js Azymuth is a three piece Brazilian funk jazz band that has been playing since 1972 and is still going today. Back in the early 80s, the worlds of rock and jazz were going through some definite growing pains and interest in so called “world beat” and internationally flavored RnB was at a premium. When Azymuth released “Telecommunication” in 1982 with a trendy album cover, interest in their samba influenced relaxed funky grooves had been at a high since 1979 when they scored a hit with the song “Jazz Carnival”.

Azymuth’s take on funky jazz is very laid back and may seem like generic “fuzak” at first, but there is a thoughtfulness and integrity to this music that raises it above the generic crowd. Azymuth may be a bit smooth and relaxed, but their playing is real and they do not fake the funk. Rhythmic sophistication is the hallmark of this band, the samba, funk and contemporary jazz influences mix seamlessly giving this band a sound that is all their own. All of the solos on here are good and guest guitarist Helio Deimiro adds some fleet fingered fretwork to their keyboard dominated sound on a couple of tunes. Apparently Azymuth’s modern lounge funk has enjoyed a second life in Europe with fans of chill club-jazz grooves, and although they still reside in Brazil, most of their shows are in Europe now. This is a nice record, it makes for great background music, but it also holds up well to close listens too.