Hermeto Pascoal, Brazilian jazz legend, dead at 89
Brazilian jazz icon Hermeto Pascoal, known for performing on records by Miles Davis and other Brazilian artists such as Airto Moreira and Flora Purim, has died, aged 89.
In a statement announcing his death, it was confirmed that the multi-instrumentalist, who was affectionately known as ‘The Sorcerer,’ “passed surrounded by family and fellow musicians” on September 14th. No further details, such as a cause of death, have been revealed.
A self-taught musician, Pascoal was born with albinism and grew up in a poor part of the country, being spared work in the fields as a child as a result of his condition. Instead, he spent his time learning to play multiple instruments, and became interested in composition at the age of 11.
Best known for his natural talents on keyboard, guitar, accordion and woodwind, Pascoal was celebrated within his home country from a young age, and began recording and touring with other performers as a teenager in the 1950s before establishing himself on the international stage.
He eventually caught the eye of Davis while on tour with the percussionist Moreira, and was recruited to perform on his Live-Evil record, which saw the jazz legends combining their talents for playing in a fusion style.
Pascoal would also release plenty of groundbreaking solo records in addition to his work alongside other established figures, including the critically acclaimed 1977 album, Slaves Mass, which saw him combine elements of Brazilian samba and chorinho with Western jazz fusion and rock flair.
The album is notable for its wide range of instruments being incorporated into the recording, which included Pascoal squeezing a live pig, playing children’s toys and using cow horns, while also featuring an ensemble cast of some of Brazil and America’s most talented jazz musicians.Pascoal continued to work into his later years, releasing his most recent record, Pra Você, Ilza in 2024, and still scheduling shows around the world prior to his death.
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