FUNK 45: Mr Bongo reissues Zé Roberto’s 1973 Brazilian classic ‘Lotus 72 D’
As Mr Bongo continues to celebrate 30 years (!!!), the label/record shop’s latest 7inch reissue of Zé Roberto’s 1973 Brazilian holy grail Lotus 72 D might be their best so far of the year.
Zé Roberto, also know as Joaquim Roberto Braga is a composer, singer and instrumentalist among the seventies Brazilian folk-roots scene. The song “Lotus 72 D” is a tribute to São Paulo-based automobile racing driver Emerson Fittipaldi, who won the Brazilian Formula 1 championship in 1972. The single features two versions of the track, the originally recorded “normal speed” version, and the pitched up version that originally appeared on the outstanding 2001 Via Brazil compilation. Even though many people are more familiar with the “fast” version, Roberto states that he was unaware of this version ever officially existing.
Regardless of where the b-side track originated from, both versions are brilliant and now thanks to Mr Bongo, finally obtainable for the masses. An absolute must-own for any Brazilian music fan or collector!
Zé Roberto — ‘Lotus 72 D’
(Originally released: 1973 / RCA)
(Reissued: 2019 / Mr Bongo)
SIDE A: Lotus 72 D
SIDE B: Lotus 72 D (Fast Version)
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