The respected Japanese jazz drummer Akira Ishikawa was not messing around when he recorded the 'Uganda (Dawn of African Rock)' album with his band the Count Buffaloes. For this offering, originally released in 1972 on Toshiba Records, Akira Ishikawa takes us on a deep tripped-out journey. 'Uganda (Dawn of Rock)' is a fusion of progressive and psych rock with African percussion workouts, dergy-wah wah blues-funk, and jazzy sensibilities; with different genres morphing and uniting as they progress.

A long way from his funk and afrobeat album 'Back To Rhythm’, re-issued on Mr Bongo in 2019, this record has a darker, deeper, abstract and experimental stoned tone with the listener being pulled into its vortex for the ride. This record doesn’t pull any punches.

For this album, Akira is joined by Hideaki Chihara on bass, guitarist Kimio Mizutani, sounding at times like an early 70s Peter Green, percussionist Larry Sunaga and composer Takeru Muraoka.

The album has become highly sought-after amongst psych, prog and acid rock collectors and due to the rare nature of original copies they come at a hefty price tag.

We are delighted to present an officially licensed re-issue of this underground Japanese rock rarity.

This version features a tip-on sleeve with OBI strip.

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Source of an all-time 'Breaks and Beats' classic, Mr Bongo reissue Herman Kelly’s timeless 1978 album Percussion Explosion!. Immortalised in hip-hop folklore, when the anthemic 'Dance To The Drummer's Beat’ was featured on the influential Ultimate Breaks & Beats compilation series in 1986.

Percussion Explosion! was the brainchild of drummer, percussionist, producer and arranger, Herman Kelly and his percussive disco-funk group from Miami, 'Life', that featured Aaron McCarthy, Oliver Well, John DeMonica, Michal Cordoza and Travis Biggs. The album houses a collection of disco, funk and Latin-inspired cuts that were destined for greatness. Nestled within the grooves is the B-Boy and B-Girl’s anthem, 'Dance To The Drummer's Beat’, which contains a now legendary break. A cursory glance at Whosampled will show that it has been sampled in over 125+ songs. These include Double Dee & Steinski on their groundbreaking 1985 production 'Lesson 3 (History Of Hip Hop Mix)', as well as by DJ Shadow, N.W.A, Masters At Work, Run D.M.C. and a whole host of heavyweights across hip-hop, dance and pop music.

When the album was released in 1978 it came out on two different labels, Alston Records and Electric Cat. Each label pressed different versions of 'Dance To The Drummer's Beat’, with the former featuring a 4:12 version and the latter a longer 5:09 version that has a different structure, crowd noise at the start and overdubbed percussion.

For this Mr Bongo reissue, we have chosen the classic 4:12 version from the Alston Records release, which would later find its way on to the illustrious Ultimate Breaks & Beats compilation. To make matters even more confusing the Alston version art on the back cover also states the track length as 5:09, whilst the centre label lists it correctly as 4:12.

Aside from the much celebrated 'Dance To The Drummer's Beat’, the album includes a range of other fantastic overlooked cuts. From the percussive soul stepper 'Share Your Love', to the beautiful Latin-flavoured 'A Refreshing Love' or the party disco-funk groover 'Who's The Funky D.J.?'.

This wonderful and inspirational record features an important piece of hip-hop heritage and deserves a place in every collection.

Housed in a tip-on sleeve.

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Back in stock due to popular demand, the 41st release in our signature Brazil 45’s series. Turning the spotlight to two monster funk/bossa nova cuts from Rosa Maria, we reissued a double header of firm favourites here at Mr Bongo HQ. Originally released on 7” in 1972 via Tapecar, copies of the OG are extremely difficult to get your hands on.

The A side houses ‘Deixa Nao Deixa’, with its distinct afro-Latin feel courtesy of the guitar, horns and percussion. Add in the catchy lead vocal, strong harmonies, funk/bossa drum grooves, shuffling percussion and the continuous build to the end, and you have one of the greatest Brazilian funk records ever pressed.

‘Avenida Atlantica’ takes the B side. Funk and bossa drum grooves alternate underneath the layers of vocals, horns, piano and percussion for a fiery, energetic dancefloor heater.

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Back in stock due to popular demand, the 50th release in our signature Brazil 45’s series. For this edition we reissued two tracks from Célia’s awesome, sought after, second self-titled LP from 1972.

‘Na Boca Do Sol’ was written and arranged by Arthur Verocai and Vitor Martins, the original of which appeared on Verocai’s brilliant self-titled album. Fuzz guitar, drums, strings and Célia’s vocal combine to create an epic Brazilian masterstroke.

On the B side ‘A Hora é Essa’ is the first track from the Célia’s second self-titled LP. A lively samba-funk workout, doused in jazzy piano licks, strutting guitars and punchy horns.

These two classics were also given a 7” pressing in 1972 on Continental, which is very difficult to get hold of now.

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Back in stock due to popular demand, the 54th release in our signature Brazil 45’s series. For this 7” double header we turned our attention to two outstanding boogie gems from Hanna and Almir Ricardi.

Up first, ‘Deixa Rodar’ is an essential midtempo disco/boogie jam taken from Hanna’s 1979 Deixa Rodar LP from 1979. A tip off from our good friend Mark ‘GV’ Taylor, this is a sure-fire way to light up any dancefloor and was featured in DJ Koco’s incredible Brazil 45’s mix.

On the B side, ‘To Parado Na Tua’ is another killer midtempo disco/boogie cut, this time from Almir Ricardi in 1984. Produced by the legendary duo of Lincoln Olivetti and Robson Jorge it exudes that feel-good boogie flavour they are famous for. Taken from the sought after and now fairly pricey ‘Festa Funk’ LP on RGE.

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Back in stock due to popular demand, the 66th release in our signature Brazil 45’s series. Two supreme MPB/bossa-nova cuts courtesy of our leading Brazil 45’s lady, Claudia.

On the A side, ‘Deixa o Morro Cantar’ features on Claudia’s very first 7”, released in 1965 by RGE Brazil. A classy, horn-infused number that really brings out the warming tone of Claudia’s iconic voice.

Take to the flip for Claudia’s version of the legendary ’Mas Que Nada’. It’s a jazzier, folk-funk take on the Jorge Ben classic, that provides a great alternative version of this timeless song.

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Proudly presenting our reissue of a bona fide Latin classic from 1979 by the Cuban-born violinist Alfredo De La Fe. Based in New York and Colombia, Alfredo worked with some of the greats in Latin music including Eddie Palmieri, Willie Colon and Roberto Roena, alongside disco and soul icons like Sylvester and Aquarian Dream.

His debut album, Alfredo, is sublime and comprises two distinct halves. The A-side is a fine outing of Latin dancefloor workouts, with Alfredo innovatively incorporating the violin as a key element of his songwriting. Take to ‘Toca Alfredo Toca’ or ‘Charangueando’ to hear Alfredo’s violin solos placed centre stage, a unique dimension to Latin music which he helped to pioneer at the time.

Side two though is where things get interesting and unexpected. ‘Hot To Trot’ is a string-laden, Latin groover with a heavy dose of disco-funk and bubbling Brazilian percussion. It is sheer genius and still ignites a dancefloor to this day. The track became a favourite with the iconic New York DJ Larry Levan and was spun in one of the ground zero blueprints of modern clubbing, the Paradise Garage. This tune has been a mainstay amongst DJs ever since its release, has featured on compilations by Louie Vegas, Dave Lee and Danny Krivit over the years and is a record that never leaves our bag.

Other highlights include the cosmic, layered string, Latin jazz version of 'My Favourite Things' that opens into a psychedelic percussive jam and the mesmerising ‘Que Rico Bailo Yo’. Also be sure to check the epic closer 'Canto Del Corazon', which fuses avant-garde elements into a bass-gliding funk before morphing into a brilliant Latin final section.

This is a true masterpiece from the trailblazing “El violín de la salsa” and one that deserves a place in every collection.

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Following the success of ‘The Original Sound of Mali’ compilation, we return with another explorative delve into the wonders of Malian music compiled by French writer, journalist and Grammy-nominated compiler Florent Mazzoleni and Mr Bongo’s very own David Buttle. Restoring, reissuing and contextualising iconic tracks from Ousmane Kouyaté & Ambassadeurs Internationaux, Rail Band, Les Messagers du Mali, Mystère Jazz de Tombouctou and many more, the second compilation in this series dives ever further into the richness of post-independence music emanating out of Mali. One in which traditional foundations and instrumentation, blended with modern musical advances and influence.

Following Mali’s independence, after ten years of maturation, the 1970s saw modern Malian culture revealed to the world through musical anthologies and overviews of national and regional productions. It was a remarkably fertile period of the country’s musical history, with state-sponsored bands and orchestras now able to be documented and recorded by sound engineers.

Mali has always had a diverse storytelling tradition through music, with each province and ethnic group having its own unique character and nuances. As influences and sounds from the West drifted over the Atlantic, Malian musicians began hearing artists like John Lee Hooker, Wilson Pickett, Johnny Pacheco, Celia Cruz and James Brown. Elements and ideas from blues, soul, rock and funk led to bands covering artists they’d heard from these genres. The Tjiwara Band de Kati’s raw cover version of Pickett’s soul / R&B classic ‘In The Midnight Hour’ and the James Brown funk-channelling cut ‘Get Up James’ from Les Ambassadeurs du Motel de Bamako, are two such examples featured on this compilation.

Most bands also relied on playing in hotels in Mali’s capital, Bamako, which naturally became where they honed their sound. With guests wanting to hear the influence of foreign styles and modern instrumentation becoming more available, this fusion of Western ideas with traditional Malian rhythms and organic instruments led to a one-of-a-kind musical excellence.

The second volume in this series, captures the raw energy of Mali in this period, with a spread of sounds that radiated from Mali’s newly recorded musicians. The afrobeat rhythms of Ousmane Kouyaté and mesmerising Malian classic from Bouba and Sokona Sacko, sitting side by side with the swirling hypnotism of Tentemba Jazz du Mali and a ngoni-infused, percussive dancer from Allata Broulaye. Elsewhere, the deep African desert music of Mystère Jazz de Tombouctou rubs shoulders with the grandeur of the Rail Band, powered by Salif Keita’s iconic vocals.

Those are just a handful of the recordings highlighted on this compilation, which includes an extensive booklet looking at the history and relevance of the tracks written by Florent Mazzoleni. With so much enchanting, deep and mind-expanding music coming out of Mali in this period, ‘The Original Sound of Mali 2’ is a perfect aid to discovering the richness of music this country has to offer.

Vinyl LP housed in a gatefold sleeve with A5 booklet liner notes.

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A. Sonia Santos - Poema Ritmico Do Malandro (Balanço Do Crioulo) / B. / João Donato - Cala Boca Menino

Back in stock due to popular demand, the 23rd release in our signature Brazil 45’s series served up a double header of classics from Sonia Santos and João Donato.

First up, 'Poema Ritmico Do Malandro (Balanço Do Crioulo)' is a beautiful track from the instantly recognisable Sonia Santos. A song that drifts from classic to psychedelic samba, laden with strings, horns and crowd noise. First released on 7” by Copacabana in 1971, but never on an album, originals fetch up to £100 per copy. A different version of this song also appears on the truly excellent Zito Righi Alucinolandia LP.

On the B side, 'Cala Boca Menino' is taken from João Donato’s much sought after and requested Quem É Quem LP. Quirky percussion, bubbling keys, horns and a hypnotic vocal. Donato is a hugely prolific force in Brazilian music and worked with the likes of including Tom Jobim, Astrud Gilberto, Cal Tjader, Dom Um Romao and Gilberto Gil amongst others. ‘Cala Boca Menino’ was released on a 7” in 1973 in Brazil, but is very difficult to find at a reasonable price and in good condition these days.

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A. Georgette - Kiriê / B. Claudia - Com Mais De 30

Back in stock due to popular demand, the 26th release in our signature Brazil 45’s series. For this 7 inch, we shone the light on two Brazilian masterpieces from Georgette and Claudia that are firm favourites of some of the biggest DJs in the business, including Gilles Peterson, Four Tet and Floating Points.

'Kiriê' by Georgette is simply one of ‘those’ tracks. It gets better with every listen and you hear something different every time. Taken from the hard to obtain ‘A Moca do Mar’ LP on Tapecar in 1976, previously unavailable on 7”, you won’t forget this one in a hurry. Long championed by Gilles Peterson and co, the tight uplifting guitar changes, layered percussion and super-subtle strings radiate under Georgette’s vocal, backed by a chorus of male vocals.

The flip features one of Claudia’s best, ‘Com Mais de 30’ a cover of Marcos Valle and Paulo Sérgio Valle’s original version. Fuzz guitars, joyous piano, huge drums, percussion and Claudia’s soaring vocal make for a heavy yet uplifting MPB/funk track of the highest order. Originally released on her hard to find ‘Jesus Cristo’ LP on Odeon in 1971. Also featured on Four Tet and Floating Points iconic Plastic People closing party mix.

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A. Marcio Lott - Tema De Baby / B. Silvio Cesar - A Festa

Back in stock due to popular demand, the 33rd release in our signature Brazil 45’s series. A spellbinding pairing of Marcio Lott’s rarer than hen’s teeth, sun-soaked groover ‘Tema de Baby’ and the samba-rock fusion flavours of Silvio Cesar ‘A Festa’.

Marcio Lott’s ‘Tema de Baby’ is a REALLY rare one. We spent a long time trying to license this and were delighted to be able to release it as part of this series. Laid back sunshine samba-rock/funk/MPB, laced with Ramsey Lewis-esque piano and wah-wah guitars and lovely vocals top it off. Originally released on 7” by Tapecar in 1974.

Silvio Cesar’s ‘A Festa’ was brought to our attention - like many others in this series - by the almighty duo Brazilian Beats Brooklyn. A firm favourite here with everyone at Mr Bongo it’s a certified stormer from the opening beat. Jazzy, samba-rock fusion that touches on disco when the hi-hats open up. Floating synth lines, tough drums and crowd noise throughout add to the scintillating vibe. Taken from his LP ‘Som E Palavras’ released in 1977, as also featured on our Brazilian Beats Brooklyn compilation.

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Back in stock due to popular demand, the 12th release in our signature Brazil 45’s series saw a reissue of two certified classics from Brazil’s rich musical tapestry.

On the A side, Brazilian Samba luminary Elza Soares, covers Jorge Ben’s classic ‘Mas Que Nada’. Originally featured on her brilliant 1970 Sambas & Mais Sambas LP on Odeon, it’s tougher drums, punchy piano and Elza’s stunning vocal tones make this a perfect dancefloor heater. With over 34 albums to her name in a career that spanned 60 years, Elza is a certified legend of Brazilian music.

Little is known about the artist responsible for the B side track, Elizabeth. Nicknamed ‘Gatinha do Mato’ (loosely translated as ‘Jungle Cat’) she was involved in the Jovem Guarda movement that fused rock n roll and youth culture with Brazilian styles in the ‘60s.

‘Vou Falar-Lhe Francamente’ is a majestic, horn-infused number laced with emotion, that we originally found at one of our favourite, now defunct, spots ‘Tony’s Hits’ in Sao Paulo. The record was originally released on 7” on RGE in 1970.

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Back in stock due to popular demand, the 18th release in our signature Brazil 45’s series saw Elys Camargo’s ‘Taieiras’ and ‘Não Aguento Você’ by Trio Esperança issued for the first time on 7”.

First up, ‘Taieiras’ from Elys Camargo’s 1972 album Cantos Da Minha Gente on RCA. An infectious, folk-leaning, call and response number that transports you instantly to Brazil. Although Elys recorded 12 albums between 1960 and 1983, little is known about her. DJ Yoda sampled ‘Taieiras’ in his 2012 track ‘U No Likey Like That’ featuring Roots Manuva and Kid Creole & The Coconuts.

On the B side, ‘Não Aguento Você’ by Trio Esperança. A Rio vocal trio formed by siblings Mário, Regina and Evinha Correia José Maria (the latter of which recorded the stunning classic, ‘Esperar Pra Ver’), whose three older brothers we’re The Golden Boys.

‘Não Aguento Você’ is a sun-kissed, psychedelic stunner, taken from their self-titled 1971 album. The original line up recorded seven albums for Odeon Brazil between 1963 and 1975.

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Back in stock due to popular demand, the 19th release in our signature Brazil 45’s series shone a light on Wilson das Neves’ brilliant cover of Average White Band’s ‘Pick Up The Pieces’ and an all-time Mr Bongo Brazilian funk favourite in the form of Som Três – Tanga.

Wilson das Neves was a legendary Brazilian percussionist most well known for being part of Os Ipanemas. The A side of this 7” houses his cover of Average White Band’s ‘Pick Up The Pieces’ recorded with his ‘conjunto’ ensemble. It takes the track into funky samba territory, laden with percussion and horns. Originally released on the Som Quente É O Das Neves LP in 1969.

On the flip side, a Mr Bongo all-time Brazilian funk favourite. Blistering drums, feverish vocals and peaking piano packed into just over 2 minutes. Som Três were a trio formed by prolific pianist, arranger and producer Cesar Camargo Mariano. ‘Tanga’ originally appeared on the Um É Pouco, Dois É Bom, Este Som Três É Demais LP on Odeon Brazil in 1970.

Both of these Brazilian beauties were previously unreleased on 7”.

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Sourcing rare records to reissue can involve meticulous research and years of digging, but then occasionally, Lady Luck smiles upon you. We probably would have never heard of the Medium Wave Band if Gary from Mr Bongo hadn't known Wolverhampton-based record dealer, Steve Ward. Whilst offering Gary some records for sale, he remembered he had a spare copy of an old 7" single that he thought Gary might like. Steve didn't know much about the release, and it had never sold on Discogs. Looking at the record itself, it was minimalist in appearance and information, there wasn't much to go on other than that it was from the Birmingham area. The mystery drew us in…

The A-side, 'So Tender’, is a late-night, jazzy slow-jam, with beautifully sultry, soulful female vocals which sounded vaguely familiar. On listening to the B side, 'Games (Instrumental)’, you are rewarded with a superb example of Britfunk / independent UK jazz-funk. The pulsating, bass-led dancefloor groove and sensibility is a sound reminiscent of productions usually found on labels such as Elite, but the 7” was not released on a label, it was a private press by the band themselves. So who are the enigmatic The Medium Wave Band?

After some fruitful internet digging and correspondence, we got the answers. The band lineup featured Elliot Browne on guitar (lead & rhythm), Ron Lyseight on guitar (rhythm), Andrew Proverbs on keyboards, Tony Peart on drums, Paul Snook on bass, Linton Levy on saxophone, and surprisingly, the beautiful vocals we had been enjoying were those of Jackie Graham, aka the hugely successful UK vocalist, Jaki Graham. Maybe best known for her pop hit with David Grant, 'Could It Be I'm Falling In Love', but also featuring on the cult classic track 'Fire In My Heart' by Escape From New York.

Influenced by artists and bands including George Benson, Ronnie Laws, Weather Report, George Duke, Azimuth and Chick Corea to name a few, the guys booked into a studio near the Botanical Gardens in Birmingham and recorded the two tracks that make up this 7”. Only 200 copies of the original 7" were ever pressed and were sold mostly in Birmingham at Summit Records by the band’s friend DJ Frenchi, as well as at live shows. Despite its limited distribution channels, the record received solid support from fans and those in the music industry, including Morgan Khan of the influential record label, Street Sounds. DJ and journalist, Lindsay Wesker, reviewed the release and this led to the band travelling to London for several radio interviews. They played live shows across the country, including at the prestigious Ronnie Scott's in London, and supported both Shakatak and Weapon of Peace in Birmingham.

Thanks to all those involved bringing this release into fruition and for solving the mystery behind a wonderful Britfunk and UK soul record that could have otherwise been lost in the mists of time.

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