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' at the time of his passing, a statement said, but 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.
The artist was primarily a pianist and flutist but also played saxophone, guitars, drums, and accordions—frequently incorporating household objects into his work. During the recording of his debut album, Slaves Mass, he even brought a pair of live pigs into the studio.
Born on 22 June 1936 in a rural settlement northeast of Alagoas, Pascoal could not work outside with his family due to his albinism and taught himself music to pass the time indoors. He began playing at dances and weddings at age 10 and soon dived into traditional Brazilian music.
In the late 1950s, he moved to Rio de Janeiro, where he connected with the vibrant jazz scene, performing in clubs and joining a radio orchestra. His unique combination of jazz and folk traditions drew the attention of Brazil’s biggest musical stars, including singer Elis Regina and percussionist Airto Moreira, who accompanied him on a tour of the US where he met Davis.
Despite recognition in the jazz community, Pascoal resisted being pigeonholed, stating he drew equally from Brazilian genres like chorinho and samba. When they think I am doing one thing, I am already doing something else... It’s very liquid, he remarked in 2022.
His family announced his death on social media, urging people to honor him by letting a single note ring—whether from an instrument, their voice, or even a kettle—offered to the universe.
