Hermeto Pascoal, the innovative Brazilian composer famed for his blend of jazz and traditional music, has died at the age of 89. The self-taught multi-instrumentalist rose from child poverty to international fame, with Miles Davis calling him the most 'important musician on the planet'. He was 'surrounded by family and fellow musicians', a statement announcing his death says, though no details were provided.
Pascoal wrote more than 2,000 instrumental pieces and continued to arrange music and record artists well into his 80s. Primarily a pianist and flutist, he also played saxophone, guitars, drums, and accordions, and frequently incorporated household objects into his work. During the recording of his debut album 'Slaves Mass' for Warner Brothers in 1976, he famously brought a pair of live pigs into the studio.
Born on 22 June 1936, in a rural settlement in northeastern Alagoas, he was unable to work outside with his family due to his albinism, and taught himself music while spending time indoors. At age 10, he began playing at dances and weddings and soon became prominent in the forró scene.
His move to Rio de Janeiro in the late 1950s introduced him to the city’s jazz scene, where he performed in nightclubs and joined a radio orchestra. His unique combination of jazz and Brazilian folk music garnered the attention of the top stars in the genre. Collaborators included iconic singer Elis Regina and percussionist Airto Moreira, who helped him gain recognition in the US, leading to an introduction to Miles Davis.
Despite earning respect from jazz luminaries, Pascoal resisted being labeled solely a jazz musician, emphasizing his equal debts to Brazilian styles like chorinho and samba. 'When they think I am doing one thing, I am already doing something else... It's very liquid,' he explained in 2022.
Pascoal's family announced his passing on his Instagram page, encouraging admirers to 'let a single note ring - from an instrument, your voice or a kettle - and offer it to the universe' as a tribute.
Pascoal wrote more than 2,000 instrumental pieces and continued to arrange music and record artists well into his 80s. Primarily a pianist and flutist, he also played saxophone, guitars, drums, and accordions, and frequently incorporated household objects into his work. During the recording of his debut album 'Slaves Mass' for Warner Brothers in 1976, he famously brought a pair of live pigs into the studio.
Born on 22 June 1936, in a rural settlement in northeastern Alagoas, he was unable to work outside with his family due to his albinism, and taught himself music while spending time indoors. At age 10, he began playing at dances and weddings and soon became prominent in the forró scene.
His move to Rio de Janeiro in the late 1950s introduced him to the city’s jazz scene, where he performed in nightclubs and joined a radio orchestra. His unique combination of jazz and Brazilian folk music garnered the attention of the top stars in the genre. Collaborators included iconic singer Elis Regina and percussionist Airto Moreira, who helped him gain recognition in the US, leading to an introduction to Miles Davis.
Despite earning respect from jazz luminaries, Pascoal resisted being labeled solely a jazz musician, emphasizing his equal debts to Brazilian styles like chorinho and samba. 'When they think I am doing one thing, I am already doing something else... It's very liquid,' he explained in 2022.
Pascoal's family announced his passing on his Instagram page, encouraging admirers to 'let a single note ring - from an instrument, your voice or a kettle - and offer it to the universe' as a tribute.
