Juno Recommends International: October 2024

Review: Thr33-Thirty Seven Records is the vinyl-only issue of Aussie label Groovescooter, delivering rare, nigh mythical unicorns of the Latin funk-jazz variety, largely on 12". Now welcoming back polyrhythmic electronic music trio Oyobi to the roster with a fresh 7" with two tracks detailed, we're bowled over by this slice of true newness from the lifers. First up is a jubilant buzzer shared with Colombia's finest, pico sound system legend Kaiman Jimenez; 'The Bottle / El Trago' pairs crisp hatwork with two-stepping syncopations and mettalic additions. On the B-side comes an alternate version with Karen Lee Andrews reinterpreting the vox in English, which to us lime-juicers reveals a pensive take on alcoholism. No reason to not get up and dance, though!

Review: The Fania label dives into Latin and Brazilian funk and jazz here on a special one-sided 7" that offers up Bobby Valentin's dancefloor classic 'Use It Before You Lose It.' This low-key cult classic has become hard to find at an affordable price and is a real favourite with those who know. It is three superb sweet minutes of busy and percussive funk rawness with shuffling samba undertones. The guttural vocals are impossible to genre and the jazzy keys are the icing on a fruity cake.

Review: Sessa's Grandeza, his debut album, marks a fresh, minimalist approach to modern Brazilian music. Released in 2019, the album blends the rich textures of Brazil's musical heritage with a stripped-back aesthetic. Sessa's songs, sung in Portuguese, evoke the sensual lyricism of Caetano Veloso and the melodic grace of Tom Jobim and Arthur Verocai. Yet, the music's sparse arrangement draws comparisons to Leonard Cohen's bareness, enriched by hints of tropicalia, psychedelia, and the spiritual jazz of Moondog and Pharoah Sanders. Grandeza is an intimate exploration of love, the human body, and the vibrant hues of Brazilian music. Recorded between Sao Paulo and New York City, the album's delicate production emphasises Sessa's deep connection to Brazil's musical tradition while pushing into new, understated territory. Sessa is an amazing songwriter, known for his enigmatic and sensuous style. With Grandeza, Sessa solidifies his place as one of Brazil's most promising voices, weaving together a timeless yet refreshingly modern sound.

Review: The Brazil45 series has always been pure gold and now come a pair f beauties from Harmony Cats, a vocal quintet-turned-trio from Sao Paulo known for their disco-era hits. Harmony Cats' 'Theme' from 1976 is their most recognised track outside Brazil and is inspired by Rhythm Heritage's Barretta's Theme with its spacey breakbeats, lush vocals and percussive flair, all of which have made it a true crossover classic. On the B-side, 'Seja Como Nos (De Pe No Chao)' delivers an exuberant Brazilian twist on The Jacksons' 'Shake Your Body (Down to the Ground)'- it's a guaranteed floor-filler with radiant disco energy and Harmony Cats' signature vocal style.

Review: Egle Martin's rare Afro-Latin 7" gem, originally released in 1970, has become a highly coveted record among collectors due to its infectious dancefloor energy. Martin, a multifaceted Argentine artistiactress, dancer, and singeriplayed a pivotal role in promoting Afro-Argentine culture and reclaiming Afro roots in Rio de la Plata. By the time of this recording, she had already achieved widespread acclaim, having performed with legends like Dizzy Gillespie and the Berlin Symphony Orchestra and released an album with renowned composer Astor Piazzolla. Her voice, rich in texture and distinctive in tone, captivates as she sings in Spanish, with an effortless freedom and power in her delivery. In 'El Dombe', Martin's tenderness shines through, offering a heartfelt ode to the rhythm and meaning of the dombe dance. 'Dombe Barilo' takes on a more bold and sweeping energy, with its ritualistic and uplifting message. Roberto Montiel's dynamic arrangements blend soul, funk and Latin American rhythms, all deeply rooted in Afro influences.

Review: Ray & His Court's self titled album is a masterclass in Latin funk by Ray Fernandez, a key figure in Miami's Cuban music scene. Originally released in 1973 on Sound Triangle Records, the album blends salsa, funk, soul, calypso and Afro-Cuban rhythms and is a real family affair that features Ray's wife, sons and top musicians like Rickey Washington, who is the father of the revered jazz cat Kamasi Washington. Side A boasts irresistible Latin tracks like 'La SeNorita Lola' and 'Lo Sabia' while Side B heats up with Miami funk including the DJ favourite 'Cookie Crumbs' and the standout instrumental 'Soul Freedom' to make for a magnetic fusion of Afro-Cuban energy and Miami groove.

Review: Israeli funk quartet Sababa 5 and Japanese singer-cum-bellydancer Yurika Hanashima join forces again on 'Kokoro', a combination of two song suites: four brand new concoctions and four beloved older tracks. Sababa 5's unique combination of Middle Eastern funk and Mediterranean rhythm makes a surprisingly sensational combination with Japanese Jazz-fusion sensibilities. Opening track 'Empty Hands' is a string-led proposition by Yurika: When your hands are empty, you hold everything you need. The guitars are expressive without overpowering Yurika's gentle vocals - it's the perfect track for a sunny drive home. The real selling point here is the clutch of tracks from Sababa and Yurika's storied past, namely 'Tokyo Midnights, a jangly, groove-filled song describing a smoke-filled, drink-fueled night through the capital. This version is pressed on classic black vinyl, but has been in high demand on the artist's own store - so act fast.

Review: Marcos Valle's 23rd studio album, Tunel Acustico, is a sweeping blend of the Brazilian legend's six-decade career, from his iconic bossa nova beginnings to jazz-funk and LA disco. Valle, who has worked with names like Sergio Mendes and Leon Ware, pulls together past and present on this release. With two members of the renowned Brazilian jazz-funk group Azymuth on board, the rhythm section sets a lively foundation for Valle's soulful melodies. Highlights include 'Feels So Good,' a groovy 1979 collaboration with Leon Ware, freshly updated with AI stem-separation and new Portuguese lyrics, and 'Life Is What It Is,' a disco-infused track co-written with Chicago's Laudir De Oliveira. Guest lyricists such as Ceu and Moreno Veloso add a contemporary flair, while the closing track, 'Thank You Burt (For Bacharach),' pays homage to the legendary composer. With its dynamic mix of samba, soul, and timeless grooves, Tunel Acustico is another standout in Valle's storied career.

Review: Celia & Johnny, released in 1974 on Fania Records, marked a pivotal moment for both Celia Cruz and salsa music. By this point, Cruz was already a celebrated star in Cuba, but her attempts to break into the U.S. salsa scene had struggled. Enter Johnny Pacheco, co-founder of Fania Records and leader of the Fania All-Stars. A longtime admirer of Celia's powerful contralto voice, Pacheco believed her potential had been stifled by overly complex arrangements. He was confident that pairing her voice with his more streamlined Afro-Caribbean rhythms would catapult her into salsa stardomiand he was right. The album produced two defining hits, 'Toro Mata' and 'Quimbara', both of which immediately resonated with dancers and salsa enthusiasts. The infectious grooves provided by Pacheco's band allowed Celia's voice to shine, and the success of these tracks solidified her status as the Queen of Salsa. Celia & Johnny is now seen as a cornerstone of salsa's golden age. The record's blend of traditional Cuban styles like mambo, guaracha, and guaguanco with the modern salsa sound brought the genre to a wider audience, particularly younger U.S.-born Latinos. Deep cuts like 'Tengo El Idde', 'Lo Tuyo Es Mental', and 'Canto a La Habana' further showcase Cruz's versatility, with moving performances that tap into spiritual, comedic and patriotic themes. Ultimately, Celia & Johnny remains a landmark collaboration that helped define the global appeal of salsa.

Review: Seun Kuti has released his highly anticipated album Heavier Yet (Lays The Crownless Head) via Record Kicks to great excitement. This album, executive produced by Lenny Kravitz and featuring Fela Kuti's original engineer Sodi Marciszewer, marks a significant milestone in Kuti's career. Following his Grammy-nominated album Black Times, this release showcases his evolution as both an artist and activist. The album features six powerful tracks, each embodying themes of resistance, resilience, and revolution. The track 'Dey,' featuring Damian Marley, emphasises self-empowerment, while 'Emi Aluta' pays homage to revolutionaries, featuring the innovative Sampa The Great. 'T.O.P.' critiques societal values, promoting empathy and a connection to nature. 'Love and Revolution' highlights Kuti's belief in love as a catalyst for change. Kuti expressed gratitude for Kravitz's brotherly support and Sodi's guidance during the production process. He continues to uphold the legacy of his father, Fela Kuti, using his music to inspire social change. This album promises to redefine contemporary Afrobeat while staying true to its roots. Fans can expect an album that entertains, inspires and ignites activism.

Review: Ahn Chi-haeng, a towering figure in Korea's gayo scene, made his mark in the 1960s through the 8th US Army entertainment circuit, later leading the popular 1970s soft rock band Young Sound. By the early 90s, he was a powerhouse in the music industry, known for his Midas touch as a producer. At the age of 60, Ahn shifted gears, embracing his Buddhist faith through a series of experimental sutra recordings. Unlike traditional sutra renditions, Ahn infused these spiritual texts with hip-hop beats and guitar riffs, making them both spiritually resonant and musically engaging. The 2004 release of these recordings, originally meant for a small Buddhist audience, found a second life a decade later when younger listeners discovered them online. This reissue, part of Beatball's effort to spotlight Ahn's extensive catalog, selects six standout sutras from the 2004 double CD. The tracks, including 'Hip Heart Sutra' and 'Mantra of Avalokiteshvara', are meticulously remastered by Dave Cooley, bringing new energy to the beats and ensuring these unique pieces resonate with both Ahn's original intent and today's listeners. This vinyl release offers a rare opportunity to experience Ahn's innovative fusion of spirituality and modern music.

Review: Mayra Andrade's live album, recorded at Union Chapel, features the warmth and eclecticism of her music in an intimate setting. Known for blending Cape Verdean Creole, English, and Portuguese in her songs, she pulls from a variety of cultural influences to craft a sound that's truly global. Her live collaboration with guitarist Djodje Almeida, 'reEncanto,' takes listeners on a journey through her discographyifrom Navega (2006) to Manga (2019).Andrade's music dances between traditional Cape Verdean rhythms and contemporary beats, with touches of reggae, African soul and pop influences, making every performance feel both rooted and adventurous. Her voice, full of depth and color, effortlessly shifts between romantic ballads and playful, rhythmic tunes. A nomadic spirit is evident in her music as she reflects her life's experiences and travels. On stage, Andrade is stunning, and the energy she brings in this live recording transports listeners straight to Cape Verde's sun-drenched shores. For those unfamiliar with her work, this album is an ideal introduction to the vibrant, evolving world she's built through her music, full of passion and heartfelt storytelling.

Review: Kit Sebastian's upcoming album, New Internationale, set for release via Brainfeeder, marks a major step forward for the duo of Kit Martin and Merve Erdem. The lead single, 'Metropolis', blends Azerbaijani musical influences with Western funk grooves, using vintage synths and intricate choral textures. The track's samba-driven finale, complete with dual drum kits and processed horns and strings, creates a layered, cinematic soundscape. Lyrically, "Metropolis" explores the immigrant experience, delving into themes of identity, belonging, and artistic compromise in an unfamiliar world. Written while on tour, New Internationale features a rich tapestry of global instrumentsifrom Turkish clarinet to zither and harpsichordiwoven into a seamless mix of Anatolian psych, French pop, and Tropicalia. The album reflects Merve's personal journey navigating her Turkish heritage and Kit's eclectic musical influences, culminating in their most orchestrated work yet. It's a vivid exploration of multicultural identity, using lush, borderless soundscapes that bridge genres and histories, while pushing the boundaries of modern psychedelia and global fusion.

Review: Founded in the late 1960s by record store owner Seidou Adissa, Albarika Store became one of Africa's most influential independent labels and did a fine job of showcasing Benin's rich musical landscape. This compilation highlights the post-colonial music scene and is centered on Orchestre Poly-Rhythmo and founder Melome Clement who recorded under various names to spotlight key musicians. Also featured are pioneering acts like Les Sympathics De Porto Novo and Les Volcans who mix up Western funk, soul and Latin influences with traditional African rhythms. With contributions from Ipa Boogie and Ogassa, this collection celebrates local music infused with funk, disco and Afrobeat in all their glory.

Review: Waldir Calmon's 'Airport Love Theme' has that special appeal that makes it a true gem. Sampled by Madlib on the Madvillain album track 'Curls', this lounge classic from Calmon's 1970 Waldir Calmon E Seus Multisons LP on Copacabana exudes nostalgic charm. Despite its unassuming cover, 'Airport Love Theme' delivers a dreamy, feel-good vibe that could soundtrack a perfect world. Afro Son, from the same album, shifts towards a Brazilian-rooted, cinematic groove, reminiscent of Jean Jacques Perrey's E.V.A.. Calmon, a Brazilian music fixture from the 50s to the 80s, who collaborated with legends like Tom Jobim and Joao Gilberto and left a unique musical legacy that lives on in these timeless tracks.

Review: For the 83rd release in their Brazil 45 series, Mr. Bongo presents yet another a gem in the form of two classic tracks by Brazilian soul legend Roberto De Melo Santos, also known as Di Melo. Born in Recife in 1949, Di Melo is celebrated as an icon of Brazilian funk despite a limited discography. His 1975 self-titled debut is a prized collector's item that is widely loved by Brazilian funk fans, breakbeat enthusiasts and sample seekers. This release revives two standouts from that cult album in 'Kilario,' which is a smooth, soulful masterpiece, and 'Pernalonga,' a feel-good tune featuring catchy guitar, horns and a memorable drum break that was famously sampled in 2009's 'The People Tree.'

Review: The charming 'Xango' by Magalhaes from his 1986 album E Sua Guitarra on Gravasom Records is an electrifying Lambada track with haunting vocals and infectious energy that now gets reissued as part of the superb series from Mr Bongo. It is a guaranteed dancefloor rescuer for DJs worldwide and has in fact been building momentum in recent years. It remains a favourite for its driving rhythm and captivating intensity and on the B-side is 'Lambada Pauleira' by Os Panteras, which was released in 1987 on Gravasom. Known for Joutro Mundo's popular re-edit, this original version stands out with its quirky charm and undeniable appeal and is a staple for renowned Brazilian DJs, including Augusto Olivani (aka Trepanado).

Review: The second part of Susobrino's album continues his playful exploration of Latin and Cumbia rhythms, pushing the boundaries of traditional sounds while paying tribute to their roots. 'El Destino' opens with a burst of vibrant energy, where Monterrey's La Gallo 3:20's bold vocals ride over layers of quirky beats, creating a track that's as much a celebration as it is experimental. 'CUMBIA GORDA' brings a salsa flair, full of lively trumpet arrangements, while 'CUMBIA RICO' shifts into a more danceable mode, echoing the festive atmosphere of a Brazilian carnival. Overall, it's a refreshing and daring take on Latin fusion.

Review: Juyungo is a wonderful documentation of the unique Afro-Ecuadorian culture from the province of Esmeraldas which blends Afro-Indigenous traditions with rich musical heritage. Centred around the marimba, the music incorporates call-and-response chants, Andean guitar finger styles and the haunting sounds of panpipes to make for a deeply immersive experience. Tracks like 'Agua Largo' and 'Kasilla Shungulla' embody the spirit of cultural resistance, identity and healing and make for a brilliantly escapist listen. Released by Honest Jons, this exotic album offers vivid sound quality with a stunning gatefold sleeve and a 16-page bilingual booklet filled with insightful notes and beautiful photography.