Azymuth - Fênix

The Guardian 60

(Far Out Recordings)

Azymuth were one of the most successful Brazilian bands of the 70s and 80s, thanks to the samba/jazz/funk fusion they called “crazy samba” and their infectious dance hit Jazz Carnival. Keyboard player José Roberto Bertrami died four years ago, but drummer Ivan Conti and bass player Alex Malheiros are now joined by Kiko Continentino, on keyboards and synths, for an album dominated by laid-back lounge-funk. Songs such as Orange Clouds or Rio Doce are pleasant, if languid, with tight bass and drums matched by flurries of jazzy keyboard work or squeaky synth effects, while the best tracks are slightly more energetic. On Batucada em Marte they add heavy riffs and changes of mood, while Corumbá is an impressive drum and percussion workout from Conti and a second percussionist, Robertinho Silva, matched by spacey synth effects. Azymuth are classy musicians, but here they sound more soporific than crazy.