Azymuth

The Brazilian group Azymuth enjoyed international fame in the 1970s and 1980s, when they pioneered a modern, adventurous fusion of jazz, rock and funk. Their fusion of samba gave rise to the new genre Samba Doido. In the mid-1990s, just as their momentum seemed to be waning, they received a much-needed boost and recognition from DJs, musicians and dancers in London as favourites of the burgeoning Acid Jazz scene, which also helped to breathe new life into the careers of fellow Brazilian musicians Marcos Valle and Joyce. Meanwhile, adventurous DJs and beatmakers, such as MF Doom, Flying Lotus and Roni Size, found inspiration and new sounds to sample in the trio’s classic recordings. Following the deaths of José Roberto Bertrami (keyboards) and Ivan Conti (drums & percussion), the sole original band member, Alex Malheiros, breathed new life into the band, which has now been in existence for over 50 years.