Mr Bongo

Mr Bongo on vinyl: rediscoveries from around the world

In short: Mr Bongo is a British label that grew out of a London record shop. Above all it reissues rarities – records whose originals are hard to find: Brazilian music of the sixties and seventies, African funk, jazz from Japan and Europe. The label also releases new music. The Vinyl Room currently has 15 Mr Bongo records.

From our stock

Still sealed

Bossa nova, MPB & Latin jazz

Jazz-funk & soul jazz

New in

→ Bossa nova · Jazz-funk · Latin on vinyl · How to spot a first pressing

What makes Mr Bongo special?

Brazil is at the centre: Arthur Verocai’s 1972 album, now regarded as a cult record, Tom Zé with “Grande Liquidação”, the Salvador Trio, Os Ipanemas and Marcos Valle. For jazz collectors there’s Olli Ahvenlahti from Finland and Hozan Yamamoto with “Beautiful Bamboo-Flute” from Japan.

The Swedish singer Doris with “Did You Give The World Some Love Today, Baby” and the Ghanaian band Marijata show how far Mr Bongo searches. Newer records such as Kit Sebastian or Joel Culpepper round out the programme. Since these are mostly reissues, first pressing here means the first pressing of the Mr Bongo edition.

FAQ

What is Mr Bongo? A British label that mainly reissues rare records from Brazil, Africa and other countries.

Are Mr Bongo records originals? Usually not – they are reissues; first pressing means the first pressing of the Mr Bongo edition.

Who is Arthur Verocai? A Brazilian composer and arranger; his 1972 album is now regarded as a cult record.

What do you have on Mr Bongo? Reissues and new records from the 2010s and 2020s – 15 records in all.