Azymuth — the Brazilian jazz-funk wizards — are back on the work horse and sounding as effortlessly slick as they’ve always been. Since the passing of keyboard maestro Jose Roberto Bertrami in 2012, remaining members Ivan Conti and Alex Malheiros have worked tirelessly to keep the spirit of Azymuth alive, and to continue the legacy of Bertrami’s genius. But out of pain comes a new lease of life and as the title suggests, Fênix (out on Far Out Recordings) marks a new era with Kiko Continentino now on keys.

A hugely talented pianist, composer and arranger, like Bertami, Kiko has worked with the likes of Milton Nascimento, Gilberto Gil and Djavan. The album also features Brazilian percussion legend Robertinho Silva, one of Brazil’s most important and influential players.

Loyal fans of the trio will immediately gravitate to Fênix‘s colourful arrangements and musical mastery. The title track is the perfect show and tell of just that; a beautiful marriage of croaking bass slaps and sun-drenched chord progressions that act as the perfect amble out of summer and into the autumn.

To coincide with Azymuth’s massive European tour, Far Out have pressed a one-off run of 300 hand-stamped and hand-numbered Fênix white label LPs, which will come housed in the finished sleeve. This super-limited priceless piece of Azymuth history will be available exclusively at the shows on the tour, over a month ahead of the official release date.

Fênix arrives on December 2 on digital and on vinyl/CD. Pre-order the album here, and check out their live dates while you’re there.