Customer Reviews

Brazilian Soul

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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

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!

Azimuth is a wonderful trio that has been playing together since the 70's.
This recording is from 2004, so there is an amazing level of musical intimacy among the musicians.
It features really elegant compositions and arrangements, all extremely well captured on studio sessions.
Musical knowledge matches an emotional performance, resulting in a very "up" atmosphere that blends bossa nova (samba), soul and jazz.
On top of that, the sound quality is superb.
The theme "Demais" has also Emilio Santiago on vocals, and is an instant hit.
A must have CD. Highly recommended.