【2/9発売】

Maria Ritaの1988年リリースのアルバム『Brasileira』が、Mr Bongoから再発されました。このアルバムは、ニューエイジのエレクトロニクス、先住民のボーカル、アマゾンのリズムが融合した美しく独特な作品です。特に『Cântico Brasileiro No.3 (Kamaiurá)』は、John Gomezのコンピレーション『Outro Tempo』に収録され、カルト的な人気を博しました。Maria Ritaはブラジル南部で生まれ、リオデジャネイロに移ってからこのアルバムをリリース。伝説的なピアニストLuiz EçaやグループUaktíが参加しています。彼女の音楽は再び国際的に注目され、『Brasileira』のリミックス盤もリリースされました。今回の再発盤は、特製ゲートフォルドカバー付きでお届けします。

A1. Cântico Brasileiro No.3 (Kamaiurá)
A2. Felicidade
A3. Cântico Brasileiro No.6 (Temporá)
A4. Canção De Garoa
A5. Lamento Africano / Rictus
B1. A Cidade
B2. Cântico Brasileiro No.1
B3. Relhaços
B4. Trilhas
B5. Melodia De Veludo
B6. Canção De Barco E De Olvido
B7. O Amor

Maria Rita is a musical pioneer that was ahead of her time. On first hearing her song, 'Cântico Brasileiro No.3 (Kamaiurá)’, we thought it sounded like a contemporary remix that an artist such as Carl Craig could have produced. In fact, it came out in 1988 and was taken from Maria's 'Brasileira' album, released on the Brazilian, independent Acorde imprint. The song would go on to gain cult status with its inclusion on John Gomez's superb 'Outro Tempo' compilation, released on the Music From Memory label in 2017.

The album fuses new-age electronics with indigenous vocals and Amazonian rhythms. It is beautiful and unique and takes you on a journey through different moods, textures and ethereal planes. Through the sounds Maria created, you join her on a timeless voyage gazing into the future whilst embracing her powerful roots.

Maria Rita Stumpf was born in the southern inland of Brazil, in the mountains of Aparados da Serra. She started writing music at the age of 14, and through participation in festivals and song contests, she developed her material and sound. A move to Rio de Janeiro in 1985 furthered her career and led to the release of the 'Brasileira' album. The record features the legendary pianist Luiz Eça, alongside the group Uaktí and Ricardo Bordini.

1993 saw the release of 'Mapa das Nuvens (Map of the Clouds)' on CD via the Leblon label, but soon after, Maria would have a hiatus from the music industry, dedicating herself to her cultural and arts agency, Acorde. She left the stage and recordings behind, but quality always shines through and years after its original release, international diggers, producers and DJs rediscovered the greatness of Maria's music. This would lead to a re-issue of the ‘Brasileira’ LP, and later Optimo Music/Selva Discos released a 12” EP of ‘Brasileira’ remixes by Selvagem, Carrot Green and Joakim. Maria also spoke at the Red Bull Music Academy Festival in São Paulo, performed at both the Kino Beat Festival and the Brazilian leg of the Dutch festival, Dekmantel. Her two latest albums received critical acclaim, ’Inkiri Om’ in 2020 and ‘Ver Tente’ in 2022. At last, Maria has got the credit and kudos she deserves, inspiring new and future generations of producers and music lovers.

Though previously re-issued, it was after a conversation with Maria that we learned that she wanted to keep this sublime record in press, and this was something that we couldn’t wait to put into action. So here it is, the Mr Bongo pressing of ‘Brasileira’, housed in a gatefold cover.