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‘Samba Selvagem’ sets the tone for the album, opening with a tremendous percussive flurry, which breaks allowing Azhar’s sweet vocals to harmonise with Joe Cavanagh’s keyboards. ‘Samba Selvagem’ may be recognisable to some folks as it features on Jazzanova’s splendid comp Paz e Futebol. The core duo of Sirius B is Joe and Azhar, who have been collaborating since 1998 under the moniker of Sirius B and have performed all over the world, including at the Montreux Jazz Festival in 2003. Their Brazilian jazz fusion sound treads the path laid out by Sergio Mendes and Airto Moriera with this ‘Best of…’ release compiling five tracks previously unreleased and some favourites from their previous three albums.

“…our inspiration comes very much from Rio and Sao Paulo, where bossa nova and samba still rule, and also the baiao beats from the North East of Brazil, and the mysticism of Minas Gerais.” Azhar

In ‘Marlborough Nights’ the flautist, Gareth Lockrane shows his worth with a delightful solo similar in its delicacy to those Finn Peters has been playing at Other Worlds in London’s Brazilian venue Guanabara. Azhur’s voice resembles Freestyle label mate Guida de Palma’s and the varied furious or funky rhythms are provided terrifically, I can imagine the higher tempo songs delighting jazz dancers such as Perry and the Jazzcotech crew.

The penultimate track ‘Star Jamming aka Sirius’ is my highlight of the album, an enchanting blend of intense beats and ambient hums with Amir El-Saffar’s trumpet reminding me of Erik Truffaz. Joe Cavanagh’s organ playing shines in a sparkling solo.

Brazilian music has had much focus placed upon it in the last few years with compilations such as 4hero’s Presents Brazilika getting much acclaim. DJs who have been significant in championing such sounds — Paul Murphy, Snowboy, Gilles Peterson and Patrick Forge have all playlisted Sirius B. Snowboy, who has featured Sirius B songs on all his ‘Hi-Hat’ compilations, has written the liner notes for the release and describes Sirius B as “the perfect jazz dance band”.

The album is sure to please lovers of bossa nova, samba or other forms of Brazilian music, to launch ‘Bagunca’ Sirius B are performing with legends of Brazilian music, Azymuth at the Jazz Cafe in Camden Saturday 10th March. For vinyl lovers Freestyle have a 12” release (Cat:FSR008) and a forthcoming 7”, both featuring tracks from Bagunca and adding to their brilliant catalogue of Funk and Soul music.

Fans of Latin & Brazilian music check out the listings for La Linea 2007 festival in London.

Links:
Sirius B
Freestyle Records
Snowboy
Azymuth
Jazzcotech dancers
Gareth Lockrane
Jazz Cafe gig info