Amazing sounds from one of the greatest periods in Brazilian music – that heady late 60s/early 70s stretch when it seemed like everything was up for grabs – and new genres, new sounds, and new styles were being created all the time! This cooker of a collection focuses on the unique hybrid of funk and samba that took place at the time – a sound also known as Samba Soul, but served up here with a really well-selected batch of tracks that goes way past the obvious – to really reinscribe a whole new version of this musical generation, pulled together from rare wax of the 70s! The groove is bouncy and upbeat, but often has some cool unexpected twists and turns too – with titles that include "Mister Brown" by Bebeto, "Quem Vem La" by Marisa Rossi, "Turma Do Pole" by Arnaud Rodriguez, "16 Toneladas" by Moriel Vilela, "Sou Negro" by Toni Tornado, and "Tatarue" by Giovana. CD

Great work from one of the most important labels of the past few years – the groundbreaking Far Out imprint, known for its unique style of blending Brazilian and London grooves! The set features tracks from Far Out's oft-deleted singles series – hard to find 12" releases that often get only short release, and disappear much more quickly than the rest of the label's catalog. If you've missed some of these gems, or if you're like us, and sometimes prefer to put on a full album and save yourself flipping wax, the set's a great way to catch up – and probably introduce yourself to loads of great new music. Titles include "Khameleon" and "Second Future" by Difusion, "Ponteio" by Da Lata, "Colours" by Big Bang, "Smile" by Nature's Plan, "Strike Hard" by Trouble Man, "Brazil (Brazilian reprise)" by Democustico, "Faca De Conta (Roni Size rmx)" by Azymuth, "E Ruim/The Samba (4 Hero rmx)" by Grupo Batuque, and "Banzo Theme" by Banzo. (New Grooves, Brazil) CD

An incredible batch of Brazilian fusion – cut by keyboardist Manfredo Fest, and one of the few records he ever waxed in the US during the 70s! The record mixes Fest's soaring Brazilian groove with a tight soulful set of arrangements by Jerry Peters – a bit club-oriented, with a similar sound to some of the other records on the Tabu label at the time, but always sensitive to Fest's playing and writing – especially his Brazilian roots! The record features wonderful vocals by Roberta Davis – a very soulful singer who had a hip wordless style that was similar to Tania Maria's at the time – breezy, scatting, and very nice. Her work really makes the record sparkle, working perfectly with Fest's jazzy electric keyboards in a perfect way! Titles include "Jungle Kitten", "Koko & Leeroe", "Arigo", and "Who Needs It". LP, Vinyl record album