Biography
Azymuth is a pioneering Brazilian jazz-funk trio formed in Rio de Janeiro in 1973 by keyboardist José Roberto Bertrami, bassist Alex Malheiros, and drummer Ivan 'Mamão' Conti. The three musicians began their careers in the vibrant bossa nova and jazz scene of Rio during the 1960s, working as session musicians and collaborating in small bars and studios. Their first joint project was under the name Grupo Projeto 3 in 1968, but it was in the early 1970s, after working with Marcos Valle on a soundtrack LP, that they adopted the name Azymuth, inspired by one of Valle's track titles[2][1].
Azymuth quickly became known for their innovative fusion of jazz, funk, rock, and samba, a style they dubbed 'samba doido' (crazy samba). Their debut album, Azimüth, was released in 1975, followed by Águia Não Come Mosca in 1977. The group gained international recognition after performing at the Montreux Jazz Festival in 1977 and signing with Milestone Records, leading to a prolific run of albums and collaborations with artists such as Flora Purim, Airto Moreira, and Mark Murphy[1][5]. Their 1979 single 'Jazz Carnival' became a global hit, reaching number 19 on the UK Singles Chart and solidifying their reputation as one of Brazil's most successful and influential bands[3][2].
Over a career spanning more than five decades, Azymuth has released over 30 studio albums and contributed to countless recordings by Brazilian and international artists. Their sound, characterized by electronic instruments, angular arrangements, and a seamless blend of jazz, funk, and samba, has influenced generations of musicians worldwide. Despite lineup changes, including the passing of Bertrami in 2012, Azymuth continues to perform and record, maintaining their legacy as innovators in Brazilian jazz and global jazz fusion[1][6].
Fun Facts
- Azymuth coined the term 'samba doido' to describe their unique blend of samba, jazz, and funk[4].
- Their single 'Jazz Carnival' sold over half a million copies internationally and spent eight weeks in the UK Top 20[2][3].
- Azymuth has contributed to the recordings of many Brazilian legends, including Tim Maia, Elis Regina, and Rita Lee[1][4].
- The band was named after a track on Marcos Valle's soundtrack for the film about Formula 1 driver Emerson Fittipaldi[2][4].
Members
- Ivan Conti
- Alex Malheiros
- Mamão
- José Roberto Bertrami
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- American jazz musicians - Stylistic influences; the trio shared a mutual appreciation for American jazz, which shaped their fusion sound. (General influence on Azymuth's jazz-funk style) [1960s-1970s]
- Brazilian bossa nova and MPB artists - Early career influences from the Rio bossa nova and Musica Popular Brasileira scenes. (Session work with various artists) [1960s-1970s]
Key Collaborators
- Marcos Valle - Gave Azymuth their name and collaborated on soundtrack and studio recordings. (O Fabuloso Fittipaldi (soundtrack), Previsão Do Tempo (1973)) [1970s]
- Jorge Ben - Azymuth contributed as session musicians to Ben's recordings. (Various albums) [1970s-1980s]
- Flora Purim & Airto Moreira - Azymuth backed Purim and Airto on their American tour and studio projects. (I Love Brazil (album), live performances) [1978]
- Mark Murphy - Azymuth backed Murphy on an album for Milestone Records. (Collaborative album) [Late 1970s]
- Kiko Continentinho - Joined Azymuth as keyboardist after Bertrami's passing. (Fenix (2016), subsequent albums) [2012-present]
Artists Influenced
- London Acid Jazz scene - Azymuth's music became a favorite among DJs and musicians, helping to revive interest in Brazilian jazz-funk. (General influence on Acid Jazz artists and compilations) [1990s-present]
- Marcos Valle & Joyce - Azymuth's resurgence in the 1990s helped resuscitate the careers of fellow Brazilian musicians. (Collaborative and solo works influenced by Azymuth's sound) [1990s]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Marca Passo | 2025-06-06 | Album |
| Demos (1973-1975), Vol. 1 & 2 | 2019-05-31 | Album |
| Brazilian Soul | 2004 | Album |
| Aguia Não Come Mosca (Remasterizado) | 1977 | Album |
| Azimüth | 1975 | Album |
| Fênix | 2016-12-02 | Album |
| Outubro | 1980 | Album |
| Telecommunication | 1982-01-01 | Album |
| Light As A Feather | 1979 | Album |
| Azymuth: Outubro | 1990-01-01 | Album |
| Azymuth JID004 | 2020-10-23 | Album |
| Azimuth (Re-Mastered Deluxe Edition) | 2007-01-01 | Album |
| Light as a Feather | 2012-11-26 | Album |
| Aurora | 2011-04-18 | Album |
| Fly Cruzeiro | 2020-01-24 | Album |
Top Tracks
- Morning
- Zé e Paraná
- Pra Zé (Brazilian Soul)
- Vôo sobre o horizonte (Aguia Não Come Mosca (Remasterizado))
- Unknown Jam (Demos (1973-1975), Vol. 1 & 2)
- Dear Limmertz (Outubro)
- Seems Like This
- Bis (Encore)
- Andaraí
- Villa Mariana - De Tarde (Fênix)
External Links
Tags: #jazz, #jazz-fusion, #jazz-funk
References
Heard on WWOZ
Azymuth has been played 1 time on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 13, 2025 | 08:21 | Morningfrom Azymuth | The Morning Setw/ Scott Borne |