Jose Roberto Bertrami
Brazilian keyboardist Jose Roberto Bertrami is the founder of the epochal band Azymuth, the trio who masterfully meld jazz, bossa, electric fusion and samba. Some would go so far as to call Bertrami and Azymuth smooth jazz artists. Yet Bertrami and colleagues seem to avoid the cheese, and produce something that is truly satisfying and successful. The melodies are always taught, and the rhythm is alway impeccable, thanks in no small part to drummer/percussionist Ivan “Mamao” Conti and bass player Alex Malheiros.
I’ve chosen two selections from Bertrami’s solo albums to illustrate his approach, recorded 18 years apart. Blue Wave was recorded in 1983, and Things are Different in 2001. Spot the difference.
Jose Roberto Bertrami – Partido Alto
From Blue Wave: Milestone M 9117 [Buy]
Jose Roberto Bertrami – Partido Alto 3
From Things are Different: Farout Recordings 053LP [Buy]
Jose Roberto Bertrami (front) with Ivan Conti and Alex Malheiros
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hmm! I’ve got mixed emotions about this one! Liked the Azymuth version better!
Hey, there’s no rule that says you have to like everything that gets posted on etnobofin. (I thought nobody would like Dominion Centenary Concert Band for example)
Keep on rollin’
I know … It’s just seldomly that people speak up when they don’t like something on the mp3 blogs. Right?
It’s like .. “Why bother!” .. But since I frequently comment on this exellent blog of yours … and listen to almost everything you post and suggest. I thought why not … But then again I don’t want to sound negative.
Just my 2 cents.. you know!
Peace!
I think music blogs would be far more interesting if people were critical of the music they didn’t like.
Negativity is OK, as long as it’s constructive
At least, I would welcome more criticism on my blog!
Amen!
Nice post. Was kind of skeptic with the whole “smooth jazz” label, but I dig it. Nice bass work