Jose
Roberto Bertrami, one of Brazil’s most celebrated pianists and a revolutionary
musician, sadly passed away in Rio de Janeiro on Sunday July 8, 2012 at the age
of 66.
Keyboardist,
composer and leader of the inimitable Brazilian trio Azymuth, Ze Bertrami is
known for creating the mesmerising and genre blending samba doido (crazy samba)
a mix of samba, jazz, funk and rock with an infectious swing and has had a huge
influence on Brazilian music through his solo projects, collaborations and
session work. One of the Brazilian greats, he is responsible for cross-pollinating
Brazilian music, bossa nova, samba and folk styles, with jazz, R&B, using
his unique keyboard sound, harmonics and is a true technocrat. Amongst many
others, he had arranged and written with Sarah Vaughan, Elis Regina, Mark Murphy,
Joe Pass, Erasmo Carlos, Milton Nascimento, Airto, Flora Purim and his
signature sound can be heard on many of the best-known Brazilian productions.
During
his four decades with Azymuth Bertrami toured the world many times, signed to
Milestones Records to release the classic albums ‘Light As A Feather’ and ‘Telecommunications’
and had a worldwide chart hit with ‘Jazz Carnival’. Since 1994 Bertrami rekindled
his career with Far Out Recordings releasing two solo albums, ‘Things Are
Different’ and ‘Aventura’, and ten Azymuth albums.
Joe
Davis and Far Out Recordings have lost one of their dearest friends and most
talented musician who shaped the sound of the label and Brazilian music for
five decades. He will be sorely missed.
Our thoughts and love go out to his family and friends.
Far
Out Recordings
09/07/2012
