Farewell to Hermeto Pascoal: Brazil’s Musical Magician Passes at 89

Hermeto Pascoal, a legendary Brazilian composer and musician, has died at the age of 89. Known for his unique blend of jazz and traditional Brazilian music, Pascoal was celebrated for his creativity and innovation. He was born in a rural area in Alagoas, Brazil, and because of his albinism, he spent much of his childhood indoors. During this time, he taught himself to play music and became a self-taught multi-instrumentalist. By the age of 10, Hermeto was already performing at local dances and weddings, playing various instruments such as the piano, flute, saxophone, guitar, drums, and accordion. He was famous for using everyday household items to create new sounds in his music, showing his inventive spirit.

In the late 1950s, Hermeto moved to Rio de Janeiro, where he discovered the city's vibrant jazz scene. He performed in nightclubs and joined a radio orchestra, quickly gaining attention for his ability to mix jazz with Brazilian folk styles. His talent attracted some of Brazil's biggest music stars, including singer Elis Regina and percussionist Airto Moreira. Airto Moreira later took Hermeto on a tour to the United States, where he met the legendary jazz musician Miles Davis. Davis was so impressed by Hermeto that he called him the most important musician on the planet. Despite this recognition, Hermeto did not want to be labeled only as a jazz musician. He said his music was influenced by many Brazilian styles, such as chorinho and samba, and that his work was always changing and evolving.

Throughout his career, Hermeto wrote more than 2,000 instrumental pieces and continued to arrange and record music well into his 80s. One of his most famous moments was when he brought live pigs into the studio while recording his debut album, Slaves Mass, in 1976. Hermeto's family announced his death on social media, saying he was surrounded by family and fellow musicians. They invited people to honor him by playing a single note on an instrument, singing, or even using a kettle, and offering it to the universe. Hermeto Pascoal will be remembered as a true wizard of Brazilian music, whose creativity and passion inspired musicians around the world.