Azymuth: Telecommunication

This Brazilian trio had its roots in the 1960s but under different group monikers. They also recorded for the renowned jazz label Milestone Records, releasing several albums. To a considerable extent they were largely praised by critics via the musicians' tightknit but not over-cooked spin on jazz fusion, featuring indigenous percussion tinted with samba-like overtones. According to the press release, "simultaneously, [they all] enjoyed flourishing solo careers during their downtime from the band. While guitarist/vocalist Jose Roberto Bertrami sadly passed away in 2012, Azymuth continues to actively tour and record, with the addition of keyboardist Kiko Continentino. Here, the re-master (180- gram black vinyl) of Telecommunication projects an audiophile sound, which is impressive when considering its initial release date was in 1982.

Among the band's eight previous albums, this one ranks among the best, and typifies its amalgamation of traditional Brazilian pop, funk, and jazzy improvising, spruced up by bassist Alex Malheiros slick and thick funky lines and drummer Ivan Conti's concise beats and cascading fills. Meanwhile, keyboardist / guitarist José Roberto Bertrami leads with passionate and sweeping organ parts amid brisk Fender Rhodes soloing and articulate jazz lines when performing on electric guitar.

The trio proposes a horde of subtly-executed dynamic contrasts with breezy toe-tapping cadences and harmonious melodic content, where you might imagine phantasmagorical divas singing about a momentous spiritual event on "What Price Samba (Quanto Vale Um Samba)." Malheiro's vocal harmonies in unison with guest artist Helio Delmiro's deft acoustic guitar lines and supple chord voicings shine during the tuneful, "Country Road (Chão De Terra)."

"Last Summer in Rio" is a peaceful composition, emphasized by Conti's steady pulse and guest artist Sidinho Moreira's percussion- based treatments, although Bertrami opens the pearly gates with a beautifully-constructed and acutely-envisioned guitar solo during the bridge. Something was in the air back then, and there is no filler material to be found on this gleaming studio session that has not faded into the sands of time: fresh sounds reemerge 40 years after the fact. (Recommended)

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