Mr Bongo started life in 1989 as a small record shop underneath Daddy Kool’s Reggae Store on Berwick Street in London. They were the first shop to sell vinyl releases from independent hip hop labels such as Def Jam, Rawkus, Nervous and Big Beat outside of the USA. They also became an established bearer for hard-to-find, classic Latin music, particularly Brazilian, outside of the Americas. Over the following years Bongo moved three times within Soho and opened in Shibuya, Japan. They moved their offices to Brighton in 1999.
25+ years on they now have a recording roster featuring some of the best Brazilian, Latin, reggae, African and Jazz music by artists including Terry Callier, Jorge Ben, Joyce, Seu Jorge, Prince Fatty, Incredible Bongo Band and Marcos Valle. At the end last year they opened up a new store in Brighton. We are incredibly excited to announce that Mr Bongo have agreed to do a monthly feature of their top 5 in store picks. Below are their 5 favourite records in store last July.
Click the album covers to listen and buy vinyl!
Vels Trio Yellow Ochre – Vinyl EP
‘The Vels Trio are a big favourite at the Mr Bongo office, their awesome debut limited ep on Total Refreshment Records is an esstensbal purchase.’
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Crown Ruler Sound compiled Jeremy Spellacey – 2-LP Vinyl
‘Such an amazing compilation. Hand picked by Crown Ruler head honcho Jeremy Spellacy. Packed with rare sort after & obscure gems. ‘
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Lena D’Água Jardim Zoológico – Vinyl 12”
‘It’s been a strong month of releases and this repress is one of the best re-issues of the year so far. Strangelove Music out of New Zealand unearth a Portuguese Balearic gem from 1983 by Lena D’Água . ‘
Mother Braintree Sailing / Let Me Stay Beside You – 7” Vinyl
‘Any release on Super Disco Edits is well worth investigating, but with this Mother Braintree release they have really struck gold! An anthemic feel good AOR soul number backed with a spiritual jazzy breaks jam on the flip. Love it.’
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Gal Costa India – Vinyl LP/CD
‘Our own replica re-issue of Gal Costa’s 1973 classic India lp which includes the incredible ’Pontos De Luz’ as sampled by Kaytranada on ’Lite Spots’. A wonderful album from start to finish, touching on MPB, folk, jazz, funk and rock with strong Tropicalia and Nordestino influences throughout.’
