Azymuth
Biography Azymuth
Azymuth
Brazilian jazz-funk legends Azymuth are set to tour Europe again in 2016 after the triumphant 2015 tour of their classic debut ‘Azimuth’. Formed in 1968, the original Azymuth line-up comprised Jose Roberto Bertrami on keyboards and synth, Alex Malheiros on bass and Ivan ‘Mamao’ Conti on drums and percussion. Together, they are responsible for carving out an entirely new sound within Brazilian music, fusing jazz-funk with samba, creating their own unique genre, referred to as ‘samba doido’, which translates as ‘crazy samba’.
After a 5 year recording hiatus following the passing of Jose Roberto Bertrami, Azymuth are set to release a brand new album in October 2016as they near half a century as one of the most important bands to come out of Brazil. Continually pushing the boundaries of jazz infused electronic music, the new album sees the samba mavericks enter a new phase with Bertrami’s replacement on keys Kiko Continentino: an incredibly skilled pianist, composer and arranger who, having worked with Brazilian legends such as Milton Nascimento and Gilberto Gil, is certainly worthy of taking to both studio and stage alongside Azymuth’s original titans Ivan ‘Mamao’ Conti and Alex Malheiros.
Since Bertrami’s passing, Ivan and Alex have worked tirelessly to keep the spirit of Azymuth and the genius of Bertrami alive. Both nearing 70, but with the vitality of 20-year old’s, they’ve recreated the energy of those spellbinding original Azymuth sessions, marking a return to their enormous classic sound. From carnival monster ‘Batucada Em Marte’ to sunny jazz-funk head-nodder ‘Orange Clouds’ and the psychadelic ambient synth work out ‘Igaraphe’, Azymuth have drawn upon five decades of consummate craftsmanship across jazz, disco, funk, psych and samba, - which coupled with their endless desire for experimentation and improvisation - has resulted in a 10-track journey encapsulating the full spectrum of Azymuth’s vastly varied signature sound.
Recorded in Rio De Janeiro in May 2016 with producers Joe Davis and Daniel Maunick, the album will materialise in October 2016 on super-heavyweight vinyl (the only way to experience the full colour of Azymuth’s expressionist fusion). Azymuth will also embark on a massive European tour in October/ November 2016 in support of the release. Far Out Recordings are also readying another Azymuth release, with a release date yet to be confirmed: the band’s last recording with Bertrami.
