Azymuth

Azymuth is a Brazilian group from Rio de Janeiro, formed in 1973. It is known for a style it calls samba doido, or “crazy samba”, combining Brazilian rhythms with jazz and funk, with occasional acoustic sections. Its core members are José Roberto Bertrami on acoustic piano and keyboards, Alex Malheiros on bass, and Ivan Conti on drums. The group is associated with jazz, jazz fusion, jazz-funk and smooth jazz.

Formation and early years

José Roberto Bertrami, who is classically trained, is influenced by Bill Evans and Luíz Eça of Tamba 4. Before forming Azymuth, he works with Flora Purim and Robertinho Silva. He meets Ivan Conti at a Rio nightclub, and after hearing Alex Malheiros at a bowling alley and club in 1972, the three decide to form the group. Their first album is the soundtrack to the film O Fabuloso Fittipaldi, released in Brazil in 1973.

International recognition and recordings

After several years working as session musicians in Rio recording studios and touring South America, Azymuth appears at the Montreux Jazz Festival in 1977, which leads to a U.S. tour with Airto and Purim in 1978. A contract with Milestone in 1979 begins a long run of albums that help establish the group in the American and European markets. All three members also record solo albums for Milestone.

Line-up changes and later releases

Bertrami leaves the group around 1988, and Malheiros and Conti continue for a period with keyboardist Jota Moraes. In the 1990s, Bertrami rejoins permanently. The group then signs to Far Out Recordings and releases a series of albums including Carnival, Woodland Warrior, Pieces of Ipanema, Before We Forget and Partido Novo. Its self-titled debut album is later reissued by the label in a deluxe edition with remastering and a bonus disc of remixes by dance music producers. Butterfly follows in 2008, and Aurora appears in 2011.

Legacy

Bertrami dies in Rio de Janeiro in 2012, but the group continues as an active Brazilian jazz and funk outfit. Its blend of samba, jazz and funk gives it a lasting place in Brazilian fusion music.