latin-Jazz masterpiece. Fantastic Variety In The Music of Panama: The Winsor Style and Calypso Impressions was privately released in 1961 by Panamanian pianist and songwriter Alonso Wilson De Briano. Little remains known about Alonso, whose work had all but fallen into obscurity. His unique vision and beautiful compositions however are still shining bright in this true gem of a record. 

Alonso described Panama as a country "with a foot in each side", referring to its unique geography that connects North and South America. The blending of Latin and English-speaking cultures had a big influence on Alonso, whose work draws on elements from West-Indian, Afro-Cuban and Panamanian folk musical styles. From the upbeat mambo rhythms of "Amigo" to the unusual combination of Calypso and Tamborera styles used in "My Brother, Too," Alonso weaves a rich musical tapestry into his arrangements. 

Back in 1950s Panama, Alonso enjoyed success locally with the likes of Orquesta Armando Boza and Tito Contreras performing his songs. So distinctive were his compositions that people had started referring to them by their own style - El stylito Winsor (the Winsor style), a reference to a club that Alonso performed at. Throughout his music career, Alonso worked with a number of renowned musicians, several of whom appear on the record, including Cuban-Jazz pioneer Arsenio Rodríguez's main bassist, Alfonso Joseph; and saxophonist and flutist Gene Jefferson to name a few. 

Sadly, not many copies remain of Alonso's music today and the few that have surfaced over the years have naturally demanded high asking prices. This limited reissue aims to shed new light on Alonso's work and make it available for a new generation of listeners to enjoy. 

Get a copy of Mokomizik's 180 gram reissue of the album via Bandcamp right here.