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—earning acclaim from the legendary Miles Davis, who called him the most important musician on the planet.
He was surrounded by family and fellow musicians, a statement announcing his death confirmed, though it did not provide further details.
Pascoal wrote more than 2,000 instrumental pieces and continued to arrange music and record artists well into his 80s.
A pianist and flutist at heart, he was also adept at playing various instruments including the saxophone, guitar, drums, and even household objects, which he often integrated into his performances.
Notably, while recording his debut album Slaves Mass for Warner Brothers in 1976, he famously brought a pair of live pigs into the studio.
Born on June 22, 1936, in a rural settlement northeast of Alagoas, Pascoal's albinism kept him from outdoor work. Hence, he taught himself music while spending his days indoors. At 10, he started performing at dances and weddings, showcasing forró and other traditional Brazilian music.
In the late 1950s, he moved to Rio de Janeiro and discovered the vibrant jazz scene, performing in nightclubs and joining a radio orchestra. His unique combination of jazz with traditional Brazilian folk styles quickly captured the attention of the country’s leading musicians, including singer Elis Regina and percussionist Airto Moreira, who accompanied him on a notable tour in the US that introduced him to Miles Davis.
Despite his acclaim in the jazz realm, Pascoal often rejected the label of being solely a jazz musician, asserting his deep ties to Brazilian styles such as chorinho and samba. When they think I am doing one thing I am already doing something else... It's very liquid, he explained in a 2022 interview with Jazz World.
His family announced his death on Instagram, urging followers to honor him by allowing a single note to resonate—whether from an instrument, their voice, or even a kettle—into the universe.
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