Our Song of the Day is a new track from Swedish folk rock trio Junip comprised of childhood friends consisting of José González (guitar, vocals), Elias Araya (drums) and Tobias Winterkorn (organ, moog). To celebrate 25th anniversary of Mr Bongo Records ‘Oba, Lá Vem Ela‘, a cover of the legendary Brazilian musician Jorge Ben, will feature as part of a series of special Brazilian based releases.
Born to Argentinean parents, José González finds himself going back to his South American roots with this cover of Jorge Ben, the godfather of Brazilian music. Famed for fusing the traditional samba and bossa nova styles with funk rock, Jorge came to prominence amid the excitement of the Tropicalia movement in the late 1960s which saw music and culture in Brazil revolutionised. His debut album contained the original recording of the worldwide sensation ‘Mas Que Nada’ which has been covered by artists as varied as Dizzy Gillespie and The Black Eyed Peas, and was named as one of the ‘100 Best Brazilian Albums Ever’ by Rolling Stone magazine.
For the last twenty five years Brighton’s Mr Bongo Records has been at the epicentre of cutting-edge Latin music in the UK. ‘Oba, Lá Vem Ela’ also features on Mr. Bongo’s long awaited compilation series ‘Brazilian Beats 7.’ This compilation continues the label’s persistent dedication to shining a light on the country’s wealthy musical heritage, both past and present. The hype surrounding all things Brazilian will only increase in the coming months due to the fast approaching 2014 World Cup. Brazilian rhythm fever is brewing.
Tackling a track by one of Brazil’s most iconic artists is no easy feat, but Junip’s masterful and soulful version makes a sensational tribute to Jorge Ben and his nation’s vibrant musical history.
Order it here via Mr Bongo Records