Artist: Azymuth Album: Cascades / Rapid Transit

Year: 2001
Duration: 0:0-1

Exploring the Groovy Sounds of Azymuth's Album: Cascades / Rapid Transit

If you're a fan of Brazilian jazz-funk, then there's a good chance that you're familiar with the music of Azymuth. Known for their unique blend of samba, jazz, and funk, the trio has been making music together for over 50 years. One of their most beloved albums is Cascades / Rapid Transit, released in 1982. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the album, including its history, genre, best songs, most innovative parts, and a review of the album as a whole.

A Brief History of Azymuth

Azymuth is a Brazilian jazz-funk trio that formed in 1972. The band consists of Josè Roberto Bertrami on keyboards, Ivan Conti on drums, and Alex Malheiros on bass. The band's name comes from a combination of the word asymmetry and the nickname of a neighborhood in their hometown of Rio de Janeiro. Over the years, Azymuth has released over 20 albums, with their music drawing inspiration from Brazilian samba, funk, and jazz. Their unique sound has earned them a dedicated cult following around the world.

Genre of Cascades / Rapid Transit

Cascades / Rapid Transit is considered one of Azymuth's most influential albums. It was released in 1982 and blends elements of jazz fusion, funk, and disco with Brazilian rhythms, creating a smooth blend of sounds. The album has a strong emphasis on keyboards, with Bertrami's playing adding a lush, dreamy quality to the music. The album's standout tracks include Cascade of the Seven Waterfalls, Light as a Feather, and Jazz Carnival, which remains one of the band's most popular songs to this day.

Best Songs of Cascades / Rapid Transit

One of the reasons why Cascades / Rapid Transit is such a beloved album is because of its strong collection of songs. Cascade of the Seven Waterfalls is a standout track with its ethereal, dreamy vibe and funky bassline. Jazz Carnival is another crowd-pleaser with its catchy chorus and danceable beat. Falcon Love is a more mellow track with its slow, soulful groove, while Dear Limmertz is a beautiful ballad that showcases Bertrami's keyboard skills. Overall, the album is full of memorable tracks that showcase the band's unique blend of jazz and Brazilian rhythms.

Most Innovative Parts of the Album

Most Innovative Parts of the Album

One of the most innovative parts of Cascades / Rapid Transit is Bertrami's use of the ARP Odyssey analog synthesizer. His playing on this instrument is a standout feature of the album, adding a touch of otherworldly ambiance to the music. The album also features more experimental tracks like May I Have This Dance? which has a futuristic, almost robotic sound, and Maracana, which draws on traditional Brazilian rhythms but adds a modern twist. The album's diverse range of sounds and influences makes it a rich and rewarding listening experience.

Critic to the Album

Overall, Cascades / Rapid Transit is a classic album that stands the test of time. However, it's worth noting that some of the tracks can be a bit repetitive, with a few songs overstaying their welcome. Additionally, some listeners may find the album's production a little dated, with its heavy use of synths and electronic drums. Nevertheless, for fans of jazz-funk and Brazilian music, Cascades / Rapid Transit is a must-listen album that showcases Azymuth's unique sound at its best.
Azymuth's Cascades / Rapid Transit is a timeless album that continues to hold up well after nearly 40 years since its initial release. The album's seamless blend of jazz, funk, and Brazilian rhythms creates a unique listening experience that is both groovy and mellow. With standout tracks like Jazz Carnival and Cascade of the Seven Waterfalls, the album showcases the band's immense musical talent and ability to create memorable, timeless music. Whether you're a longtime fan of Azymuth or a newcomer to their music, Cascades / Rapid Transit deserves a place in any music lover's collection.