The world of music mourns the loss of Hermeto Pascoal, the legendary Brazilian musician nicknamed "the Sorcerer," who passed away at the age of 89. News of his death, surrounded by loved ones and fellow musicians, was shared on his social media accounts. Pascoal, instantly recognizable with his flowing white hair and beard, captivated audiences worldwide with his unparalleled creativity and virtuosity. He mastered the keyboard, guitar, and saxophone, seamlessly blending various genres and pushing the boundaries of musical expression.
Born in 1936 in Alagoas, Brazil, Pascoal's albinism spared him the arduous field work common to his childhood. Instead, he immersed himself in music, learning to play his father's accordion and finding inspiration in the melodies of nature. His family's move to Recife at age 14 fueled his musical development, eventually leading him to the vibrant musical scenes of Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo.
Pascoal collaborated with some of Brazil's most celebrated artists, including the iconic singer Elis Regina. His collaborations extended internationally, notably his relationship with jazz legend Miles Davis. Their encounter, involving an impromptu boxing match, according to Pascoal, resulted in Davis dubbing him "the Mad Albino." Davis, famously impressed by Pascoal's unique talent, called him "the most impressive musician in the world" and even included three of Pascoal's compositions on his seminal album, *Live-Evil*.
Known for his innovative and unconventional approach to music, Pascoal defied categorization. He incorporated unexpected instruments into his compositions, from squealing piglets featured on the album *Slaves Mass* (the album cover even includes a picture of Pascoal cradling the piglet) to children's toys and cow horns. He famously rejected the label of "jazz musician," citing the fluidity and diverse influences present in his work, which drew heavily from Brazilian genres like chorinho and samba.
'When people hear my music they find it very hard to pinpoint and to pigeonhole it,' Pascoal explained in a 2022 interview with Jazzwise magazine. 'When they think I am doing one thing, I am already doing something else... It’s very liquid.' This experimental spirit continued throughout his career; even into his 80s, he performed and led musical groups, always pushing boundaries and inspiring younger musicians. His legacy as a pioneering and innovative musician will undoubtedly endure for generations to come.
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Originally published at: https://www.theguardian.com/music/2025/sep/14/hermeto-pascoal-brazilian-jazz-musician-the-sorcerer-dies
