Brazilian jazz-funk trio Azymuth delivered an extensive two-hour set at London's Union Chapel on October 12, celebrating more than 50 years of music-making. The show, part of a special night honoring the band's legacy, featured founding bassist Alex Malheiros as the focal point, performing what the band calls their self-defined 'crazy samba' hits.
A Night with a Founding Legend
Alex Malheiros, the only surviving founding member of Azymuth, took the stage dressed in a black suit, sunglasses, and a singular black glove. The bassist, now in his 80s, played with bravado and swagger, slapping his bass guitar throughout the performance. More recent members Dudu Viana on keys and Renato 'Massa' Calmon on drums spent significant portions of the set paying tribute to Malheiros and the band's original line-up.
The audience responded with a roaring reception, fully aware they were in the presence of genuine musical legends. There was a palpable sense that even sharing the stage with one of Brazil's musical icons was considered an honor of a lifetime by the current band members.
Five Decades of Musical Influence
Azymuth were founded in the 1970s in Rio De Janeiro and achieved international success with their early releases. Their 1979 hit Jazz Carnival reached number 19 in the UK singles chart. The band's discography includes more than 30 albums, ranging from the dreamy, rhythmic jazz of Telecommunication to the pulsating synth-funk of their recent album Marca Passo, released on London label Far Out Recordings.
The tender tones of the Fender Rhodes keyboard, a staple on all of their records, have been sampled in countless hip-hop tunes throughout the decades. Artists such as Madlib, J Dilla, and even Will I Am of Black Eyed Peas have used these samples in their work.
A Set Spanning the Full Repertoire
No stone was left unturned during the set. The band played recognisable hits like Morning and Last Summer in Rio but also took the audience on extended improvisational jams, switching between instruments and vocal melodies. At one point, all three musicians abandoned their instruments and picked up an array of native Brazilian percussive instruments, mimicking the sound of frogs and Amazonian creatures.
The 19th-century gothic church, steeped in sincerity and boasting a rich history, provided the perfect setting for a band whose legacy is revered among music fans, young and old alike. When the band came off the stage, there was a standing ovation and a 10-minute applause from the awe-struck crowd.
A Rare Opportunity to See the Band Live
With Malheiros in his 80s, there was a collective understanding that catching this band while they are still performing should not be taken for granted. The band do not tour regularly, and there are no assurances they will continue playing their iconic music in the years to come. It was a special night in a special venue, marking a significant moment in the band's enduring legacy.
