Azymuth
Legendary Brazilian jazz-funk trio AZYMUTH return to Europe in 2025 to present their new album Arabutã.
Pioneers of a totally innovative sound, fusing jazz-funk and samba to create their unique genre, “samba doido”, Azymuth is one of Brazil’s most influential bands, and undeniably one of the world’s longest-running.
During the golden age of MPB (Música Popular Brasileira), Azymuth collaborated with a host of emblematic figures in Brazilian music, including Jorge Ben, Milton Nascimento, Tim Maia, Elis Regina and Marcos Valle. In fact, it was Marcos Valle who gave his name to the trio in 1973, when they recorded the soundtrack to the film O Fabuloso Fittipaldi. That same year, Azymuth began recording their Demos (1973-75), now critically acclaimed, but kept in their archives until their release in 2019 on the London label Far Out Recordings.
Fifty years after their creation, Azymuth have produced over thirty albums and continue to play with the same energy and enthusiasm as in their early days. Their new album, Arabutã, takes its name from the Tupi-Guarani word for the endangered “bois-brésil” tree. Symbolizing both the value and fragility of Brazil’s natural beauty, Arabutã is a poignant reminder of the importance of indigenous wisdom in ecological preservation.
Beyond their impact on jazz and funk, Azymuth have also left their mark on electronic music worldwide. The band has collaborated with artists such as 4hero, Madlib and Jazzanova, and has been remixed by major figures such as Theo Parrish, Ron Trent, Global Communication and Daniel Maunick.
After the death of keyboard master José Roberto Bertrami in 2012 and that of drummer Ivan “Ivanzinho” Conti in early 2023, founding member Alex Malheiros continues to keep the spirit of Azymuth alive. He has surrounded himself with keyboardist Kiko Continentino (Milton Nascimento, Gilberto Gil, Djavan), who co-wrote and recorded the acclaimed 2016 album Fenix, and drummer Renato Massa (Marcos Valle, Ed Motta), to carry on the trio’s legacy.
Line-up: Alex Malheiros bass guitar,
Kiko Continentino Piano,
Renato Massa drums.