Happy 90th Birthday Ebo Taylor!

Celebrating the 90th birthday of Ghanaian music legend Ebo Taylor with some interviews and performance footage worth checking. 

Remembering Jack "Mr. Bongo" Costanzo on his birthday

Celebrating the birthday of Mr. Bongo – featured on Modern Harmonic's "Some Skin" collection – with a few clips.

DJ Format plays some crazy records from his collection

A few years back, DJ Format did a 'Patterns' vinyl set for Mr. Bongo you can watch right here. Check out a special 45 set below.

Jabras Mariz's rare Transas do Futuro EP from '77 getting reissued

Check out the Jabras Mariz 4-song MPB EP cut with keyboardist Guilherme Coutinho for Brazil's Erla-Estudio Rauland in 1977.

Here's the scoop from Mr. Bongo...

1000 miles away from the beating musical hearts of Rio and São Paulo in the late ‘70s, the Brazilian city of Belém gave rise to a little-known record label called Erla - Estudio Rauland. Though not prolific in its output, the label made up for it in quality and experimental offerings, with several records on the label now becoming sought-after pieces among collectors. One such release is the sublime four-track psych, MPB, rock EP by singer-songwriter Jarbas Mariz.

They say never judge a book by its cover, though on this occasion you pretty much can. The wonderful tripped-out ‘70s artwork by Baby is a sure-fire indication of the music lying within. Though the EP was recorded in ‘77, it clearly gained inspiration from the psychedelic hippy idols of the previous decade and could easily have been a soundtrack to an acid trip scene in an obscure Brazilian movie. 

Low-fi and quirky, there are moments of beauty and splendour but also hints of darkness; with a sublime balance of music and styles throughout. At points Jarbas will have you drifting through a folk flute daydream, the next moment a growling, psych-distorted guitar breaks and parts the calm. An ability to make those elements blend cohesively is where Jarbas’ true brilliance shines through.

Jarbas played, and still plays, with some of the key figures in Brazil's musical underground. Guilherme Coutinho (whose Guilherme Coutinho - E O Grupo Stalo album from ‘78 was also re-issued on Mr Bongo) features on electric piano for this release, with fans of his work being able to pick out his tones and playing style. Elsewhere, Jarbas also collaborated with the late great Lula Côrtes on the 'Bom Shankar Bolenath' album from 1988 and 'Rosa De Sange' from 1980. He was a member of the wonderful Cátia de França band and is a regular in the legendary Tom Zé group. 

'Transas Do Futuro' is a special record and one we are honoured to be reissuing in February. Pre-order a copy right here. Have a listen below. 

 

B-Side Wins Again: Kit Sebastian

The Mugham mover "Hayat" on the flip of Kit Sebastian's new 7-inch single makes up for the snoozy A-side "L'addio"  

Here's the scoop...

The illustrious, London-based duo Kit Sebastian, aka Kit Martin and Merve Erdem, return with a limited edition 7” single on June 23. It features ’L’addio’, a breakbeat driven, sultry ballad, and ‘Hayat’, a hazy, psychedelic scorcher that delves into the band’s Turkish and Azerbaijan influences. 

‘L’addio’ saw the band perfecting their production and orchestration, with strings, horns and double bass, and an Italian synth found in a French dump. The music was greatly influenced by Italian soundtracks and Italian female singers, such as Mina or Rita Pavone. The track announces itself with a break that is guaranteed to get samplers twitching. The tone of the melody and lyrics is heartfelt and aching. It has a beautiful, intimate sadness like the closing scenes to a love affair, and it exquisitely rides over the slow, psych-funk-dramatic backing track. The lyrics are inspired by a flat opposite Merve's window that's occupied by drug addicts, with many guests coming in and out every night. Merve elaborated “Being both neighbours and strangers, and with the boredom of a post-tour everyday domestic life and a pinch of urban voyeurism, it was hard not to wonder what was happening in that flat. The words imagine an addict before her/his golden shot as if it's a love relationship between them that comes to an end.” 

Having spent much of 2022 touring and writing, ‘Hayat’ was the first original composition the band recorded since their October 2021 album, ‘Melodi’. Here we see them weaving a psychedelic tapestry of Mugham melodies, organ-driven grooves, and jazz-pop harmonies in classic Kit Sebastian fashion. Recorded to Fostex 1/4” tape, the essence of the production is perfectly balanced between being brand new and retro, which is a feat very hard to pull off. 

‘Hayat’ is sung in Turkish and the title translates as ‘Life’ in English. The song examines our desire to find one's place in the world and the provisionality of existence. Merve's searching lyrics ask “Where are you? Where is the universe?”. Her vocal delivery perfectly reflects the lyrical focus, its texture is probing and ethereal, almost as if sung from looking above us. 

You can pre-order the new single via Bandcamp right here. Listen to "Hayat" below. 

 

Luli Lucinha's Flor Lilás EP getting reissued by Mr Bongo

Mr. Bongo are reissuing the much sought-after Flor Lilás EP by Brazilian duo Luli e Lucinha on April 16th. 

Here's the scoop from Mr. Bongo...

As longtime fans of this sublime four-track compacto 7" by the illustrious Brazilian duo Luli Lucinha e O Bando, we have floated the idea of reissuing this beauty for several years now. So finally, the time feels right to release this beloved gem back into the world.

Originally issued by Brazil's Som Livre label in 1972, this rarity has long been lost to only but the most hardened Brazilian record collectors and those lucky few who own an original copy. The four genre-defying compositions blend elements of psychedelic rock, MPB and folk, and are glued together by the synergy of Luli and Lucinha's vocals and the outstanding arrangements by Zé Rodrix. Whether it be the lost Brazilian - psych anthem of 'Flor Lilás’, or the tripped-out folk - funk of 'Dourado Da Manhã’, the EP oozes magic and brilliance. The record also features the Brazilian percussionist, Alyrio Lima, who later became a member of the iconic Weather Report.

The records of Luli aka Heloisa Orosco Borges da Fonseca and Lucinha aka Lucia Helen a Carvalho e Silva have become extremely sought-after in recent years. Their inclusion on John Gómez's superb 2017 'Outro Tempo' compilation helped spread the gospel about their beautiful folky, MPB, private press albums from the late '70s and '80s. Prior to their musical partnership back in 1965, Luli released a heavenly Bossa Nova 7" nugget entailed 'Baleiro' and a self - titled solo album on Philips Records, which are now also highly-prized by collectors.

Here at Mr Bongo, we feel Luli and Lucinha 's names should be more widely recognised and break out of their cult artist status. They should be rated up there amongst some of the progressive, left - field greats of Brazilian music of their era. Sadly Luli passed away in 2018 but left behind an inspiring musical legacy for us all to savour. Pre-order a copy from Mr. Bongo right here. Have a listen below. 

 

One For The Weekend: Al "Man" Muntzie & The Embracables

Here's a rare slab of Joe Quarterman-produced funky soul from 1976 recently reissued by Mr. Bongo. 

Midweek Mixdown: Chris Read spins Mr. Bongo hip hop 45 reissues

Check out Chris Read's mix assembled from Mr. Bongo's hip hop 45 reissues right here.

Here's the scoop from Mr. Bongo...

During our 30+ year history we have become well-known for championing a wide-range of musical genres, but for many people we will forever be associated with the golden age of hip hop and our Soho stores. The memories of the music and culture from that time are intertwined with the experience of being in that store (for customers and staff alike). Mr Bongo founder and MD, Dave Buttle, recalls that heady period in Mr Bongo history…

"It was a really exciting time. Soho was booming - full of media companies, record, stores, labels, and the place to go in London for your vinyl shopping needs. If you had an exclusive new hip hop release in store the word would spread and it would be a roadblock. We are talking the early Rawkus releases, Mos Def, Company Flow, then we had Dr Octagon, exclusive Lord Finesse bits from Japan."

Hip hop will always be in the DNA of Mr Bongo and a couple of years back we decided to channel that into a Mr Bongo Hip Hop 45 reissue series. Our ambition was to release the best and most in demand cuts from the 80’s and 90’s on 7" in original picture sleeves. It’s a collection of our personal favourites, Bongo store anthems and undeniable classics. We kicked the series off with A Tribe Called Quest ‘Scenario’ and we are about to hit release number 20 with the Egyptian Lover ‘Computer Love'. The series has featured artists such as Nas, Souls of Mischief, Ultramagnetic MC’s, Cypress Hill, Gang Starr, Black Sheep - to name a few. The response to these releases has been fantastic - the demand for these cuts is coming in from all around the world and we are very thankful for the support and love they are getting!

To celebrate reaching release number 20 in the series we thought now would be a good time to showcase the catalogue in full. We called in DJ Chris Read to put together an exclusive Mr Bongo Hip Hop 45’s mix. Chris is a long-time collaborator with Bongo, has a deep knowledge of hip hop, and is an incredible DJ. Perfect for this mix.

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"Every track featured in the Bongos Hip Hop 45s reissues series is a certified classic and a high proportion of these records featured heavily in my DJ sets during the 90s and beyond. It was a lot of fun not only to see these records again on 45, but also to revisit them in this mix.

In the years after I moved back to London in the early 2000s, a record shopping trip to Soho was a regular part of my Saturday routine and a visit to Mr Bongo's Berwick Street store was an essential stop on a circuit that took in stores including Record and Tape Exchange, Major Flavas, Scenario, Deal Real and many others. The space was small, the queue for the counter usually deep and the vibe was often hectic, but the atmosphere was electric. I have no idea how many hours I must have spent flicking through the racks or stood at the counter trying to get a glimpse of the latest arrivals up on the wall, but they were hours well spent, made all the better by the presence of some top class DJs serving from behind the counter.” – Chris Read

 

Mr. Bongo offering red vinyl version of SAULT's new double album

A limited run 2LP red vinyl version of SAULT's latest release "Untitled (Black Is)" is now available for pre-order below.

Here's the scoop from Mr. Bongo...

Yet again Mr Bongo favourites SAULT blow us away with a new double LP that transcends genre. The group deliver not only a poetic masterpiece, but a socio-political commentary so relevant to today. A crucial release.

“We present our first ‘Untitled’ album to mark a moment in time where we as Black People, and of Black Origin are fighting for our lives. RIP George Floyd and all those who have suffered from police brutality and systemic racism. Change is happening… We are focused.” 

Available in both black vinyl and a limited edition exclusive red vinyl version (ships around August 5th). Pre-order it right here. Listen to "Sorry Ain't Enough" below and check out the entire album on Bandcamp over here: https://saultglobal.bandcamp.com.

 

SAULT - Untitled (Black Is) tack listing:

1. Out The Lies 02:01 / 2. Stop Dem 03:38 / 3. Hard Life 04:33 / 4. Don't Shoot Guns Down 01:52 / 5. Wildfires 03:26 / 6. X 01:24 / 7. Sorry Ain't Enough 04:59 / 8. Black Is 01:52 / 9. Bow feat. Michael Kiwanuka / 04:05 / 10. This Generation feat. Laurette Josiah 00:46 / 11. Why We Cry Why We Die 02:44 / 12. Black 03:53 / 13. US 01:05 / 14. Eternal Life 03:59 / 15. Only Synth in Church 00:56 / 16. Monsters 03:27 / 17. June Child 00:58 / 18. Miracles 04:17 / 19. Hold Me 02:45 / 20. Pray Up Stay Up 03:45

Dee Dee Bridgewater's 1974 solo debut Afro Blue gets reissued

Dee Dee Bridgewater's spiritual jazz classic Afro Blue will finally be available again on vinyl on June 19th thanks to Mr. Bongo. 

Here's the scoop... If you collect vintage 70's soul-jazz vinyl, there is a good chance that you already own a record that features the amazing vocal talents of Dee Dee Bridgewater. Whether it be Roy Ayers, Norman Connors, Billy Parker or Carlos Garnett - Dee Dee is the glue that fuses these artists together. Although best known for her jazz work, Dee Dee has had a wonderfully rich and varied career encompassing soul, musicals, gospel, and underground disco from the 70’s to the present day. She is still active as a vocalist, composer, and producer and remains one of our favourite vocalists at Mr Bongo HQ. We take things back to the early years of Dee Dee's career with her debut album 'Afro Blue'. Recorded in Tokyo in 1974, the album was released exclusively in Japan via two different Japanese labels (Trio Records in 1974 and All Art in 1985 respectively). Each release had unique cover art and we have opted to present the album in its original 1974 form. 'Afro Blue' features an exquisite collaboration of American and Japanese musicians, such as Cecil & Ron Bridgewater, Motohiko Hino and producer Takao Ishizuka. The result is a sublime deep soul-jazz masterpiece with timeless versions of 'People Make The World Go Round', 'Love From The Sun', and 'Afro Blue’. It is arguably one of the finest albums in its genre. This record has long been a sought-after item for DJs and collectors alike, so we are delighted to finally make this wonderful music from an understated great available to all.  Listen to "Little B's Poem," "People Make The World Go Round" and the title song, "Afro Blue" following the track listing below. Pre-order a copy from Mr. Bongo right here.  A1. Afro Blue / A2. Love Vibrations / A3. Blues Medley (Everyday I Have The Blues / Stormy Monday Blues) / B1. Little B’s Poem / B2: Raindrops Keep Fallin’ On My Head / B3: Love From The Sun / B4: People Make The World Go Round

Hozan Yamamoto's 1971 bamboo flute jam with Sharps & Flats reissued by Mr. Bongo

Hohzan Yamamoto's soaring shakuhachi flute works well in a jazz context with Nobuo Hara's Sharps & Flats thanks Masahiko Satoh's tasteful arrangements.

You can mailorder a vinyl copy of Hozan Yamamoto's Beautiful Bamboo-Flute directly from Mr. Bongo right here.

Introducing: Kit Sebastian

Merve Erdem and Kit Martin are Kit Sebastian. Check out "Tyranny 20" off their debut album Mantra Moderne. 

Here's the scoop...

Mantra Moderne is a stunning, contemporary masterpiece that fuses Anatolian Psychedelia, Brazilian Tropicalia, 60’s European pop and American jazz. A must for fans of Khruangbin, Portishead, Arthur Verocai, Goat, Caetano Veloso, Tom Zé, Os Mutantes, Cortex and co.

The duo is formed of Kit Martin, who lives between London and France and plays all instruments on the album, and Merve Erdem, vocalist and multi-disciplinary artist from Istanbul, now based in London. This is their debut album.

The album explores universal themes such as love, loss, decay, language and ideology, mixing three different languages: English, Turkish and French. Written and recorded by the duo - Kit composed all the songs and Merve wrote the lyrics - in rural France during 2018, each song was completed within a 12-hour window, pawning contemplation for spontaneity.

Dubbed by Kit and Merve as ‘lo-fi-hi-fi’ in reference to the high-end tube equipment that helped it find its way to 8-track cassette tape. The style owes its sound to narrow tape width, valve distortion, spring reverb, the mixture of high end gear with lo-fi equipment as well as a disregard to the norms of hi-fi studio techniques. All instruments were analogue and no samples were used. The instruments that are used range from tablas to darbukas, balalaikas to ouds, MS20 synths to Farfisa organs and a lot of cuica. The mixing techniques were done on-the-fly, tracking immediately to tape: compression, EQ, delay and reverb; meaning mixing could not be revisited! Listen to "Tyranny 20" followed by the title track off Kit Sebastian's Mantra Moderne album below.



Kit Sebastian - Mantra Moderne (Mr. Bongo)
Senden Başka
Mantra Moderne
Tyranny 20
Pangea
Kuytu
Yanımda Kal
Yürüdüm, Büyüdüm, Çürüdüm
With A Sense Of Grace
Durma

Midweek Mixdown: Mr. Bongo's Record Club Vol. 3

Mr. Bongo strikes again with another volume of vintage dancefloor heat from Brazil, Ghana, Japan, South Africa and Lebanon. 

R.I.P. Jack "Mr. Bongo" Costanzo, 1919-2018

Sadly, legendary percussion maestro Jack "Mr. Bongo" Costanzo passed away last night. He was 98.  

Mr. Bongo reissues rare Pat Thomas Introduces Marijata album

Here's the  album's best joint "Mother Africa" which wasn't issued on Strut's Pat Thomas comp "Coming Home"

One For The Weekend: C.K. Mann

Check out the Funky Highlife album by C.K. Mann & His Carousel 7 reissued by Mr. Bongo.