Who was Hermeto Pascoal? Brazilian "Sorcerer" of sound dies at 89

Hermeto Pascoal was a Brazilian composer and multi-instrumentalist. He was popularly referred to as the "sorcerer" and was considered a self-taught child prodigy. He began learning various instruments at a very young age. At the age of 8, Hermeto was learning to play the flute. He also knew how to play the button accordion, saxophone, keyboards, and guitar.

Hermeto's career in music started in 1964, when he appeared in a few Brazilian recordings. Some of the musicians he worked with at the time include Cesar Camargo Mariano, Edu Lobo, and Elis Regina. Pascoal became a widely influential figure in the jazz world because of his unique style.

At one point, Pascoal even boxed with Miles Davis, the late American trumpeter and composer. The 'Sorcerer' died at the age of 89, and according to the message shared on his social media pages:

"With serenity and love, we announce that Hermeto Pascoal has passed on to the spiritual realm, surrounded by family and fellow musicians. At the very moment of his passing, his Group was on stage — just as he would have wished: making sound and music. As he always taught us, let us not be ruled by sadness: listen to the wind, the birds, a glass of water, a waterfall — universal music keeps breathing."

How did Hermeto Pascoal begin his music career?

As mentioned, Hermeto Pascoal's interest in music began at an early age. Because of his albinism, he could not work with his family in the countryside, which left him plenty of time to learn different musical instruments.

By 1966, he was playing with the Brazilian jazz group Sambrasa Trio, along with Airto Moreira and Humberto Clayber. A year later, he joined Trio Novo, which was later renamed to Quarteto Novo. This is where Hermeto's fame began, but he later joined Brazilian Octopus.

Hermeto Pascoal rose to international fame in 1971 when he composed three pieces on Miles Davis's album Live-Evil. Miles commented on Pascoal's talent, saying:

"the most impressive musician in the world."

In addition to his impressive career, Hermeto also earned the nickname 'o Bruxo,' which translates to 'Sorcerer'. The reason behind the nickname is that Pascoal has a knack for making music using unconventional "instruments," such as a teapot, animals, toys, to other instruments, including brass and folkloric instruments. He created music inspired by nature and Brazilian folk traditions, sometimes even performing with water, bottles, and flutes while immersed in a lagoon.

Aside from music, Hermeto Pascoal also compiled a book of songs called Calendário do Som, which took him a year to complete. It contains a song for all the days of the year, including February 29, so everyone can have a song on their birthday.

During an interview with Jazzwise magazine in 2022, Pascoal said:

"When people hear my music they find it very hard to pinpoint and to pigeonhole it... When they think I am doing one thing I am already doing something else... It's very liquid."

Hermeto Pascoal's lifelong passion for music, as well as his innovative use of unconventional instruments, made him one of the most influential figures in jazz. The 'Sorcerer' will always be remembered for his creativity and originality.

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