USD
Filter
Stock
Type
Music
Format
Label
Featured
Release Title
Price
Tags
Back catalogue: Funk
Juno's full catalogue of Funk
Albums
People also bought...
Review: Initially released in South Africa in 1982, Gyedu-Blay Ambolley's sophomore set is now regarded as a boogie-era Highlife classic. Here issued on CD for the very first time via Mr Bongo, the album features the Ghanaian star brilliantly joining the dots between driving disco-funk, jazz-funk, intoxicating slow jams, calypso, dub reggae and his beloved highlife. Highlights come thick and fast throughout, with standouts including heavy percussion jam "Simigwa", the boogie-dub skank of "Adwoa", the down-low grooves of "Walking Down The Street" and the killer disco highlife anthem "It's High Life". Simply essential.
… Read more in stock $22.94
People also bought...
Review: 1975's "Simigwa" album not only launched the career of Afro-funk fusionist and eventual Highlife great Gyedu Blay Ambolley, but also inspired a Ghanaian dance craze. The album was co-produced by another Highlife great, Ebo Taylor, and has long been exceptionally hard to find on vinyl. For this official vinyl reissue on Mr Bongo, Ambolley's landmark set has been fully re-mastered for the very first time. It sounds spectacular, with great clarity on the ear-catching brass solos, serious weight to the bass and superb stereo separation. Highlights include - but certainly aren't limited to - the Afro-blues brilliance of "Toffie", the jaunty dancefloor fuzziness of "This Hustling World" and the heavyweight swing of ear-catching opener "Kwaakwaa".
… Read more in stock $24.60
People also bought...
Review: It's no mean feat to win awards with your debut album, but Bala Desejo did just that when they scored big at the Latin Grammys. As soon as you hit play on Sim Sim Sim you'll understand why, as the Rio de Janeiro band demonstrate their canny blend of 60s tropicalia, 70s psychedelia and MPB. It's pure pleasure music, full of wistful escapism and aching beauty, and in drawing so naturally on the best of Brazilian music culture through the ages, they've made something truly woven into the fabric of their home country. Spearheading a new wave of music and art from Rio de Janeiro, Bala Desejo have everything you could possibly want from a new Brazilian project, and more besides.
… Read morePlayed by: Charlie bucket/ dancing in space
in stock $23.77
People also bought...
The Original Sound Of Burkina Faso (limited gatefold green vinyl 2xLP + 24 page booklet)
Cat: MRBLP 152G. Rel: 30 Apr 21
Played by: AfroBase (Radio Chart)
in stock $35.37
People also bought...
Review: Mr Bongo present a staunch retro vision of Cuban-born violinist Alfredo De La Fe, one of whose sonographic creams was the debut salsa-and-more fusion album, Alfredo. Based between New York and Colombia, Alfredo worked with many of the greats in Latin music, including Eddie Palmieri, Willie Colon and Roberto Roena, as well as disco and soul icons Sylvester and Aquarian Dream. For a debut solo record, Alfredo is a real charm offensive, and a valiant experiment at that, mixing Latin dancefloor crunches with De La Fe's own, unusually additive violin, placed centre stage as he solos. The record - a favourite of legendary New York club The Paradise Garage - tonally shifts past the halfway mark, eschewing the A-side's chroma-jazzy clavier discombobulations for an early four-to-the-floor, daresay proto deep house excursion, 'Hot To Trot'.
… Read more in stock $20.74
People also bought...
Did You Give The World Some Love Today Baby (reissue) (limited blue vinyl LP)
Cat: MRBLP 010B. Rel: 20 May 22
Review: This great album was first put out by EMI Sweden, and if you can find one of those early original copies it is worth well over $500. Thankfully, those of us more bothered about the music than the sautes of the physical product can cop this reissue of Doris's debut LP for a fair price. It has hints of Joni Mitchell as well as Led Zeppelin and Doris herself was back dup by her hubby on bass, who provide plenty of killer funky b-lines under the experimental melodies up top. Add in Janne Carlsson on drums and great work by Bernot Egerladh on organ and you have an essential record.
… Read morePlayed by: Juno Recommends Jazz
in stock $26.52
People also bought...
Review: For the second instalment in their Cuban Classics series, Mr Bongo present this sought-after slice of sublime Afro-Cuban jazz from 1976. It comes courtesy of one of Cuba's most influential acts, Grupo Irakere. Founded in 1973 by Chucho Valdes (son of the Cuban pianist and bandleader Bebo Valdes) the group was home to many of Cuba's finest musicians over the years. With an electrifying style and sound, they mixed traditional Cuban music with jazz, funk, and rock. This self-titled album includes the much-loved, dancefloor heavy-hitter 'Chequere-Son', a Latin-jazz funk masterpiece with Cubanized bebop-flavoured horn lines, lush keys, and 70s hip swagger. Though 'Chequere-Son' is the keystone of the record, the album is laced with brilliance at every turn, from the Carlos Santana-esque channelling 'Iya' with its percussive Latin power, to the sultry, slick and passionate '38 1/2'.
… Read more in stock $26.52
People also bought...
Uganda: Dawn Of Rock (reissue) (LP with obi-strip)
Cat: MRBLP 239B. Rel: 14 Feb 24
Review: Uganda: Dawn Of Rock is a great collision of creative talents from Akira Ishikawa and Count Buffaloes who combine to deliver a captivating exploration of rock music's emergence in Uganda. A classic since it was first issued, the album showcases Ishikawa's masterful drumming and Count Buffaloes' dynamic instrumentation. It overflows with infectious rhythms and soulful melodies and each track immerses listeners in the vibrant music scene of Uganda where rock and local African sounds are fused into something new. As such this is a record that offers a perfect glimpse into a pivotal moment in Uganda's musical history.
… Read morePlayed by: Juno Recommends International
in stock $23.50
People also bought...
Review: Late, great Japanese guitarist Ryo Kawasaki is behind this classic bit of jazz-funk fusion from 1976. It was recorded originally in New York and now gets a reissue form the hard working Mr Bongo crew. It is a record that has picked dup cult status over the years for those looking for samples and has been pillaged by everyone from Diamond D, Puff Daddy, and Kool G Rap. Playing on the sessions were drummer Jimmy Young as well as rhythm guitarist Hugh McCracken and bassist Stu Woods who all help bring every track to life.
… Read more in stock $24.88
People also bought...
Review: Mr Bongo's Cuban Classics Series now looks to highlight Los Reyes 73 and their sensational 1975 debut LP. This Afro-Cuban-funk gem combines psych rock with deep funk, cementing its status as a 70s Cuban masterpiece and a favourite with those who know. Despite releasing only two albums and a few singles, the band was highly influential in Cuba and gained international recognition through 2000s compilations. Produced by Raul Gomez and featuring Cuban music heavyweights, the album blends traditional Cuban Son with funk and psychedelic elements. The reissue uses the beautiful bird illustration cover art from the Mexican Pentagrama Records release.
… Read morePlayed by: Juno Recommends International
in stock $22.10
People also bought...
in stock $23.20
People also bought...
Review: Over the years, Cesar Mariano and Cia's 1977 set "Sao Paolo Brasil" has achieved cult status, with dusty-fingered diggers regularly proclaiming it one of the finest jazz-funk/fusion albums of the period (a fact confirmed by the high prices that original vinyl copies often change hands for online). Remarkably, this timely Mr Bongo reissue marks the first time the set has been released outside of its native South America. Rich in glistening jazz guitars, fizzing, Azymuth-style organ riffs, spacey synths, warm bass and skittish drums, the album's eight tracks bristle with breeziness, subtle samba motifs, sumptuous dancefloor grooves, sunny downtempo workouts and effervescent arrangements. In a word: essential.
… Read more in stock $24.60
People also bought...
Review: Back in 1976, legendary highlife artist Pat Thomas decided to throw his weight behind Ghanian three-piece Marjarita. Thanks to his patronage, they made quite an impact with their debut album (Pat Thomas Introduces Marjita), before striking gold with their killer follow-up, This is Marjita. Since then, the album has become something of a "holy grail" for Afro-funk collectors, with copies changing hands for astonishing sums of money. Happily, Mr Bongo has decided to license and reissue it. The album contains four superb workouts: the hard funk brilliance of "Break Through", the organ-heavy Afrobeat fuzziness of "No Condition is Permanent", the reggae-influenced wonder of "I Walk Alone" and the superior highlife of "We Live in Peace".
… Read more in stock $21.28
People also bought...
MICHE / VARIOUS
With Love : Vol 2 Compiled By Miche (gatefold 2xLP + insert)
Cat: MRBLP 280. Rel: 06 Oct 23
Review: Late last year came the first volume of this superb new series from Mr Bongo and it's one that showed compiler Miche to be first class. He is known on the London underground as the music programmer for the acclaimed Spiritland venues and so has spent inordinate hours digging deep into all manner of different sound worlds. This one focuses on soul with 15 great tunes spanning deep and sentimental sounds, more dancey numbers of raw and guttural funk cuts. It's one of those vital double albums that does plenty of the hard work of digging for gold for you.
… Read more in stock $26.52
People also bought...
MICHE / VARIOUS
With Love: Volume 1 Compiled By Miche (gatefold 2xLP + insert)
Cat: MRBLP 260. Rel: 23 Sep 22
Review: Mr. Bongo continues in their mission to peddle the feel-good, compiling rare Brazilian, gospel, modern soul and jazz fusion music, all with a bent towards ecstatic dance. Not taking itself too seriously yet still dipping one toe in the mystical and romantic, our favorites from the comp include 'Don't Need No Fortune Teller' and the patient 'Waiting For Love', all compiled by Mr. Bongo director and former Spiritland programmer Miche.
… Read more in stock $25.98
People also bought...
MICHE / VARIOUS
With Love: Volume 2 Compiled By Miche (limited gatefold pink vinyl 2xLP + insert (indie exclusive))
Cat: MRBLP 280P. Rel: 05 Oct 23
Review: If you know what's good for you, you will have picked up the first volume of this new With Love series from Mr Bongo. It was a red-hot soul selection that was packed with gold and now Miche is back with another. He is the man in charge of the musical programming at London's Spiritland venues and has now been digging deep once more to come up with 15 more soul nuggets. From raw to deep, lush and danceable to more emotive and vulnerable, it's a heart warming selection. Do not sleep on this one, which is a pink vinyl version.
… Read morePlayed by: RUSTAM OSPANOFF.
in stock $29.29
People also bought...
Pique (translucent red vinyl LP (indie exclusive))
Cat: MRBLP 275R. Rel: 18 Oct 24
Review: Pique is the remarkable debut solo album from Dora Morelenbaum, a key figure in Brazil's burgeoning music scene and a member of the talented band Bala Desejo. Following her initial EP Vento de Beirada, Pique marks Dora's ascent as a significant solo artist, blending boldness with grace, bridging Brazil's musical heritage with contemporary grooves, incorporating funk, MPB, disco, soul, r&b and jazz, all infused with an indie pop sensibility thanks to co-producer Ana Frango Eletrico. Opening with the sun-kissed 'Nao Vou Te Esquecer,' Pique transitions into the infectious funk of 'Venha Comigo' and 'Sim, Nao.' Tracks like 'A Melhor Saida' and 'Petricor' offer a more relaxed, introspective vibe, while 'VW Blue' showcases virtuosic jazz-funk, and the title track delivers radiant MPB. The drumming is crisp and swung, the horns and strings are meticulously arranged, and the basslines groove with a funky energy, complemented by strutting guitars and vibrant production flourishes. Dora's hands-on approach to the albumifrom songwriting to arranging and producingiensures a cohesive vision. Supported by a talented ensemble, including her Bala Desejo bandmates and her renowned parents, Paula and Jaques Morelenbaum, Pique merges tradition with modernity. An endlessly listenable album, poised to become a future Brazilian classic, blending the spirit of legends like Gal Costa with a fresh, innovative edge.
… Read morePlayed by: Juno Recommends Jazz
in stock $25.71
People also bought...
MR BONGO / VARIOUS
Mr Bongo Record Club Volume One (reissue) (2xLP + insert)
Cat: MRBLP 141. Rel: 27 Apr 20
Review: Brighton based record label, publishers, cinematographers and legendary former London record store Mr Bongo present the first installment in their new 'Mr Bongo Record Club' compilation series. It features, in their words "a selection of favourites, recent discoveries and sought after obscurities, which form the basis of our DJ sets and our radio show of the same name." There really is some great music on here that has been sourced from all corners of the globe and as much as they're oldies: they certainly are goodies. Our favourites weren't limited to: Brazilian duo Lemos E Debetio's charming "Morro Do Barraco Sem Agua", the African funk explosion of Lantei's "Fish & Funjee (Komi Ke Kenam)" and some truly hot reggae vibes in the form of Big Youth's 1977 unclassic "Mammy Hot Daddy Cool" among many others on this fine compilation.
… Read more in stock $23.77
People also bought...
The Devil Is Loose (reissue) (limited gold vinyl LP (indie exclusive))
Cat: MRBLP 222G. Rel: 13 Sep 24
Review: Asha Puthli's triumphant return to the stage after 44 years is marked by tour dates across the US, Australia, and Europe, including iconic performances at Glastonbury and We Out Here. To celebrate this milestone, Mr Bongo has repressed her legendary 1976 album, The Devil Is Loose, on gold vinyl. This album, featuring the psychedelic disco-funk classic 'Space Talk,' exemplifies Puthli's eclectic career spanning 60s psyche, free-jazz, pop, rock and disco. Each track on The Devil Is Loose highlights Puthli's celestial style and sumptuous vocal range, supported by orchestral-infused, disco-enhanced instrumentation. The album transitions seamlessly from the infectious funk of 'Flying Fish' to the cosmic transcendence of the title track, and the choir-channelling 'Say Yes.' Puthli's majestic vocals cast a unique spell, making the album cinematic and captivating throughout. Whether replacing a worn-out original copy or discovering Asha Puthli for the first time, this quintessential slice of her world promises to enchant and inspire.
… Read morePlayed by: Charlie bucket/ dancing in space
in stock $23.50
People also bought...
Review: Mr Bongo reissues a classic record here from an iconic musical maverick. From her roots in India, to becoming a world famous artist with a celebrated career in music and acting, Asha Puthli forged a career path through '60s psych, free jazz, pop, rock, disco, and more. Her 1976 album The Devil Is Loose is maybe the most well known record, featuring the classic 'Space Talk' which was championed by many DJs, most famously the late David Mancuso at The Loft, in addition to being sampled The Notorious B.I.G., P Diddy and The Pharcyde. In later years, Puhtli went on to collaborate with the likes of Bill Laswell, DJ Spooky and Talvin Singh.
… Read morePlayed by: Dicky Trisco
in stock $24.88
People also bought...
in stock $26.52
People also bought...
in stock $24.60
People also bought...
Review: A bona fide Brazilian rarity: Alucinolandia was the only full length from talented multi instrumentalist and bandleader Zito who really should have enjoyed more attention. Ranging from the R&B style stomp of "Primeira Conjugacao" to the Gershwin standard "Love Is Here To Stay" via the instant feel good sensations of "Bye Bye" where you feel like you're in the room, clicking, clapping and crying along with the band, this is a timeless document that really should have had more exposure than it did at the time of the original release back in 1969
… Read more in stock $24.88
People also bought...
Review: Eight years on from its previous reissue (that time courtesy of Analog Africa's "Limited Dance Edition" series), Mr Bongo is offering up a fresh, licensed re-press of Rob's eponymous 1977 Afro-funk masterpiece. If you missed out in 2011, the set is definitely worth picking up because it's rock solid heat from start to finish. Check, for example, the heavily percussive Afro-beat/Afro-funk fusion of "Funky Rob Way", the flanged funk guitars and heavy brass action of "Boogie On", the jazz guitars and loved-up vocals of "Your Kiss Stole Me Away" and the William Onyeabor-does-James-Brown heaviness of closing cut "More".
… Read more in stock $22.39
People also bought...
Review: Considered one of the essential Brazilian funk records of an era, Sandra Sa's Vale Tudo receives a much deserved reissue here on Mr. Bongo. Originally released in 1983, it was produced by Lincoln Olivetti alongside a who's who of musicians that were central figures on the scene at the time. From the disco boogie of 'Trem Da Central' featuring one amazing brass section, the heartfelt and romantic ballad 'Onda Negra' and the late night boogie-down vibe of 'Guarde Minha Voz' - they are the perfect backdrop for Sa's unique voice which really shines throughout. Although most prolific in the early '80s, Sa continues to work in the music industry to this day.
… Read more in stock $22.94
People also bought...
Review: Tireless diggers and world class reissue merchants Mr Bongo have done it again with this one. They discovered The Star Beams when one of their tracks was on a Disco Calypso compilation, then went on a mission to track down the original anymore material from the band, who turned out to be based in South Africa instead of the Carribean. The resulting record is a real gem - disco, funk and jazz all get chewed up and spat out across four fantastically timeless cuts of dance floor dynamite. "Disco Stomp" in particular you might already know as Theo Parrish has been dropping in his sets for time.
… Read more in stock $20.46
People also bought...
in stock $20.74
People also bought...
Review: Marcos Valle's second album, the 1983 self-titled masterpiece, is one of Brazilian music's many stone cold classics fusing as it does MPB, pop, soul and easy listening with plenty of American influences thanks to the artist's time living in LA. Valle's old brother Paulo Sergio and the legendary Lincoln Olivetti produced the album with a fine cast of guests like Rosana, Serginho Do Trombone, Robson Jorge and Oberdan Magalhaes adding their own vocal and musical flourishes. Standout tunes include Brazilian-boogie cult-classic 'Estrelar' (which was actually co-written by pianist, keyboardist and record producer Leon Ware) while the artwork itself is also well worthy of your attention.
… Read morePlayed by: Elado, Juno Recommends International
in stock $22.39
People also bought...
Review: Since launching in 2016, Mr Bongo's Record Club compilation series has provided three essential volumes of personal favourites - many obscure and hard-to-find - selected by the label's in-house team of crate-digging DJs. Volume four is naturally every bit as essential as its' predecessors, offering an enticing mixture of Brazilian, African, soul, funk and disco with not a suspect selection in sight. This time round, they've chosen to include contemporary music as well as dusty old gems, with highlights including Kenny Dope's delicious rework of the soul-jazz positivity of 'Throwing Stones' by James Reese and the Progressions, the fast version of Ze Roberto's 1973 MPB classic 'Lotus 72D' and the samba-folk wonder that is Matthew Tavares' 2019 gem 'Self Portrait'.
… Read morePlayed by: DJ Kobayashi, Juno Recommends International
in stock $23.77
People also bought...
VARIOUS
Hidden Waters: Strange & Sublime Sounds Of Rio De Janeiro (gatefold 2xLP + insert)
Cat: MRBLP 271. Rel: 12 May 23
Review: Mr Bongo's latest must-check compilation doesn't mine Brazil's musical heritage, but rather shines a light on what's happening in Rio de Janeiro right now. Hidden Waters was compiled and curated by two Brazilian music specialists - Joe Osborne (founder of the Brazilian Wax website) and Russ Slater (Editor at Large of Sounds and Colors) - and offers up a blend of scene stalwarts and exciting starlets. Musically it's varied, but largely rooted in samba, MPB and other classic Brazilian styles. So, while sun-soaked sounds (sorry) are the order of the day, Osborne and Slater also find room for the fuzzy psychedelia of Ava Rocha, the Stereolab-goes-samba flex of Exercito de Bebes, the low-slung, synth-sporting mutant funk of Thiago Nassif, the spiritual, pastoral-sounding afternoon warmth of Mari Romano and the lilting vocal jazz of Troa. An impeccable, eye-opening collection of quality cuts.'
… Read more in stock $25.15
People also bought...
Review: Mr Bongo Record Club's Volume 7 presents a meticulously crafted mix of classic favourites and exciting new finds spanning a broad array of genres, including Brazilian, Latin, soul, disco, gospel, cosmic, dancehall and downtempo. This series has fans of the label excited about each volume that comes. With standout tracks like Os Panteras' Brazilian funk, the underground disco vibes of Claude Jay, and the soulful melodies of the Danish duo Gitte & Inger. Truth & Devotion's gospel soul and Chain Reaction's infectious grooves further illustrate the diverse range of influences at play. This volume particularly emphasises Brazilian music, diving deeper into folk and Afro-Brazilian sounds with selections from As Sublimes, Romeu Fernandes, and Conjunto de Percussao Dora Pinto. These tracks offer a refreshing shift from earlier volumes and showcase Brazil's rich musical heritage. A highlight is the exclusive 'Spring Has Sprung,' a collaboration between legendary Asha Puthli, the inventive band SOYUZ, and Swedish producer Sven Wunder. This track exemplifies the high-quality productions Mr Bongo Record Club is known for. Volume 7 blends Brazilian depth with dancefloor-ready hits, such as The Shades of Love's 'Come Inside.' This collection celebrates both timeless and contemporary music, reflecting the enduring allure of diverse and dynamic sounds.
… Read morePlayed by: Juno Recommends Funky House
in stock $26.52
People also bought...
in stock $26.26
People also bought...
Review: The liberation of Mali from French rule in 1960 led to an explosive musical renaissance, and on this latest 2xLP compilation, Mr Bongo seek to remonstrate the nation's excellence in the face of much strife. After 1970, amid revived drives to document many national and regional music productions from the West African nation, Malian culture underwent a fertile transformation, with state-sponsored bands and orchestras able to record with sound engineers for the first time. Compiled by French writer and journalist Florent Mazzoleni and Mr Bongo's own David Buttle, we hear here the likes of Ousmane Kouyate & Ambassadeurs Internationaux, Rail Band, Les Messagers du Mali, Mystere Jazz de Tombouctou and many more, where bright, fuzz-packed tones whirl about our ears in serene squalls of balafon-driven funk, rumba, wassoulou, jeli and blues.
… Read morePlayed by: AfroBase (Radio Chart), Juno Recommends International
in stock $26.26
People also bought...
Cat: MRBLP 168. Rel: 05 Jun 18
Review: Shina Williams' first album from 1979, African Dances, marked the moment where the Nigerian afrobeat artist would team up with 'His African Percussionists', to form one of the most sought-after sounds of the next decade. Taking inspiration from the Master Of Ceremonies, Fela Kuti, this album is just as loose and evocative as the legend's, and perhaps even a little more oriented towards the disco end of the spectrum. "Cunny Jam Wayo" is a classic afrobeat march, with its rolling drums popping off left, right and centre, while "Agboju Logun" offers a softer funk ride, and "Gboro Mi Ro" lifts the soul at the final moments with a truly memorable string of brass instruments and vocals. Cop this, not the L300+ original..!
… Read more in stock $24.60
People also bought...
Beautiful Bamboo Flute (gatefold LP)
Cat: MRBLP 214. Rel: 27 Sep 19
Review: In 2002, the Japanese government recognized bamboo flute maestro Hozan Yamamoto as a "living national treasure". It was in honor of his lengthy career in music, and in particular the way he championed a traditional Japanese instrument even when he was turning his hand to Western music. "Beautiful Bamboo Flute", an album first released in 1971 and almost impossible to find since, is a superb example of this. It sees him deliver haunting, emotional and life-affirming solos over funky jazz, big band and fusion backing tracks that tend towards the fresh and funky. It's an unusual blend, but also an invigorating and exciting one.
… Read more in stock $22.66
