DESCRIPTION
Nico Gomez, the Belgian orchestra leader with Dutch roots, has long held cult status among Latin fans, DJs, and diggers alike. His rare ability to blend bossa nova, Latin jazz, and easy listening into something rhythmically rich and melodically inviting makes each release a rewarding listen. What’s even more remarkable is that his recordings — filled with such authentic Latin flavour — were made in Europe.
Following Mr Bongo’s 2013 reissue of Gomez’s sought-after Ritual LP (1971), we’re thrilled to present another gem from his catalogue — the 1972 album Soul of Samba. For this reissue, we’ve chosen to feature the original Japanese Trio Records cover art, a beautiful psychedelic design we felt best captured the spirit of the album. The LP was originally released under a different title, Bossa Nova, with alternate artwork in the Netherlands and Belgium via Omega International and International Bestseller Company respectively.
Soul of Samba brims with breezy, Euro-infused Brazilian grooves.
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‘Rio’ became a jazz-dance floor favourite, regularly spun at Brighton’s iconic Jazz Rooms and featured on Rainer Trüby’s Glücklich compilation series
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‘Aquarela’ captivates with its vibrant Latin shuffle, beckoning dancers to the floor
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‘Agua’ channels quirky Latin-funk vibes, enhanced by breathy, stoned-out vocals
From classic bossa standards like ‘Desafinado’ and ‘Garota De Ipanema’ to groovy Euro-Latin cuts like ‘Din! Din! Din!’, this album offers a rich palette of rhythms, smooth arrangements, and plenty of sample-worthy moments.
TRACKLIST
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Aquarela – 03:35
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Tristeza – 03:48
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Desafinado – 03:38
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Agua – 03:14
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Manhã De Carnaval – 03:18
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Garota De Ipanema – 02:58
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Samba De Uma Nota Só – 02:49
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Saudade Do Rio – 03:13
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Rio – 03:46
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O Barquinho – 03:05
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Você E Eu – 03:46
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Din! Din! Din! – 03:31