Review: Incredible Bongo Band – Bongo Rock (50 Years of Hip Hop Edition) (Mr Bongo)

When folks talk about hip-hop and it's origins and it's roots whether it be Malcolm McClaren "finding" Afika Bambaataa in New York wearing a Sex Pistols t-shirt or DJ Kool Herc's parties in the Bronx, it should not be long before Michael Viner's Incredible Bongo Band's 'Bongo Rock' takes centre of attention.

This incredible album is now 50 years old and considering it was an offshoot project of Mr Viner with session musicians, it's a credit to all involved and bongo lovers everywhere and hip-hop breaks/samples that have keep the album going.

Covers of popular tracks like 'Apache' (yes, it really is The Shadows' track) and the seven tracks are done in an extraordinary Latin, funk, rock, soul psych, surf way as if Santana recorded at Stax with Joe's Meek and Bataan commissioned by Pearl & Dean plus, of course, Hank.

Then any tracklist that could follow 'Duelling Bongos' with 7 minutes of  'In-A-Gadda-D-Vida' (yes, originally from the 1968 album by Iron Butterfly, the album with the psychedelic cover) that puts the drums and bongos in another dimension has to be one of the most bonkers, of the many bonkers, aspects of hip-hop. 

Mr Bongo originally re-issued this in 2014 (I seem to have lost my cover) and whilst it controversially came out as a 7" box set in 2016, I don't think any record collector worth his bongos should not have a proper LP version.

I know some people would have you believe 50 year albums are the "next thing", like Hawkwinds 'Space Ritual' released in May 1973 or Barbara Sipple's 'Barbara Sings For Life' as recently picked by Re:Warm's Micky Brown (#onlylikemusicreleasedon50yearanniversary) but "Bongo Rock" will indeed go on forever in this, or the countless samples used by nearly everyone from the great (Nas, DJ Shadow, Beastie Boys) and the not so great.

Artist: Michael Viner's Incredible Bongo Band

Title: Bongo Rock

Release date : 19th May, 2023

Label : Mr Bongo

Catalog Number: MRBLP11850

Format: LP / Bandcamp

Review: Bruno From Ibiza - Infinity "The Remixes" (Be Adult Weapons)

Whether you're Clive from Accounts or Ross from Friends or someone from something/somewhere, Bruno From Ibiza is the new name to drop as 'Infinity' gets remixed on Be Adult Music's "offshoot", Be Adult Weapons.  

Bruno's own ambient version is a great mix starter/warm-up weapon.

Friends of Be Adult Music know that Cedric Slander is hot from the track showcased on compilation Nassau Beach Club (Ibiza 2019), 'The Jazz' to the split release of 'Caelum Sidera EP' with Cielo. He's packed lots into his 'Infiinity' remix and I'd be amazed if it wasn't in Colour & Pitch's next mix; just want it to go on forever.

And then there's the Peter Mac remix, which groves with added guitar to get more of a Balearic vibe on the beach.

If you loved the original version these 3 addition weapons will fit really well in your arsenal for the summer.

Artist: Bruno From Ibiza 

Title: Infinity "The Remixes"

Release date: 19th May, 2023

Label: Be Adult Music

Catalog Number: BAM066

Review: Lord Echo - Rarities 2010-2020: Japanese Tour Singles (Soundway)

Lord Echo has a worldwide cult following as he's a bit of a DJ Shadow-ish genre mixer where his album tracks can be inflenced by Latin, dub, afrobeat, neo-soul, downtempo, jazz-funk, hip-hop and "Mutant Disco"!

The eight tracks cover limited edition vinyl only releases from his Wonderful Noise Productions era so it's cool that now he's on Soundway that they can get these tracks a full release so it's not just a handfull of folks that can enjoy these early works.

You've got the Nyabinghi soul-jazz of 'Woah! There's No Limit' (featuring Mara TK on vocals) and 'In Your Life' featuring Lisa Tomlins that's which is a bit more housey.

Worth getting for the 'Nightclub Daydream' that'll will keep you dancing for 24 hours in it's spaced out Arthur Russell.

This has been packaged like some Record Store Day meets BBE's J-Jazz Series release with deluxe embossed sleeve with OBI strip and liner notes in both English and Japanese; collectors will be hungry for this but it's a great album - don't be slow!

Artist: Lord Echo

Title:  Rarities 2010-2020: Japanese Tour singles

Release date: 5th May, 2023

Label : Soundway Records

Catalog Number : 12" / Digital / Bandcamp [distributed in Japan via Wonderful Noise]

Review: Dele Sosimi - You No Fit Touch Am (Deluxe Edition) (Wah Wah 45s)

As you may have seen elsewhere, I have already pronounced this album is "BIG".

There's a number of reasons for this confident assertion as it was original a seven track album released by Dele Sosimi on Wah Wah 45s in 2015.  Back then it was a mere 7 tracks and featured the realitively unknown Tamar Osborn (and is now better known as leader of Tamar Colocutor and has appeared with world star plus jazzers like Emma-Jean Thackray, BunnDebrettQuintett, Emanative and Liz Elensky) and was produced/mixed by Ben Lamdin (aka Nostalgia 77).

As a former 'pupil' of Fela Kuti the album had many instant hits like 'E Go Betta', 'You No Fit Touch Am', 'Where We Want Be' and 'I Don't Care'.

Such was the attention, the Deluxe Edition re-issue features the original tracks together with previously unreleased and classic remixes, edits and dubs; including Dele's new best mate, Medler (the 'You No Fit Touch Am' remix got these two together and it's a match made at 'The Shrine' so to speak) together with the whole Prince Fatty vs. Nostalgia 77 dub album and old favourites like Modified Man, Paper Tiger and DJ Khalab.

Dele's just had a BIG 60th birthday bash at the Jazz Cafe and the album that came out last month as Dele Sosimi & The Estuary 21, 'The Confluence' (see review HERE) so it's worth checking out what is now a 27 track option!

Now that is BIG! 

Artist: Dele Sosimi 

Release: You No Fit Touch Am (Deluxe Edition) 

Release Date: 12th May, 2023

Label: Wah Wah 45s

Catalog Number: Digital / BANDCAMP

Review: VA - Hidden Waters: Strange and Sublime Sounds of Rio de Janeiro (Mr Bongo)

If you're a fan of YATM, you're more than likely a fan of labels like Far Out Recordings, Soul Jazz Records and many others that have released compilations of music from Brasil.  

Top of your list might be Mr Bongo, so have they really been able to find 22 tracks that are "Strange and Sublime" and from Rio de Janeiro too?

In short, those sceptics out there are going to have to tip your hats off to the Mr Bongo's trawlings of the beaches of Ipanema, Copacabana and Leblon in in the shadows of Mount Corcovado as they have found some magical tracks that match/surpass  MRB074 frm over ten years ago; that's 'Psychedelic Pernambuco' to you and me.

And it's not from 1960/70s either as this is the 'current' [re]evolution of modern sounds from Bazil have roots in despot Military dictatorship regimes to the current political madness that's re-ignited with the debarcle of the World Cup 2014 with disgraced FIFA president Sepp Blatter.   

The most incredible track, 'Lua Comanche' by Bala Desejo only came out last year! Bala Desejo's Dora Morelenbaum has a solo track on here too, 'Vento de Beirada' that's all baritone sax moody brilliant and the Joana Queiroz track 'Dois Litorais' has a similar Mai Todd Dia feel.

From the leftfield electronica, 'La Cacundê Iauê' sounds like it could have been sampled from traditional Mauri chanting a la DJ Shadow to grunge pysch-pop 'Lê Almeida to Brazil does Motown/Northern Soul madness 'Gigolô' by Jonas Sa and not forgetting the jazzdance, António Neves & Thiaguinho Silva 'Das Neves' and Ava Rocha's electronic opus 'Boca do Céu' (Mouth of Heaven').

And did somebody say, "Psychedelic" 'Moços' by Ovo Ou Bicho which is 60s mod-rock Byrds end of it and then Latin fuzzbox meets jazz flute gang of Marcelo Callado's 'Simbora' featuring Silvia Machete.  In fact, these two tracks could have made a 7" for Mike D's recent RSD, Brazil 45s Boxset (see Review HERE) they are that 'out there'.

We end with some electronic surf reggae from Os Ritmistas' 'Sambolero', could Torvill and Dean (ask your grand parents) have danced to this? I'm saying no but this compilation is so well conceived and executed, every track is your new favourite track. 

Brilliantly researched with essays by professor and music critic Bernardo Oliveira and music journalist Leonardo Lichote, plus extensive notes on each track by the artists themselves and that great artwork designed by Rio music’s leading album artwork designer, Caio Paiva.

It is odd that the exiled community in my area have such a love of British pop/rock and so little interest in new or old pop/MPB from the home country; having more interest in even Paul Di'anno's Battlezone (well, that's what Paul once told me anyway).  But with 'Strange and Sublime Sounds' would seem to me to be a way to re-kindle the love and let's hop this 'Rio de Janeiro' edition is just the start of a revolving series from different parts of Brasil.

Artist: Various Artists

Title: Hidden Waters: Strange and Sublime Sounds of Rio de Janeiro

Release date : 12th May, 2023

Label : Mr Bongo

Catalog Number : MRBLPCD271

Format: LP / CD / Digital / Bandcamp

Review: Marcus Malone & The Motor City Hustlers - Interstate 75 EP (No'West Remixes) (Ramrock Red Records)

This week it's all about the "douze points" for some folks whilst the rest of us only have one winner, the long awaited release of the No'West remix EP of Marcus Malone & The Motor City Hustlers' Interstate 75 EP (see review of the original HERE).

They've roped in Craig Charles (he of Liverpool) on the Eurovision coverage, but Sir Craig's electoral fanbase is in soul 'n' funk and he's a fan of the original and the new remix having played it a couple of times on his influencial BBC 6 Music show already.

As the Beedle/Wallace/Morris team reorganise the original version, especially falling for those Stax horns, the big Hammond and the "northern" hand claps on the instrumental] as this will fill out the Baker's Lounge all-day long.

And don't forget that this is the team that brought you our current #1, 77:78's Love Said (Let's Go) (Wallace & Morris Rework) (see review HERE) and the outstanding Robb Scott & Leee John's 'Gotta Get Over You' (see review HERE) and the wheels keep on turning out these great hits.

“I’ve got a future Blues classic on my hands with an indefinable time scale – it could’ve been recorded in the mid 70’s and feels like an instant crate diggers delight!” – Jo Wallace (Ramrock Records)

Artist: Marcus Malone & The Motor City Hustlers

Title: Interstate 75 (No'West Remixes) EP

Release date: 12th May, 2023

Label: Ramrock Red Records

Cat. No: RRR040

Review: Gavin Holligan - When Boys Become Men (inc. Richard Earnshaw mixes) (Groove Lab Music)

In footballing terms, Gavin Holligan is part of the South London 'caged' soul, funk, jazz massive that's constantly producing great talent and re-inventing itself as 'When Boys Become Men'.

And all this 'game of two halves' lyricism comes from the fact that Gavin was a former pro footballer himself and as a striker, he's knows a hit.

Jazz FM do too and the original is very much in their soul-jazz chart vibe so when it comes to moving divisions into the house/dance field, it's a good move to bring in verteran manager, Richard Earnshaw.  Earnshaw is more of a Potch than a Big Sam as he's worked with loads of people and you can feel that there's more than a touch of Reel People kit bag on his remix - Reel People themselves being on form at the moment with their latest album 'Love2' (see review HERE).

For an end of season bash or any big Saturday night, this is definitely going to hit the back of the net; GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAALLLLLLLLLL!!!!!!!!!!

Artist: Gavin Holligan

Title: When Boys Become Men (inc. Richard Earnshaw mixes)

Release date: 12th May, 2023

Label : Groove Lab Music

Catalog Number : Digital / Bandcamp

Review: Robb Scott and Leee John - Gotta Get Over You (Ramrock Blue Records)

"Two bs and another 'e'"; no it's not Ramrock version of Countdown, it's 'THE' Leee John and Robb Scott that've got together to 'Gotta Get Over You'.

This track has been an instant radio hit as it's proper booogie that's feel's like it's an imagination of 2013 from the 80s soul days Radio Invicta/Capital/Radio London/Solar and more.

You can't fail to recognise Leee's vocals and it's a big production by Robb (who you may recall from his Sunshine/Afro Odyssey period) with massive strings, thumping piano and a throbbing bass. 

And these guys are so good, they've included the instrumental version - do you like that bit of Lonnie Liston Smith homage too?

It's like the ulitimate Bank Holiday Soul All-dayer wrapped up in the one song, I'm going to have trouble getting over 'Gotta Get Over You'. 

Great to have them on a label that suits them so well as the rumour of North Street West Remixes are on the cards, could they possibly go the full 'Night Dubbing' route? Stay tunned.

Artist: Robb Scott and Leee John

Title: Gotta Get Over You 

Release date: 5th May, 2023

Label: Ramrock Blue Records

Cat. No: RRB019

Review: 77:78 - Love Said (Let's Go) (Wallace & Morris Rework) (Ramrock Red Records)

To say Ramrock HQ is on a roll at the moment would be somewhat of an understatement as we find that they've gone for a re-work of a favourite of the Balaeric white isle from 2018.

Did someone say, "white"? Well that's a bit of a misnomer as 77:78's origins are in The Bees from the Isle Of Wight!

Originally as side project The Bees members, Aaron Fletcher and Tim Parkin, 'Love Said (Let's Go)' was released on their album 'Jellies' on the Heavenly label and the remix was picked up by Ashley Beedle (who'd worked with Heavenly on many a remix including Edwyn Colins) and The Flying Mojito Bros got 'Chilli'; who themselves were an obvious choice with their love of 1960s country/psychedelic rock (and now they're heavily invovled wiht James Alexander Bright, see review HERE).

Anyway, back to the Wallace (Jo) and Morris (Darren) rework; prepare yourself, they've out remixed Beedle in this instance!  It's a shimmering version that touches the Zombies, "She's Not There', the keys are like the sunny side of The Doors, Hank's twanging guitar in the hillside with flirtations with Hong Kong Kung Fu OST all on a island beach.  

And these guys are so good, they've included the instrumental version.

It's No. 1 in my YATM Chart for May [on JUNODOWNLOAD] and I suspect it might be there for a while, unless Ramrock release anything else in the near future [Ed. Spoiler alert: yes they are!]

Artist: 77:78

Title: Love Said (Lets Go) (Wallace & Morris Rework) 

Release date: 8th May, 2023

Label: Ramrock Red Records

Cat. No: RBR037

Review: Batavia Collective - BTVC EP (R&S Records)

R&S Records are 'In Order To Dance' and they've been tracking down music that does that for forty years now.

So, if you see any vinyl with the black horse rampant on it, you can rest assure that your going to find something that'll move you body but you might not immediately think that's it's outside of an electronic, techno, house, breaks, drum 'n' bass style.  And this is more than true of the label's latest 'find', the Batavia Collective.

Based in Jakarta, the trio sound like they are trendy East London jazz nerds with some serious Herbie grooves that will get another Hoxton head throbbing for their 12".

Four tracks that are generally in a 'modern' Bob James meets jazzy hip-hop beats bruk kicks off with 'Senopati Shuffle' with those upfront jazzy keys is the opener.   'Interchanges' is named after their "jam" composition style, 'Riot On Friday' is the dubby one and 'Joni Indo' was the pre-release that got all the intitial attention.

All are ready for radio plays and this is a welcome signing for R&S as I'm guessing Batavia Collective could be the source of some very interesting remixes/re-inpretations - definitely ones to watch.

Artist: Batavia Collective 

Title: BTVC EP

Release date: 5th May, 2023

Label : R&S Records

Catalog Number : RS2301S1 

Format:  CD / Digital / Bandcamp