Fêníx

There's often consternation when a revered band loses a key member of its personnel. But then along comes a Phil Collins to replace a Peter Gabriel and all is again well with the world. The 2012 death of Azymuth's keyboard wizard and principal composer, José Roberto Bertrami, left a big hole. His eventual replacement, Kiko Continentino, has worked with the likes of Djavan, Gilberto Gil and Milton Nascimento, so he has a good pedigree. Indeed, on the basis of ‘Orange Clouds’, his tribute to the Azymuth of old, the new boy can clearly compose one of those lovely, lazy funky melodies that is synonymous with the band.

Perhaps the worst thing you can say about Fêníx is that nothing much has changed. The impeccable rhythm section of bassist Alex Malheiros and drummer Ivan Conti is still there to steer the new vessel; the opening and closing permutations of ‘Villa Mariana’ are worthy of classic 1970s Azymuth; and in between, with guest percussionist Robertinho Silva being a welcome addition to the crew, there's plenty of snappy funk and melodic reveries such as ‘Rio Doce’. It's tempting to suggest that Fêníx represents a re-birth, but it's really more like Azymuth have never been away.