Album Description: 'Brazilian Soul' is an affirmation of why Azymuth are still among the hottest and hippest cats on the Rio scene, even three decades after they made their first tentative steps into bossa nova. 'Brazilian Soul' is a return to their blistering form of the early Eighties, when their releases would regularly trouble the Top 20s of the US and UK charts...this is a real masterpiece from the original masters!
The celebratory mood throughout reflects the sheer vigour and energy that has gone into the making of this album. The tracks on the album can be divided into three parts; the first have been informed by their early work in the Seventies, making some of the most popular bossas in Brazil (tracks here like 'Depois De Carnival' and a tribute to Rio's king of swing (Ed Lincoln); the second inspired by their fertile period of the early Eighties (including 'Retro Visor' which is a reprise of the classic 'Dear Limmertz'; and the last set coming from their collaborations with Joe Davis over the last few years. From shimmering bossas like 'Os Romanticos De Don Juan' (featuring Emilio Santiago) that hover around the coolest margins of easy listening, to the raw, funky disco energy of 'O Lance' and 'Roda Piao', this new album is a return to classic form for Azymuth.
Disc 1:
Estatico - Azymuth, Marcio Lott
Biáozinho Carioca
Demais - Azymuth, Emilio Santiago
Sambafrica
Retro Visor
Depois de Carnival - Azymuth, Fabiola
Sáo Pedro
O Lance
Sem Destino
Ed Lincoln - Azymuth, Fabiola, Marcio Lott
Pra Ze - Azymuth, Sabrina Malheiros, Roberto Menescal
Jazz Funk , Brasil speaking Muitas vezes define-se o jazz pelo improviso, pela vibração e entusiasmo e pelo vigor.
No matter what language, everyone wants to define "jazz" musics, and the hybrid movements that followed.
Bertrami, Mamão and Malheiros are legend from incendiary days backing Marcos Valle and their first musical endeavours, and Azymuth has been a staple of the jazz musics performed with electric instruments that is touched by funk and "R&B " elements, as well as, in this case the famous MPB, "música popular brasileira"!
To the few who may be uninitiated, Azymuth is a wonderful musical stew; ~~ José Roberto Bertrami on multiple electric keyboards and piano,who can be compared to Josef Zawinul, except that Bertrami has his own unique flavour
~~ Alex Malhieros , Rickenbacker bass and violão, occasional electric guitar, the Rickenbacker gives the bottom a special edge, along with
~~ the incredible powerful drum of Mamão, Malheiros and Mamão can be compared, they are a unit much like the famous Tower of Power duo of David Garibaldi and Rocco Prestia!
For one lucky to see Azymuth "ao vivo" (live show), they go beyond the catagory they usually are given in USA, put in the "smooth jazz" , a misnomer.
Bertrami and grupo can be, given any evening, quite experimental, but the recordings are usually of the lovely melody, pretty chords (Bertrami's chord voicings gorgeous), funky grooves, all served up with the Brasilian tradition!
This CD, a recording from England's "FAR OUT" label promotes the dance hall affair love England has with Brailian sounds, and features glorious vocals from Brasilian samba funk vocal giant Emilio Santiago, and less known Marcio Lott, who sings "over the moon" also!
Not as much a jazz/funk outing as a very nice popular funk /soul recording, much as Marcos Valle has been releasing the last few years.
"Demais" in particular, a standout vocal track, while "Pra Zé" features contribution from mestre Roberto Menescal, "Roda Piao" just insane FUN!
Not for the heavy jazzers with a prejudice against electric sounds, but I am sure the discerning ear of the most "elitista" jazz entusiast can detect the virtuosity of this famous trio and their guests!
A thousand stars in the sky
SUPERB CD !!@!!~@~!!@~@!!~@ Azymuth is back and superbly !!!! I like this new recording from A to Z; 1) The Guests: Roberto Menescal, Emilio Santiago, Sabrina Malheiros, Marcio Lott, etc.etc. 2) The compositions are as fresh as they were back in 1975. 3) And Emilio's rendition of Demais is out of this world. If you are a fan of Azymuth, don't hesitate a second, grab it. If you are a fan of Brazilian Jazz, same thing. If you are just new to the Brazilian realm, this is a perfect CD for you. Far Out makes limited runs, so better get it while it's still available.
A true Azymuth album but... Incredible to say, after all the great albums this supertrio already made. A new album and, a very good one. But, as there is always a but, splendid tracks are mixed with some "populair" track. More poppy then jazzy. In a way they have tried to get 14 tracks on this album with a mix of "thirty years Azymuth", in this way they have succeeded it brilliantly. Because, lining up all the Azymuth albums, it is a mix. Compare the great album Ligth as a feather with the album Curumim, or Volta a Turma and see...a true mix. The choice they made to have some old friens with them on this album is a very nice choice. Emilio Santiago is great, as well the daughter of bass player Alex Malheiros, Sabrina, well chosen! For the admirers and followers of Jazzy Brazil, this album is a jewel in your CD rack!
Anything Goes Trivia
Megaton Man
Tailipoe
Trevor
