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,' a statement announcing his death says. It 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.
Primarily a pianist and flutist, he also played saxophone, guitars, drums, and accordions, often incorporating household objects into his work. Notably, while recording his debut album 'Slaves Mass' for Warner Brothers in 1976, he brought live pigs into the studio!
Born on June 22, 1936, in a rural settlement north-east of Alagoas, he was unable to work outside with his family due to his albinism, which led him to teach himself music indoors. By age 10, he was playing at dances and weddings, showcasing traditional Brazilian styles.
In the late 1950s, he moved to Rio de Janeiro, immersing himself in the vibrant jazz scene. His unique fusion of jazz and traditional folk music quickly caught the attention of Brazil's biggest stars. He collaborated with famous artists like Elis Regina and percussionist Airto Moreira, the latter of whom introduced him to Miles Davis during a U.S. tour.
Despite his jazz accolades, Pascoal resisted being labeled solely a jazz musician, emphasizing his deep roots in Brazilian music styles like chorinho and samba. 'When they think I am doing one thing, I am already doing something else... It's very liquid,' he said in a 2022 interview.
His family announced his death on Instagram, inviting fans to honor him by allowing a 'single note to ring' from any instrument or voice.
