This one takes us back! Mr Bongo originally reissued Waltel Branco’s Meu Balanço back in 1995 — one of the very first titles to appear on the label. It's remained a much-requested gem ever since, with original pressings becoming increasingly rare and expensive. So it feels only right to present this stunning record once again, for a new wave of listeners to enjoy. Born in Paranaguá, Brazil, in 1929, and passing away in Rio de Janeiro in 2018, Waltel Branco left behind an extraordinary musical legacy. A true maestro, from the 1950s onwards he made his mark as a guitarist, composer, conductor, arranger, and orchestrator. His collaborators include Brazilian music legends such as Elis Regina, Dom Um Romão, Bossa Três, Marcos Valle, and Tony Bizarro, to name just a few. Originally released in 1975 on CBS Records Brazil, Meu Balanço is a masterclass in Brazilian big band orchestration, blending jazz-funk, cinematic library cues, breezy easy listening, breaks, beats, and even moments of ‘70s cop show flair. The result is a kaleidoscope of sounds that feels both deeply nostalgic and strikingly fresh. Featuring a cast of under-the-radar session players who were foundational to the Brazilian music scene of the 1970s — including Luizão Maia (bass), Edmundo Maciel (trombone), and Paulinho Braga (drums) — the album oozes style and groove. Waltel’s touch is unmistakable: a fusion of Brazilian soul, funk-infused jazz, and cinematic finesse. Meu Balanço echoes the work of European and American library giants of the time, but threads it with a uniquely Brazilian feel. The arrangements, rhythms, and textures still resonate today, drawing clear lines of influence to contemporary hip-hop producers like Madlib, Knxwledge, and The Alchemist. A breezy ride through a vivid musical landscape — wonderfully nostalgic, yet timeless in its artistry. TRACKLIST Luar Do Sertão Sonho No Céu Meu Balanço Lady Samba Apenas Um Coração Solitário Jael Walking Satiricon Carmen Meiguice Petit Fils Zoraia
