AZYMUTH Vinilo y CD

Review: Brazilian legends Azymuth have been back in focus for a few years now and even playing the European festival circuit. Their legacy was assured long ago with countless super silky jazz, MPB, funk, Latin and salsa fusion sounds that work on any dance floor as well as outdoors in the shining sun. Azymuth: Live at Copacabana Palace is a thrilling testament to the jazz-funk trio's legendary status as it captures the group's electrifying virtuosity and infectious energy. From the hypnotic to the soulful, it's a masterclass in musicality and improvisation that really highlights the chemistry between members Ivan Conti, Alex Malheiros, and Kiko Continentino. A must-have for any Azymuth fan.

Review: Azymuth's Outubro is just one of the many vibrant and captivating albums in their oeuvre that embodies the essence of Brazilian jazz-funk fusion. Released in 1980, it features the cult collective's signature blend of infectious rhythms, intricate melodies, and soulful improvisation. The album's title track stands out as a shining example of the band's musical prowess with its irresistible groove and lush instrumentation and throughout the record, Azymuth showcase their mastery of blending traditional Brazilian rhythms with elements of jazz, funk and electronic music to create a timeless and immersive that remains a classic in the realm of Brazilian music.

Review: Few jazz-cats are funky than the Azymuth gang, and few of their albums are funkier than this one. Telecommunication is now 40 years old and so gets this special anniversary reissue and it is the first time it has ever been reissued on vinyl since 1982. The Brazilian trip behind it again drew on national and international influences, bringing samba to jazz-funk across its eight magical cuts. As part of the Jazz Dispensary Series, this has been remastered from the original analog tapes by Kevin Gray at Cohearent Audio and pressed on 180-gram black vinyl so it has never sounded better.

Review: Far Out takes a second deep dive into the previously unheard early demos of Brazilian jazz-funk greats Azymuth, offering up more unpolished gems recorded during the years as one of Brazil's most sought-after session bands. Interestingly, much of the material is closer in tone and style to their subsequent releases, though some of the rhythms, solos and basslines are arguably a little wilder and more experimental. Highlights include the fizzing opener "Duro De Roer", the sweaty and percussive brilliance of "Bateria Do Mamao", the Blaxploitation influenced spy-chase madness of "Quem Tem Medo" and the surprisingly smooth "Manha", the demo that eventually earned Azymuth a recording contract.

Review: Before they found fame with their 1975 debut album, Azymuth divided their time between working as backing musicians (attending recording sessions with some of Brazil's top talent) and recording experimental home demos. Recently rediscovered, these demos are finally being given a release thanks to the efforts of Far Out chief Joe Davis. There's much to admire on this first batch (a second volume is also available) of previously unheard early recordings, from the high-octane Brazilian funk insanity of "Prefacio" and Jimmy Smith-esque "Melo De Cuica", to the spacey samba/jazz-funk fusion of "Xingo (Version One)" and the relaxed, slow-burn brilliance of seven minute B-side opener "Laranjeiras".