Azymuth: The Pioneers of Brazilian Jazz-Funk

Azymuth is a legendary Brazilian instrumental trio that masterfully blends samba, jazz, and funk into a unique sound known as "samba doido" (crazy samba). Formed in Rio de Janeiro in the early 1970s, the group achieved international acclaim and chart success, particularly in the UK and Japan, with their innovative fusion of acoustic instruments and synthesizers.

Early career

The core of Azymuth came together through Rio's vibrant session scene in the late 1960s. Keyboardist Jose Roberto Bertrami, drummer Ivan "Mamão" Conti, and bassist Alex Malheiros initially worked as backing musicians for major Brazilian artists like Jorge Ben and Elis Regina. Their first official release as a trio was the 1975 single Linha do Horizonte on the Brazilian label Som Livre, which hinted at their futuristic direction.

Breakthrough

Azymuth's global breakthrough arrived in 1979 with the album Light as a Feather on the Milestone label. The album's lead single, Jazz Carnival, became an unexpected international hit, climbing to number 19 on the UK Singles Chart. This success established the trio as leading figures in the burgeoning Brazilian jazz-funk scene and secured them a dedicated following worldwide.

Key tracks

Jazz Carnival — This infectious single from 1979 provided their commercial breakthrough and remains their most recognizable anthem.

Partido Alto — A definitive track from their classic 1979 album, showcasing their sophisticated blend of complex samba rhythms with jazz harmony.

Dear Limmertz — This song from the 1980 album Telecommunication exemplifies their mastery of spacey, melodic fusion and electronic textures.

Amazonia — A later career highlight from the 1999 album Woodland Warrior, demonstrating the enduring power and evolution of their signature sound.

The 1980s saw Azymuth release a prolific string of albums for Milestone, including Telecommunication and Tightrope Walker, while collaborating with artists like Brazilian vocalist Flora Purim. After a hiatus in the 1990s, they experienced a major resurgence, recording acclaimed new albums for the UK label Far Out Recordings, starting with 1999's Woodland Warrior. This partnership revitalized their career for a new generation of listeners and DJs.

Fans of Azymuth's groundbreaking Brazilian fusion should also explore Marcos Valle, who shares a similar sophisticated blend of samba, jazz, and MPB. The work of Arthur Verocai offers comparable orchestral richness and harmonic depth from the same fertile era. For a funkier edge, listen to Banda Black Rio, another seminal Brazilian group from the 1970s. The cosmic jazz explorations of Hermeto Pascoal also align with Azymuth's adventurous spirit.

The music of Azymuth is a staple on jazz-funk, Brazilian, and world music radio stations featured on this website. Their timeless tracks, from Jazz Carnival to deep album cuts, are regularly featured in programming dedicated to classic fusion and global rhythms, keeping their innovative sound on the airwaves.

Listeners can discover the iconic sound of Azymuth through the radio stations available on onairium.com. Tune in to hear how this pioneering Brazilian trio continues to influence the landscape of instrumental music on radio stations across the globe.