DESCRIPTION
Mr Bongo is proud to present an official reissue of Zé Rodrix E A Agência De Mágicos – O Esquadrão Da Morte. Written, arranged, and composed by the brilliant Zé Rodrix, and performed by his band Agência de Mágicos, this Brazilian library funk treasure is the original soundtrack to Carlos Imperial’s 1975 cult film of the same name.
Echoing the stylings of European soundtrack greats like Roy Budd and Ennio Morricone, yet infused with unmistakable Brazilian swagger, Rodrix's score is a sublime and underappreciated gem ripe for rediscovery. The album bursts with '70s soundtrack cool — think orchestrated jazz, chase-scene funk, psychedelic freakouts, cinematic drama, and irresistible rhythmic breaks.
Standout moments include the loose and quirky jazz-funk of ‘Assalto’, which feels tailor-made for modern hip-hop production. The opening drum break of ‘Esconderijo’ is a sampling goldmine, already reinterpreted by Turkish rapper Anıl Piyancı and Brazilian DJ Caique.
Carlos Imperial, the film’s director, was a polymath: songwriter, producer, actor, filmmaker, and cultural figure. His artistic footprint includes collaborations with Tim Maia, Elza Soares, Wilson Simonal, and even Brigitte Bardot, not to mention co-writing the psych-cult hit ‘Lindo Sonho Delirante (L.S.D.)’ by Fábio. His film O Esquadrão da Morte — a gritty, violent heist flick — channels the raw energy of 1970s exploitation cinema, featuring actors Beto Bandeira, Claire Chevalier, and Baby Conceição. The album and film are tied together with macabre, unforgettable cover art by the legendary illustrator Benicio.
Zé Rodrix, a gifted instrumentalist, arranger, and singer-songwriter, worked with many of Brazil’s musical elite. His compositions were recorded by Quarteto Em Cy, Ronald Mesquita, Elis Regina, Karma, and Célia. His arrangements elevated the work of artists such as Luli Lucinha E O Bando and Helio Matheus, and he played keyboards on the classic Secos & Molhados 1973 LP. He was also a member of the progressive Brazilian rock band Som Imaginário.
We’re thrilled to make this dusty treasure available once again. It stands proudly alongside the great European and American soundtrack records of its era — an essential listen for fans of cinematic funk, jazz fusion, and obscure Brazilian grooves.
TRACKLIST
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Esquadrão Da Morte
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Um Homem É Um Homem É Um Homem
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Chorinho Pro Tio
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Tema De Amor
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Bolero De Mangaratiba
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Motoqueiros
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Mundo!
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Assalto
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Esconderijo
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Rhumba