Toni Tornado / Som Três - O Journaleiro / Homenagem A Mongo

Year Released:
Original recordings: late 1960s–early 1970s
(O Jornaleiro comes from Toni Tornado’s BR-3 LP, 1971.
Homenagem a Mongo comes from Som Três, circa 1969.)

Genre:
Brazilian Funk / Soul / Black Rio / Orchestral Funk

Description

“O Jornaleiro” by Toni Tornado is a fiery slice of early-70s Brazilian soul-funk and an essential piece of the Black Rio movement. Tornado — often compared to James Brown for his stagecraft and vocal intensity — delivers an explosive performance over a rhythm section bursting with swagger. The track is driven by tight drums, surging horns, deep bass, and bold call-and-response dynamics that fuse American funk influences with unmistakably Brazilian swing. Originally appearing on the rare BR-3 LP, this track has long been coveted by collectors for its raw energy and undeniable dancefloor power.

The flip side, “Homenagem a Mongo” by Som Três, shifts into a smoother, more cinematic instrumental mood. Keyboardist César Camargo Mariano leads the trio through lush chords, graceful horn flourishes, and a hypnotic rhythmic pulse that feels both soulful and introspective. The composition pays tribute—musically and spiritually—to Mongo Santamaría, blending Latin jazz nuances with Brazilian sensibilities.

Together, these two cuts offer a deep dive into a particularly fertile period of Brazilian soul-jazz experimentation.

Drums & Groove: Heavy, punchy drums on “O Jornaleiro” give DJs and producers exactly the kind of rhythmic crispness that crate-diggers chase.

Horns: “O Jornaleiro” is filled with bold brass lines that punctuate Tornado’s vocals with force and flair.

Vocals: Tornado’s delivery is soulful, gritty, and politically charged — the voice of the Black Rio movement.

Instrumental Depth: “Homenagem a Mongo” provides beautiful melodic phrasing and an emotionally rich palette of keys and horns.

Toni Tornado was a central figure in Brazil’s Black Power and soul music renaissance of the early 1970s. His work blended American funk aesthetics with social awareness and Afro-Brazilian identity. Som Três, meanwhile, were key innovators in Brazil’s jazz-funk fusion scene.

This 7″ release is prized by collectors because:

It pairs two rare, musically rich cuts.

The BR-3 LP and early Som Três records have long been difficult to find in mint condition.

Both sides embody the “Brazilian breaks” ethos: rhythmically strong, musically sophisticated, and sonically warm.

In the world of Brazilian-funk-digging, these are legendary deep cuts, not obvious classics — the kind of records producers love precisely because they haven’t been overused.

This single is a powerful meeting of two giants of Brazilian funk and jazz. “O Jornaleiro” hits hard with swagger, grit, and political soul, while “Homenagem a Mongo” offers elegance and emotional depth. For collectors, DJs, and beatmakers, the record is both an aesthetic treasure and a source of rich musical possibilities — a snapshot of Brazil’s vibrant funk revolution.