Arthur Verocai - Arthur Verocai
The first I heard of this record was when David Buttle and Graham Luckhurst - the guys behind Mr Bongo - were being interviewed for the Light in the Attic podcast. They were asked what have been the most painstaking reissues that they have worked on. While telling stories of the trials and tribulations that one goes through in the proess of reissuing old records, they both agreed that in the 30 years of Mr Bongo’s existence, the Arthur Verocai record is considered by them to be their “number one of all time...a perfect record.” That was all I needed to hear. I went right out and got my copy and damn, they were right. This is an all timer for sure. It really draws you in and seduces you. Starts with some sparse strumming on a classical guitar. You are ready for a folk record. Then come the spacey echoing clicks, the strings and you realize this is something else altogether. In fact, it is everything. And we’re only half way through the first track. As you will soon hear, it continues on from there in equally impressive fashion. Hope you enjoy this month’s delightful Brazilian duo!
Willer Arantes - Minas De Gerais, Brazil
Willer Arantes, a former oil and gas man from Sao Bernardo do Campo in Sao Paulo, had a life-altering realization when he was about to become a father. Driven by the desire to enhance his family's quality of life, he decided to join his father, Nivaldo Arantes, on their coffee farm. Guided by his father and through various courses, he mastered the art of coffee growing, transforming their farm from commercial to specialty-grade coffee. Despite losing his father, Willer continues to enhance the farm, executing and expanding on his father's plans. This exceptional Brazil is a testament to his care and devotion to the farm and his family. This coffee would pair exceptionally well with some Arthur Verocai. Just saying.
