Janet / Ron Song by Don Glori

Don Glori returns with the release of Janet / Ron Song on the illustrious Mr Bongo label.

Art by Mr Bongo

Presenting the latest radio single from Melbourne/Naarm multi-instrumentalist Don Glori's forthcoming third album, "Paper Can't Wrap Fire." A double header taking in the R&B-infused, soul-rousing "Janet" and the samba-flecked yet distinctively Don Glori, "Ron Song."

Up first, "Janet" is a slick slow jam featuring the silky lead male vocals of ML Hall, with sultry female backing harmonies by Ruby Dargaville, Isadora Lauritz, and Bianca Kyriacou. Taking inspiration from Janet Jackson's "I Get So Lonely" with its lean-in vocal delivery, double hook chorus, and synth wizardry, Don serves up a soulful, R&B-injected beauty.

"Janet" is definitely a song about lust, the lyrics don't hold back and I think the production rises to the occasion. There's a floating nylon string guitar complete with reverse slide, a Boyz II Men choir pre chorus, Aguilera-style adlibs and grand piano with string pads. The outro is a little nod to the Isley Brothers' "Between The Sheets." Couldn't have asked for a better person than ML Hall to bring the sauce to life too.
Don Glori

Echoing late '80s and '90s R&B, quiet storm, and soul, an electronic bass bubbles and gives the production a pulsating bounce, whilst the lighter shades of acoustic guitar, grand piano, and string pads hover and glide with dreamlike prowess.

The thing I love about "Ron Song" is all the ear candy. The Rhodes was routed through the preamp of an original suitcase Rhodes to give it the proper stereo trem it needed. The guitar just breaking through the ribbon mic contrasts against the very digital chorus on the bass. The bass is pushed out to the sides, using every dial tone sample at once. Texturally it feels like an ear massage. Alcides Neto laid down cuíca throughout the track and fans of Azymuth/Brazilian music in general will appreciate the partido alto underneath the trumpet solo. It's as if the cuíca and Rhodes are having a conversation in the outro.
Don Glori

"Ron Song" is an ode to Brazil's musical heritage, with Don nodding to icons and influences including João Donato and Seu George. Samba-soaked, it's doused in buttery Rhodes, hazy vocal harmonies, and acoustic guitar riffs. Combine that with a serving of long majestic horn lines and the instantly recognisable cuíca and it's a one-way ticket to Rio's sunshine-soaked shores.

Don Glori - Janet / Ron Song
Release Date May 2025
Label Mr Bongo

Tracklist
1. Janet (Feat. ML Hall)
2. Ron Song
3. Janet (Feat. ML Hall) (Radio Edit)