Hermeto Pascoal, a Brazilian composer known for his unique fusion of jazz and traditional music, has passed away at the age of 89. A self-taught multi-instrumentalist, Pascoal rose from a childhood marked by poverty to international acclaim. Jazz musician Miles Davis once referred to him as the most “important musician on the planet.”
He was surrounded by family and fellow musicians at the time of his death, though no specific details have been released. Over his lifetime, Pascoal composed more than 2,000 instrumental pieces and continued to create music and collaborate with artists into his 80s.
Primarily recognized as a pianist and flutist, Pascoal also played a variety of instruments including the saxophone, guitar, drums, and accordion, often incorporating everyday objects into his performances. Notably, during the recording of his debut album, Slaves Mass, in 1976, he famously introduced a pair of live pigs into the studio.
Born on June 22, 1936, in a rural area of Alagoas, Pascoal’s albinism prevented him from working outdoors with his family, which led him to self-educate in music. He began performing at dances and weddings at the age of 10 and later played traditional Brazilian music, such as forró, in his region.
In the late 1950s, he moved to Rio de Janeiro, immersing himself in the city’s jazz scene, performing in nightclubs, and becoming part of a radio orchestra. His innovative blend of jazz and Brazilian folk music garnered attention from major Brazilian artists, including singer Elis Regina and percussionist Airto Moreira. His work led to a tour in the U.S., where he met Miles Davis.
Despite his recognition in the jazz community, Pascoal distanced himself from the jazz label, emphasizing his roots in Brazilian music styles like chorinho and samba. Following his death, his family encouraged people to honor him by creating and sharing music—whether through instruments or voice.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c98dgd2n5y2o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss