DESCRIPTION
Mr Bongo has lovingly repressed a selection of the most in-demand and frequently requested titles from the Brazil 45’s catalogue. Marking the third release in the now-signature series, this edition shines a light on two highly sought-after tracks from Noriel Vilela and Juca Chaves.
On the A side, Noriel Vilela’s ‘16 Toneladas’ is a transformative samba interpretation of Tennessee Ernie Ford’s 1955 American pop-country-folk classic ‘16 Tons’. Originally released in 1971 on Copacabana Records, Noriel reimagines the track as a low-slung, rhythm-heavy samba groover, led by his deep, resonant vocals and masterful delivery.
On the B side, Juca Chaves’ ‘Take Me Back To Piauí’ — first released on 7” by RGE in 1970 and featured on his Muito Vivo LP (1972) — is a lush, whimsical slice of Brazilian songwriting. With sublime orchestration, velvety vocals, and uplifting cuíca tones, it’s an essential addition to any Brazilian music collection. Known for his sharp wit and social commentary, Chaves was a vocal critic of Brazil’s military dictatorship and, like Caetano Veloso and Gilberto Gil, was exiled in the early 1970s to Portugal and later Italy.
Together, these two tracks offer a window into the richness of Brazil’s musical soul during a politically turbulent era, brought back to life through this indispensable reissue.
TRACKLIST
A Side
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Noriel Vilela – 16 Toneladas
B Side
2. Juca Chaves – Take Me Back To Piauí