Artist: Azymuth Album: Carnival

Year: 1996
Duration: 0:0-1

A of the Album Carnival by Azymuth: Unpacking the Brazilian Funk Genre

Brazilian funk music will undoubtedly get you grooving to the beat. Azymuth, a band that is famous for its fusion of samba, jazz, and funk music, has produced one of the most iconic Brazilian funk albums of all time - Carnival. The album is a smooth and energetic ride that brings you into the heart of Brazilian funk while offering a fresh sound that sets Azymuth apart from other music artists. In this article, we will delve into a brief history of the band, the music genre of the album, the best songs of the album, the most innovative parts, and a critique of the album.
Azymuth is a Brazilian music band that was started in 1973 by Jose Roberto Bertrami (keyboard), Alex Malheiros (bass), Ivan Conti (drums). Azymuth's earlier music closely resembled jazz-funk styles but their music quickly evolved with the changing Brazilian music scene to incorporate samba and bossanova music. Carnival, their fifth album released in 1981, was yet another celebration of Brazilian culture displayed through their unique musical blend.
Carnival is classified under the genre of Brazilian funk fusion, which is a sub-branch of the Brazilian funk genre. Brazilian funk originated in the 1970s in Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo. It involved a blend of samba, soul, and funk music. Brazilian funk reflects the political and social transition of Brazil into a democratic society and the spirit of innovation that infused every aspect of the country's culture. The influence of Brazilian funk can be heard in many contemporary styles of music across the world today.
The album Carnival contains eight songs that bring out the energy of Brazilian carnival. The album is dynamic, with each song presenting a different mood, groove, and vibe. However, some tracks stand out, such as the opening track Carnival, which brings out the infectious energy that a Brazilian carnival would have. The song, with its electric piano, trombone, and upbeat energy, invites one to imagine oneself at the carnival, surrounded by vibrant colors, dancing to an infectious beat. Another great track is the funky Samba De Flora, which showcases the band's mastery of various genres of music.
The most innovative aspects of the album are its use of electronic and acoustic sounds., As technology progressed, Azymuth's music started to incorporate electronic sounds, which were prominent in Carnival. The band's incorporation of the Moog synthesizer and other electronic sounds into their music is highlighted in tracks like Crazy Clock and Pico De Pato, where the electronic sounds are a central instrument in the music. The use of these electronic sounds elevates the band's sound and sets them apart from other Brazilian funk and jazz bands.
While the Carnival album is undeniably iconic and is a representation of Brazilian funk, it still has areas of criticism. The lyrics of the songs are in Portuguese, which can be a barrier to non-native speakers. Moreover, the album does not necessarily offer anything new that Azymuth had not incorporated into their earlier releases. It is merely a reiteration of their sound, for which they had already been celebrated by their fans.
Azymuth's Carnival album is a celebration of Brazilian culture and identity. The album highlights the adaptability and innovation of Brazilian music, which has expanded to the rest of the world. The album's incorporation of electronic sounds into its music is groundbreaking, and Azymuth's mastery of various genres of music is evident in the album's songs. However, the album's drawback is that the lyrics of the songs are in Portuguese, which is a barrier to those not familiar with the language. Overall, Carnival is a must-listen for music lovers who want to experience the energy and rhythm of Brazilian funk.