The actual sounds, though, are not so crazy: an intelligent, high-voltage blend of Brazilian rhythms, jazz, and funk with occasional acoustic episodes that gained a sizable following in the 1980s.

The members of the group include José Roberto Bertrami (born February 21, 1946, in Tatui) on acoustic piano and keyboards, Alex Malheiros (born August 19, 1946, in Niteroi) on bass, and Ivan Conti (born August 16, 1946, in Rio de Janeiro) on drums.

Classically trained and originally influenced by pianists Bill Evans and Luíz Eça (of the Tamba 4), Bertrami worked with Flora Purim and Robertinho Silva before meeting Conti at a Rio nightclub. Upon a visit to a bowling alley/club in 1972, they heard Malheiros and decided to join forces to form Azymuth. Their first album, the soundtrack for the film O Fabuloso Fittipaldi, was released in Brazil in 1973.

After spending a number of years as sessionmen in Rio recording studios and touring South America, a successful appearance at the 1977 Montreux Jazz Festival led to a 1978 U.S. tour with Airto and Purim. A contract with Milestone in 1979 resulted in a long string of eclectic albums -- some of which are still available on CD -- that established the group in the American and European markets.

All three members also recorded solo albums for Milestone (now out of print). Bertrami left the group around 1988, after which Malheiros and Conti carried on for a while with keyboardist Jota Moraes. In the '90s, Bertrami rejoined Azymuth for sporadic appearances, though their profile isn't as high in the U.S. as it once was. The double disc Azimuth, full of remastered tracks and remixes, appeared in 2007.

New CD Release on Far Oout Recordings
- Alex Mahlheiros & Banda Utopia feat. Sabrina Mahlheiros - The Wave

Azymuth’s celebrated bass player Alex Malheiros returns with this stunning solo project. Full of perfectly crafted authentic jazz ‘The Wave’ features Banda Utopia’s dazzling musicianship, Alex’s gifted daughter Sabrina Malheiros’ lush vocals and IG Culture remix twists. World renowned and a seriously funky bass player, Alex Malheiros is a genuine Brazilian music hero. As part of the legendary electric jazz funk trio Azymuth, Malheiros has established himself as one of the all time great bassists. Malheiros delivers a stunning performances on double bass, electric bass, acoustic guitar and backing vocals while the flawlessly arranged keys, brass and percussion of Banda Utopia compliment with a flourish. Alex’s daughter and fellow Far Out recording artist Sabrina Malheiros adds her beautiful 21st century nu bossa vocal to give the album a sublime summertime edge while IG Culture’s remixes fit perfectly with the feel-good atmosphere.

Far Out Recordings wanted to make a record of high quality jazz and Alex Malheiros was the man to fulfil Far Out founder Joe Davis’ wishes: “Bassists always have a great sensitivity for music and I was sure Alex could execute the composition of almost an entire album of tunes. We made a demo back in 2005 and released the 12” ‘Wave’ single from Alex Malheiros and Banda Utopia feat Sabrina Malheiros and IG Culture Remixes feat John Robinson. I was so happy with the result of that recording that I decided to make the CD with Alex, a great friend and someone who has brought a lot of success to Far Out.” Joe Davis, 2009

Alex Malheiros learnt his trade playing with the master of Brazilian swing Ed Lincoln in the dance halls of 60s Rio de Janeiro. Alex has performed and recorded with the greats of Brazilian music and is a beautiful songwriter with perfect balance of harmony and groove; the archetypal bass player, calm and relaxed whilst all around him is in mayhem. Alex Malheiros is respected in Brazil as one of the original groove masters, having developed a unique sound with his Rickenbacker bass licks.

“This is an album that has motivated me to revisit the time when I started playing professionally in the 60s creating contemporary jazz. ‘The Wave’ has added a lot to my career, working with dedication and happiness collaborating with my friends and musicians including producer Daniel and my daughter, Sabrina. It has added to my experience on this planet.” Alex Malheiros, 2009

‘The Wave’ features cover versions of Bobbi Humphrey track ‘Uno Esta’ and original Alex Malheiros songs. Daniel ‘Venom’ Maunick, son of the legendary Bluey from Incognito, produced the album having formed a great partnership with the Malheiros family and the result is a funky and chilled out slice of universal jazz. Standout tracks ‘Uno Esta’, ‘The Wave’ and ‘Copa a Noite’ instantly stick in your mind and with its mix of classic jazz and Brazilian vibes ‘The Wave’ is a record to cherish.

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