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Muca & Roberto Menescal – Beleza [The Secret Warehouse Of Sound]

“Beleza”, the latest release from multi-instrumentalist Muca is a musical journey back to his Brazilian roots. Muca has spent the last sixteen years residing in the UK. He decided that the timing was right to reconnect to his youth growing up in Sao Paulo. He’s joined on this journey by composer/guitarist Roberto Menescal. Menescal has been a pioneer of Brazilian Bossa Nova since the mid-sixties. He’s penned recordings like “O Barquinho”, “Voce” and many more. The twelve track LP features a different vocalist for each recording from around the globe. Six songs are sung in English while the other six in Portuguese. “Ladeira” is a soothing samba tune featuring Bahian vocalist Josyara. The aptly titled “Midnight Lullaby” is laced with lush arrangements and gentle guitar licks. The highlight is the soft and stylistic vocals of British Brazilian vocalist Liana Flores. The finale “Feeling When It Comes” is stripped down bossa nova featuring the earthy vocals of Heidi Vogel. Co-produced by Menescal, Muca has captured the essence of bossa nova. The superb lineup takes this record to greater heights. Press play and prepare to be swept away.

https://muca1.bandcamp.com/album/muca-roberto-menescal-beleza

Kraak & Smaak – Velvet Seas [Boogie Angst]

Dutch electronic pioneers Kraak & Smaak return with their seventh album. “Velvet Seas” blends the Sunny vibes of Los Angeles with the relaxed nature of Denmark. The thirteen track album layers the ambient moods with a thumping groove. “Herbs & Wine” pops with vibrant chords and lush harmonies courtesy of vocalist Ivar. “Morning Reverie” is a mid-tempo psychedelic tune filled with dreamy melodic synth grooves. The track features vocalist Berenice Van Lear. Van Lear and Ivar are also part of the group The Undercover Dream Lovers. Another LA duo, Rio Kosta contributed to the project as well. They’re aligned in their love for harmony, melody and lushness. Together they’ve created a superb release certain to provide good vibrations.

https://kraaksmaak.bandcamp.com/album/velvet-seas-3

Joel Sarakula – Soft Focus [Legere Recordings]

Joel Sarakula’s latest release “Soft Focus” is a collection of light funk and jazzy pop recordings. Born in Sydney Austraila Sarakula has built a following around the UK where he’s now a resident, “I’ll Get By Without You”, produced by Shawn Lee is a laid back blue eyed soul stomper. “Back For Your Love” has a touch of Northern Soul with jazzy synths and funky wah wah guitar rhythms. “Midnight Movie” is a sunny uptempo tune with a touch of samba. “Soft Focus” is a time capsule into late seventies soulful pop recordings. Sarakula’s falsetto will remind you of crooners like Michael McDonald and Boz Scaggs. The recordings will inject you with good vibes while yearning for simpler times.

https://joelsarakula.bandcamp.com/album/soft-focus

Dora Morelenbaum – Pique [Mr Bongo Records]

“Pique”, the solo debut from Dora Morelenbaum is awash with sublime jazz infused Brazilian rhythms. A member of the group Baja Desejo, Morlenbaum’s own project allows her to put her talents on full display. The blissful opener “Nao Vou Te Esquecer” showcases her heavenly voice over warm keys and soft guitar melodies. “Nem te procurar” is a light Disco number with an infectious groove. “VW Blue” is a jazzy number where Morlenbaum’s wordless phrasing aligns seamlessly with the stellar musicianship on board. The soothing ethereal “Petricor” is another highlight among many here. Ana Frango Eletrico serves as co-producer and creates a balance between mellow and funky tunes. Morelenbaum’s voice is understated yet passionate so you’re instantly pulled in. There’s a new generation of talent emerging from Brazil and Morelenbaum is certainly one to watch. This engaging debut is evidence of that.

https://doramorelenbaum.bandcamp.com/album/pique