Cerys Matthews 🔊 (BBC 6 Music)

Funky Beats Version of the B&G Rhythm Balearic Jazz Classic coming soon on a 45 from Jazz Room Records!

AFLEX COMBO - HIBAROS

Into Harmony

Into Harmony (feat. Julia Biel)

Não Podermos O Amor Parar

In an ever-expanding musical universe, Azymuth have long existed as a celestial giant, drawing countless artists, musicians and followers into their orbit. Marking fifty years since their 1975 debut album Azimuth, their new album Marca Passo proves that the band’s alchemic brew of Brazilian jazz-funk and cosmic samba soul remains as vital as ever, as the group honours the profound legacy of their departed founders.

Recorded in Rio de Janeiro, Marca Passo is the first full-length release since the passing of founding drummer Ivan "Mamão" Conti in 2023, following the earlier loss of keyboardist José Roberto Bertrami in 2012. Alex Malheiros, the sole remaining original member, sees his stewardship of the band’s musical legacy as his spiritual duty. He is joined by the equally devoted Kiko Continentino (Milton Nascimento, Djavan) on keyboards, who has been with the group since 2016, and new recruit Renato Massa (Marcos Valle, Ed Motta) on drums.

Yet since their earliest recorded music, Azymuth have always been far greater than the sum of their parts. The "three-man orchestra’s" unmistakable sound is rooted in Brazil's MPB studio scene of the 1970s and early 1980s—a time when artists blended traditional Brazilian rhythms with global jazz, rock, and emerging psychedelic and progressive elements. Marca Passo continues this legacy, seamlessly fusing Brazilian musical traditions with global influences while showcasing the exceptional musicianship that powers Azymuth's distinctive, multi-dimensional sound.

The album is produced by studio mastermind Daniel Maunick, responsible for Azymuth’s two previous studio albums, Fênix in 2016 and Aurora in 2011. Daniel’s credits also include albums by Marcos Valle, Sabrina Malheiros and Terry Callier. Azymuth also invited Daniel’s father, British jazz-funk royalty Jean Paul “Bluey” Maunick, of Incognito, to play guitar on a new version of Azymuth’s eighties classic “Last Summer In Rio”, in tribute to the song’s composer, José Roberto Bertrami. Equally, “Samba Pro Mamao” is a new composition dedicated to Azymuth’s beloved original drummer, Ivan “Mamão” Conti.

Marca Passo releases on limited edition blue, red & black vinyl LP editions, CD and digitally on the 6th June 2025, via Far Out Recordings, supported by European and North American tours.

Azymuth - Belenzinho

n an ever-expanding musical universe, Azymuth have long existed as a celestial giant, drawing countless artists, musicians and followers into their orbit. Marking fifty years since their 1975 debut album Azimuth, their new album Marca Passo proves that the band’s alchemic brew of Brazilian jazz-funk and cosmic samba soul remains as vital as ever, as the group honours the profound legacy of their departed founders.

Recorded in Rio de Janeiro, Marca Passo is the first full-length release since the passing of founding drummer Ivan "Mamão" Conti in 2023, following the earlier loss of keyboardist José Roberto Bertrami in 2012. Alex Malheiros, the sole remaining original member, sees his stewardship of the band’s musical legacy as his spiritual duty. He is joined by the equally devoted Kiko Continentino (Milton Nascimento, Djavan) on keyboards, who has been with the group since 2016, and new recruit Renato Massa (Marcos Valle, Ed Motta) on drums.

Yet since their earliest recorded music, Azymuth have always been far greater than the sum of their parts. The "three-man orchestra’s" unmistakable sound is rooted in Brazil's MPB studio scene of the 1970s and early 1980s—a time when artists blended traditional Brazilian rhythms with global jazz, rock, and emerging psychedelic and progressive elements. Marca Passo continues this legacy, seamlessly fusing Brazilian musical traditions with global influences while showcasing the exceptional musicianship that powers Azymuth's distinctive, multi-dimensional sound.

The album is produced by studio mastermind Daniel Maunick, responsible for Azymuth’s two previous studio albums, Fênix in 2016 and Aurora in 2011. Daniel’s credits also include albums by Marcos Valle, Sabrina Malheiros and Terry Callier. Azymuth also invited Daniel’s father, British jazz-funk royalty Jean Paul “Bluey” Maunick, of Incognito, to play guitar on a new version of Azymuth’s eighties classic “Last Summer In Rio”, in tribute to the song’s composer, José Roberto Bertrami. Equally, “Samba Pro Mamao” is a new composition dedicated to Azymuth’s beloved original drummer, Ivan “Mamão” Conti.

Marca Passo releases on limited edition blue, red & black vinyl LP editions, CD and digitally on the 6th June 2025, via Far Out Recordings, supported by European and North American tours.

Azymuth - Arabutã

Azymuth - Last Summer In Rio (Featuring Jean Paul "Bluey" Maunick of Incognito)

Proudly presenting ‘Transe’ the first single taken from Zé Ibarra's forthcoming second album. You may be familiar with the hypnotic entrancing tones of Zé’s vocals, through his work in the four-piece, Latin Grammy award-winning Brazilian powerhouse, Bala Desejo and the band Dônica. Zé has also toured with Brazilian legend Milton Nascimento on vocals and guitar, a real honour but also a reflection of Zé's craft to be selected in the band by such a musical titan.

A classic singer-songwriter, 'Transe' sees Zé starting as the song would have been written, simply an acoustic guitar and his voice flowing in an intimate dance. It’s an instantly comforting tone reminiscent of classic Brazilian songs from the past (think Caetano Veloso), before the song builds with ghosty string arrangements, vocal overdubs, and percussion. The energy in Zé's voice intensifies to a climax, as the dial swings in a more contemporary direction powered by a grooving bassline. 

Speaking about the song, Zé mentions, “This song represents, at this moment, a side of me that is still little explored and more intimate. It moves between pop and conceptual, creating an experience closer to a film than a traditional song. This effect is reinforced by the guitar and bass of Frederico Heliodoro, who is also part of Milton Nascimento's band."

‘Transe’ therefore shows a more experimental side to Zé beyond the scared partnership of voice and guitar. Mixing elements of jazz, MPB, and progressive rock, it’s rich and dynamic with a cinematic feel that is full of suspense. A stunning single and a taste of what is to come from one of the finest modern-classic musicians in Brazil’s blooming contemporary scene.


Transe

Mr Bongo proudly presents Ritmo Italiano ‘Unspoken Sounds of Italian Tamburo’ a captivating compilation of percussive-driven, Italian gems curated by Sardinian multi-instrumentalist, percussionist and producer, Gabriele Poso. A journey into the heart of Italian musical history, it celebrates Italy’s rich rhythmic traditions, showcasing a selection of genre-traversing, Italian treasures from the ‘60s to the early ‘90s. Honouring the timeless rhythms of Italian percussion masters, alongside a brand-new exclusive composition by Gabriele, ‘Ritmo Italiano’ shines a light on the universal, primal language of the drum. 

A connection sparked from an early age; percussion has always deeply resonated with Gabriele. It led to years of studying percussion traditions across Cuba, Puerto Rico, and Brazil, crafting his own songwriting skills in the process. An acclaimed producer and compiler, his releases on Yoruba Records, BBE and Soundway Records have garnered global support. Yet a growing need to rediscover the essence of his country’s cultural heritage laid the foundations for this new compilation.

In Gabriele’s own words, “Italy has always been a crossroads of civilizations, with influences from the Mediterranean, North Africa, the Middle East, and Europe converging over centuries. Ports like Naples, Genoa, and Venice played a crucial role as gateways for musical exchange, a melting pot of sounds and cultures brought by sailors, merchants and travellers. These influences blended with Italy’s own folk and religious traditions, creating Italy’s unique and emotionally resonant rhythms.”

Across the 12 absorbing tracks, there’s jazz influences, Italian library music aesthetics and experimental beats mixing with Afro-Cuban and Mediterranean rhythms. It’s a broad selection anchored by the drums. The synth-heavy, ‘80s jazz funk flavours of Gegè Munari's ‘Police Man’, sit side-by-side with the samba-infused ‘Napulitano D' 'O Brasil’ by Don Marino Barreto Jr. Tribal, earthly energy radiates from Naco’s ‘Volando Con Milton’, with Tullio De Piscopo serving up cosmic disco brilliance, and blistering jazz funk mastery coming courtesy of Agostino Marangolo. Taking the name of the compilation, a new original track by Gabriele, ‘Ritmo Italiano’, blends traditional rhythms with contemporary energy, Afro-Latin influences with Italian jazz essence. Recorded live in one take, it captures a raw, unfiltered vibe. 

“Each track tells a story, connecting the past with the present, and highlighting the deep-rooted traditions that shape Italy’s rhythms. The collection also offers a glimpse into the diversity of Italian music with a variety of styles from the organic, earthy beats to the more experimental and modern takes on traditional rhythms. It’s a reflection of how these rhythms have not only shaped Italian culture but also influenced global music.”


Gegè Munari Percussion Modern – Police Man

'Belly Of The Beast', out now on Big Dada: https://brian-nasty.lnk.to/bellyofthebeastSo

Follow Brian Nasty -
Spotify: https://found.ee/briannasty-sp
Apple Music: https://found.ee/briannasty-am
Amazon Music: https://found.ee/briannasty-aa
YouTube: https://found.ee/briannasty-yt
Bandcamp: https://found.ee/briannasty-bc
Soundcloud: https://found.ee/briannasty-sc
Instagram: https://found.ee/briannasty-ig
TikTok: https://found.ee/briannasty-tt
Facebook: https://found.ee/briannasty-fb
X (Twitter): https://found.ee/briannasty-tw

#BrianNasty #BigDada

Belly Of The Beast

Brazilian 7" singles (compactos) are often the source of hidden treasures. Those special obscure nuggets that tend to be overlooked and flicked past in shops and flea markets. Carlos Bivar's 'Amargo Amar' is one such find, nestled as a B2 on the end of a four-track 7" EP on Esquema Records from 1978. This seldom-seen slice of Brazilian sunshine is the second single taken from miche’s third With Love compilation on Mr Bongo.

The ZBETO EP is one of only two 7” singles that we are aware of, released by the pianist, singer, and songwriter Carlos Bivar. 'Amargo Amar' starts with the swagger of a ‘70s Blaxploitation soundtrack, transitioning into a loose Brazilian MPB-funk. Floaty keys, uplifting horns, and backing vocals elevate the energy, as Carlos' lyrics ride the groove. This song is a sheer delight and an example of the talented output of independent Brazilian musicians, as equally great and bold as their major label contemporaries.


Amargo Amar

BIG MONEY

electronic edm synth techno house futurebass chillwave electronic trance experimental chill upbeat energetic dreamy dark atmospheric vibe lo-fi festival club

evolution

Several Shades Of Jade

Almond Tree

Works 1965-1995

Electric Counterpoint: II. Slow

Brigitte Fontaine est...

L'homme objet

Gilles Peterson presents a very special 3-hour mix dedicated to the recently departed trumpeter Roy Hargrove.

“Roy Hargrove is one of the greatest, a real pioneer, a real soldier of Jazz. Rest in Peace” – Gilles Peterson

A prodigious talent whose star rose in the early 1990s, Roy Hargrove recorded and performed with a whole host of artists including Erykah Badu, Common, D’Angelo, Sonny Rollins, Herbie Hancock, Jackie McLean and Oscar Peterson.

Roy Hargrove’s life mission was the to spread the jazz message and succeeded. He departed on 2nd November 2018 at the age of 49, and Gilles Peterson pays a special tribute to the talents of the man with a 3-hour mix exploring the sounds that he brought to the world.

Não Podermos O Amor Parar

Adrian Younge

Recent comments

suonho

Related tracks