Azambuja & Cia – Azambuja & Cia LP

Description

Far Out Recordings present a reissue ofAzambuja & Cia‘s self-titled album, originally released in 1975. In 1975, the prolific and multi-talented Brazilian comediansChico AnysioandArnaud Rodriguesrecorded an album based on the protagonist of one of their most celebrated TV series. Sporting a dodgy moustache and an equally troubling haircut, Carioca conmanPaulo Maurcio Azambuja(played by Anysio) would flog his own mother’s leg if he could, and his ever-ridiculous scams are inevitably always destined to fail. This soundtrack/musical reimagining of the series combines jazz-funk with samba soul and MPB, with the help of cult Brazilian trioAzymuth, keyboard maestro Jose Roberto Bertrami, who arranged the album alongside renowned conductor and composerJose Menezes, elevates the groovy odd-ball sound to another dimension, with his set up including Fender Rhodes, Arp Strings, Arp Omni, Clavinet, and Hammond organ. Remaining Azymuth membersIvan Conti(drums) andAlex Malheiros(bass) provide the signature Azymuth foundation, and saxophone prodigyVictor Assis Brasiland legendary multi-instrumentalist producerDurval Ferreiraalso feature. As well as its distinctly comedic character, what makes the music so special is the coming together of traditional samba roots, and Azymuth’s ahead-of-its-time psychedelic funk influence. Each side ends with a comedy monolog, complete with live audience laughter, but before that you get seven tracks of weird and wonderfully emotive Brazilian groove music. 180 gram vinyl.