This CD from Far Out is a double celebration. Ten years of Far Out and thirty years of Azymuth. That’s lots of years to celebrate for Jose Roberto Bertrami (keyboards and main songwriter), Alex Malheiros (guitars) and Ivan Conti (drums and percussion).
They continue to be one of the greatest and most influential trio of Brazilians that ever made a noise in Rio. Is this new material (far out)dated? Yes and no but there’s no apology for it and why should there be? For many it might be the first time they have heard them. If that’s the case, you’re in for a treat.
Brazilian Soul is a billed as ‘new’ greatest hits as they reflect on three distinct periods of their career. The early years when they recorded with various singers, their chart heydays of the late 70s-early 80s and the present day with Far Out.
Whatever period, the music is testament to the fact that they are still hot and at it. There’s no obvious new monster ‘Jazz Carnival’ — their most well known tune worldwide. It was a big hit in the US and in the UK Top 20 for eight weeks in 1979. This was at a time when people bought singles! However, there are enough top tunes on this 14 tracker to keep you excited.
‘Retro Visor’ and ‘Depois De Carnival’ echo ‘Jazz Carnival’s absolute jazz-room sweaty brilliance. The former being a re-visit of their classic ‘Dear Limmertz’ (how cool was that in 1980? I can tell you: it was very cool).
‘Roda Piao’ and ‘Sem Destino’ are the fusion jazz-dancers choice. This is Shiftless Shuffle territory. ‘Biaozinho Carioca’ overdoes the korg/vocoda thing which is a shame as the percussion is great. ‘O Lance’ is your soul-groove funk track.
Of the laid back vocal tracks, ‘Pra Ze’ is a particularly sexy, slow samba on the beach. ‘Demais’ isn’t far behind it. Whilst ‘Ed Lincoln’ is a tribute to Rio’s “King Of Swing”, Ed Lincoln.
If we had had a hot summer last year, this would have been the sound track. As a body of work, this album stands out and is a true reflection of their brilliance. It’s so great that this has been released and full marks to Far Out.
A recent issue of Straight No Chaser included an interview with Far Out label boss Joe Davis. He tells us of the trio’s zeal and excitement in the studio and a little story that Azymuth’s pre-recording session preparation includes a little drink. If this is anything to go by, we all need to be completely smashed.
Brazilian Soul has soul, but mostly it’s Brazilian. Carnival all year long until they hit Europe for a tour in November. It should be great.
Brazilian Soul is out on Far Out Recordings
Reviewed CD (FARO 091 CD) Also available vinyl: 2 x 12″ (FARO 091 DLP)
Tour Dates
07/11/04 Hull Truck Theatre – Hull
10/11/04 Jazz CafÈ – London
11/11/04 HiFi Club – Leeds
12/11/04 National Centre – York
19/11/04 The Arches – Glasgow
20/11/04 The Fiddlers – Bristol
Links
Far Out www.faroutrecordings.com
Azimuth www.geocities.com/azymuthjazz/
Ed Lincoln
Dear Limmertz
