Record Reviews

AZYMUTH ~ DEMOS (1973-75) VOLUMES 1 & 2 FAR OUT 210 (Barcode: 827565062621) ~ BRAZIL ~ Jazz-Rock-World Fusion Recorded: 1973 - 1975 Released: 2019 This is an archival album, which presents previously unreleased early recordings by the great Brazilian ensemble AzymuthFind albums by this artist, which precede their official eponymous debut album released in 1975. At that stage the ensemble was a quartet comprising of keyboardist Jose Roberto BertramiFind albums by this artist, bassist Jose Alexandre MalheirosFind albums by this artist, drummer Ivan ContiFind albums by this artist and percussionist Ariovaldo ContesiniFind albums by this artist. The album presents sixteen original compositions, mostly co-composed by Bertrami, Malheiros and Conti, and some by Bertrami. Azymuth played a wonderful amalgam of Jazz / Funk / Samba, which proved to be extremely successful in the 1980s, when they released their albums on the US label MilestoneFind albums on this label Records, which also signed other Brazilian Jazz artist, like the couple of Airto MoreiraFind albums by this artist and Flora PurimFind albums by this artist. Despite the fact than their music was popular, they offered a highly aesthetic approach to their Art and never compromised their musical principles, which resulted in a series of truly excellent albums. They also released individual solo albums over time. Bertrami sadly departed in 2012. Although the music on this album is somewhat raw, recorded in a straightforward and simplistic studio conditions, it offers the true spirit of Azymuth’s music, which combines brilliant melodic compositions and Brazilian rhythmic magic, superbly performed by the group members. Bertrami was a sublime keyboardist and managed to squeeze absolutely everything possible form his keyboards, which considering the time-frame, sound absolutely magnificent. The “simplicity” and straightforwardness of the music on this CD is absolutely captivating and touches on the hidden nostalgic strings, which again and again remind us that “they don’t make music like this anymore”, which in this case is even more evident than usual. Overall, this is a marvelous album, full of brilliant music and superb performances, with an emphasis of early synthesizer and electric keyboards, which are omnipresent herein and provide a great glimpse of the music made in the early to mid-1970s, far from where “the things were happening” and yet every bit as exciting and even perhaps more exciting than most. This is a brilliant historic document of Brazilian / South American music and thanks to Far OutFind albums on this label Recordings, we have an opportunity to revisit this music again fifty years later.

Updated: 22/03/2023Posted: 22/03/2023

CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend

AZYMUTH ~ MARCA PASSO FAR OUT 251 (Barcode: 5065007965818) ~ BRAZIL ~ Jazz-Funk Fusion Recorded: 2025 Released: 2025 This is an album by the legendary Brazilian ensemble AzymuthFind albums by this artist, originally formed in 1973 and now led by bassist Jose Alexandre MalheirosFind albums by this artist (a.k.a. Alex MalheirosFind albums by this artist), the last living member of the founding lineup. The current lineup also includes keyboardist Kiko ContinentinoFind albums by this artist, drummer Renato CalmonFind albums by this artist and percussionists Ian MoreiraFind albums by this artist and Sidinho MoreiraFind albums by this artist and several guest musicians. The album presents ten tracks, all composed by the group members. The album is dedicated to the ensemble’s original drummer Ivan ContiFind albums by this artist, who passed in 2023 and keyboardist Jose Roberto BertramiFind albums by this artist, who passed in 2012. The album offers excellent sound quality. The music is the usual brilliant amalgam of Jazz, Funk and Brazilian music elements, based on superb melodic themes and the relaxed atmosphere, which usually adorns Brazilian music. It immediately transports the listener to a sunny beach, full of dancing half naked young (in heart and body) people. Although perhaps on the lighter side of the Jazz spectrum, this album is a great fun to listen to and the instrumental performances are definitely as impressive as some of the best music created in Brazil these days. Overall, this is another valuable addition to the long list of recordings by Azymuth, which are enjoyable to listen to without any compromise with musical quality. People familiar with their impressive recording legacy will surely be very happy to add this album to their collection.

Updated: 03/06/2026Posted: 03/06/2026

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend