A labour of love, it showcases a tantalising cross- section of disco, funk, boogie, samba and MPB, from past to present. Unearthing tracks from the seemingly endless gold mine of Brazilian gems, the compilation features legends such as Jorge Ben, Gretchen, Marcos Valle and Robson Jorge & Lincoln Olivetti, alongside unsung heroes including Ze Carlos and Carlos Bivar.
Over 20 years ago, the Horse Meat Disco crew (James Hillard, Severino Panzetta, Jim Stanton and Luke Howard) began their weekly residency at Eagle London back in 2003. That same year, Luke made his first visit to Brazil, beginning a musical love affair that is still going strong. "I had always wanted to go to Brazil since I was a kid, and when I finally had the opportunity to go with Princess Julia, I was just blown away. I've visited Rio every year since 2003, and in that time, I've learned Portuguese and tried to discover as much as I can about Brazilian music and popular culture. I learned to dance samba with the Paraiso School of Samba in London and paraded three times at Rio Carnival. Brazilian music was a brand- new world for me to explore and get excited about--a whole universe of genius musicians, singers, and styles."
9 years later, Mr Bongo invited Luke down to their Brighton HQ for a listening session of some of his favourite Brazilian boogie and disco 7" finds. A compilation was greenlit, but multiple licensing delays and the release of other HMD compilations meant that it lay dormant for years. Fast forward to 2024, and with the help of esteemed, Rio based record collector Tee Cardaci, along with suggestions from HMD's James Hillard, the dream of an HMD Brazilian compilation finally materialised.
Released: March 2025
Cat: MRBLP302G
Label: MR BONGO
Listen
Tracklist
1. Harmony Cats - Harmony Cats' Theme
2. Luiza Maura - Sorriso Vermelho
3. Gretchen - Ela Tem Raca, Charme, Talento E Gostosura
4. Coisa Quente - Edmundo (In the Mood)
5. Ze Carlos - Venha (Remix)
6. Robson Jorge & Lincoln Olivetti - Suspira
7. Os Carbonos - Passaro Selvagem
8. San Rodrigues - Fofa
9. Marcos Valle - Parabens (Danca Do Daniel)
10. Lafayette - Sol De Verao
11. Roberto Cesar - Fevereiro (O Bamba)
12. Arlete - Quero Ser Sua Mulher
13. Waldirene - Queima Como Fogo
14. Luiza Maura - Deixa Girar
15. Jorge Ben - Rio Babilonia
16. Carlos Bivar - Elo