We’re excited to present an extract from a double bill of funky and peculiar cult Brazilian album reissues forthcoming on Far Out Recordings. Azambuja & Cia (1975) and Baiano & Os Novos Caetanos (1974) are comedy concept albums based on characters devised by the prolific multitalented TV comedians Chico Anysio and Arnauld Rodrigues.
Laced with comedic monologues and interludes, the two albums fuse odd-ball jazz-funk, soulful samba-rock and MPB and feature the three original members of Brazilian jazz-funk trio Azymuth (before their rise to fame) as well as the likes of fabled saxophonist Victor Assis Brasil, singer and percussionist Orlandivo and renowned multi-instrumentalist and producer Durval Ferreira.
Nega Brecho is the opening track off the Azambuja & Cia LP and emblematic of Anysio and Rodrigues’ song writing command. Azymuth’s futuristic funk sound is in full flow here, weaving in and out of the more understated, sunny samba rock elements to build a sound that is both authentic and ahead of its time. With Fender Rhodes, Arp Strings, Arp Omni, Clavinet and Hammond Organ, Azymuth’s keyboard maestro Jose Roberto Bertrami, who also arranged the album alongside renowned conductor and composer Jose Menezes, the music’s funky weirdness is elevated to another dimension and will delight all those inclined towards deep, groovy Brazilian music.
Stream Azambuja & Cia full album here.
Stream Baiano & Os Novos Caetanos full album here.
Both Azambuja & Cia and Baiano & Os Novos Caetanos will be officially re-issued via Far Out Recordings on 180g vinyl, 8th June 2018. Pre order your copies here.