LP -Black Vinyl.

Mr Bongo is proud to present an official reissue of Z Rodrix E A Agncia De Mgicos O Esquadro Da Morte. Written, arranged and composed by the genius of Z Rodrix and performed by his band ‘Agncia de Mgicos, this Brazilian library funk beauty is the soundtrack to Carlos Imperial’s 1975 film of the same title. Echoing European soundtrack maestros such as Roy Budd and Ennio Morricone, but with a Brazilian swagger, Z Rodrix’s score is a sublime gem that needs rediscovery.

Rich in 70’s soundtrack cool, the score is packed with orchestrated jazz, chase scene-funk, breaks, psychedelic freakouts and plenty of drama. The loose and quirky break-beat jazz-funk of ‘Assalto‘ feels almost tailor-made for today’s hip-hop production aesthetic. The opening drum break of ‘Esconderijo‘ is a samplers dream and has already been reinterpreted by the Turkish Rapper Anl Piyanc, as well as Brazil’s DJ Caique.

Carlos Imperial was a jack of all trades. As a songwriter and music producer, he created a highly impressive back catalogue. It includes working with or writing songs for Tim Maia, Elza Soares, Brigitte Bardot, and Wilson Simonal. He also co-wrote the rare cult Brazilian 7″ compacto ‘Lindo Sonho Delirante (L. S. D’) by Fbio. Carlos Imperial wrote liner notes and was an actor, filmmaker, television presenter, and media figure. His film ‘O Esquadro da Morte‘ is a violent heist movie starring Beto Bandeira, Claire Chevalier, and Baby Conceicao; in the vein of exploitation films and gritty, raw B-Movie cinema of the day. Both the film and album share striking, macabre artwork by artist Benicio.

The instrumentalist, arranger, and singer-songwriter Z Rodrix has a musical achievements list that is also one to admire. Hes worked with the cream of Brazilian music, having written songs covered by the greats, including Quarteto Em Cy, Ronald Mesquita, Elis Regina, Karma, and Clia, to name just a few. His written arrangements have graced the music of Luli Lucinha E O Bando and Helio Matheus. He was a member of the iconic group Som Imaginrio and played piano and synthesizer on Secos & Molhado’s classic 1973 album.

We are super pleased to make this dusty treasure available again. It is a wonderful soundtrack score that more than holds its own with its European and American counterparts of the era.

Tracklist:

Side A
1. Esquadro Da Morte
2. Um Homem Um Homem Um Homem
3. Chorinho Pro Tio
4. Tema De Amor
5. Bolero De Mangaratiba

Side B
1. Motoqueiros
2. Mundo!
3. Assalto
4. Esconderijo
5. Rhumba