Do The Maracana

 

Gary Corben - Gods In Brazil [AV001 PRT 2019 24-Bit FLAC]

It has been some thirty-five years since Vic Goddard did the boogaloo when he delivered T.R.O.U.B.L.E., previously unknown Brit, Gary Corben has been submerged in the sounds of Brazil for twenty-five of those years, living in Rio immersed among the musician community, he finally got around to releasing an album of his own.

Sung in both English & Portuguese, Corben hits us with twelve (mostly self-penned) sambas, cha-chas and boogaloos. Some might say this is easy-listening, it is ...the easiest of listening with an impeccably precise & cool groove made for Summer. After all, how many crooners would dare be seen out in a pair of well-worn desert boots? 

Surprisingly, this album was recorded in Poland with classical session musicians then finished in Rio with eminent Brazilian producer Kassin, aided & abetted by some serious local talent. Despite being championed in the UK by DJ Gilles Peterson, this album has likely slipped most by and will unlikely see a repress unless enough demand builds to persuade important Portuguese label Mad About Records.

I make no apologies for posting such an extremely happy record, we all need a reason to smile each & everyday. 

A1 Puma 72

A2 Sorriso de Manhã

A3 Juanito Caminante (Little Johnny Walker)

A4 Tutti Frutti

A5 Donateando (Happiness)

A6 Cheese Boogaloo

B1 Eu Não Vou Mais

B2 Adão Fora do Balanço

B3 Shangri La

B4 Erasmo

B5 Goodbye To Love

B6 Tema Perdido (Lost Theme)