Interview with Alex Malheiros: Azymuth's Musical Journey and the Concert in Oslo at Parkteatret
- Rodrigo Braz Vieira
- Dec 6, 2024
- 3 min read
It is with great pleasure that Brasil i Norge presents an exclusive interview with Alex Malheiros, bassist and founder of Azymuth, and today the only remaining member of the group's original lineup. Over more than 50 years of their career, Azymuth has stood out internationally with its unique blend of jazz, samba, funk, and Brazilian rhythms, always infused with infectious joy. In this conversation, Alex reflects on the band’s incredible journey, the most memorable moments of this musical voyage, and his expectations for the concert in Oslo at Parkteatret on December 15, 2024.
Azymuth is celebrating over 50 years of career. How do you reflect on this incredible musical journey, and which moments have impacted you the most over these five decades?
Alex Malheiros:When we formed the initial lineup of the band, which at the time was not yet called Azymuth, we could never have imagined that our music would take us so far. Our musical journey, often instrumental and spiced with elements of jazz, samba, funk, pop, and above all, immense joy, has crossed borders and touched hearts around the world. From the release of Linha do Horizonte in the 1970s—part of the soundtrack of a TV Globo telenovela—to our performance at the Montreux Jazz Festival in 1977, which established us on the international stage, Azymuth’s music has received a warm welcome across different cultures and audiences.
You’re set to perform in Oslo on December 15. What are your expectations for the concert in Norway, and what are your thoughts on playing for the Norwegian audience for the first time, considering Azymuth has been here before but without you?
Alex Malheiros: I know that Azymuth has visited Norway before, at a time when greater forces prevented me from being present. Today, as the sole remaining member of the original lineup, I come with the mission of sharing the group’s legacy with all of you. Kiko Continentino (keyboard), who has been with us for nearly a decade, and Renato Massa (drums), who joined us a year ago, are my companions in this new chapter of Azymuth.
Foto: Azymuth
For the concert at Parkteatret, what can the audience, both Azymuth fans and the Brazilian community in Norway, expect as something special? Will you bring anything new or different to this performance? And for those who are not yet familiar with Azymuth, how would you invite them to experience this unique concert in Oslo?
Alex Malheiros: We are excited to perform songs that have defined our history, from the early days to the Fênix album from 2016, which still included our dear Ivan “Mamão” Conti. Now, we look forward to the future with the release of our new work, Arabutã, scheduled for 2025, which already features the brilliant contributions of Renato Massa.
I hope our performance in Oslo will be memorable and that you, dear friends in Norway, will be rewarded with the best of our music, both past and present, in a celebration that connects our roots with new musical explorations.
With all love and gratitude,Alex.
Foto: Thiago Cortes
Tickets are still available for this incredible opportunity to experience one of the world’s jazz legends, Azymuth, live at Parkteatret in Oslo on December 15, 2024. Doors open at 7:00 PM, and this is an evening you won’t want to miss!
For more information and to secure your tickets, click the link:
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