The titans of samba jazz, Azymuth return to Washington, DC this fall in partnership with record label and live music project Jazz is Dead. Over 50 years ago, Alex Malheiros (bass), José Roberto Bertrami (keyboard), and Ivan “Mamão” Conti (drums) started their careers living in the same bohemian block of Copacabana in Rio de Janeiro in the 1960s, playing in small bars as session musicians. The trio discovered their exceptional musical chemistry while working together and soon began recording their first album in 1975. Their mutual appreciation for American jazz and Brazilian music allowed them to pioneer Azymuth’s unprecedented fusion of jazz, rock, samba, and funk.
Azymuth’s key innovation is in their ability to seamlessly merge traditional Brazilian rhythms with modern jazz and funk elements. They took the foundational rhythms of samba, bossa nova, and baião and integrated complex jazz harmonies and improvisation. This fusion created a distinct sound, both rooted in Brazilian musical traditions and new approaches popularized internationally. Albums like Azimüth, Light as a Feather, and Cascades are seminal works that exemplify the band’s unique sound.
In the 1990s, recognition from DJs, musicians, and dancers from the thriving London Acid Jazz scene introduced a new audience to Azymuth’s extensive discography.
In fact, percussionist Ivan Conti teamed up with the iconic underground hip-hop producer Madlib for the collaborative album “Sujinho.” Their recent collaboration with Jazz is Dead demonstrates Azymuth’s continued influence and their commitment to both honoring and expanding the boundaries of jazz music. Catch Azymuth performing live at Black Cat on Thursday, Sept. 5. Purchase your tickets here.
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