Hermeto Pascoal, the innovative Brazilian multi-instrumentalist known as “the Wizard of Sounds” who transformed everyday objects into musical instruments and collaborated with Miles Davis, died in September 2025 at the age of 89.
Born in 1936 in Lagoa da Canoa, Alagoas, Pascoal began his musical journey at age 8, secretly playing his father’s accordion before becoming a professional musician at just 14 years old. His early career included working at Jornal do Comércio radio station in Recife and performing in regional choro bands alongside his brother and fellow musician Sivuca.
Pascoal’s international breakthrough came in 1971 when he appeared on Miles Davis’s album “Live-Evil,” composing three pieces that showcased his distinctive style. Davis, impressed by Pascoal’s talents, called him “the most impressive musician in the world,” a proof of his extraordinary abilities that blended Brazilian folk traditions with avant-garde experimentation. His profound musical philosophy emphasized that music exists everywhere, reflecting his lifelong dedication to finding sounds in the most unexpected places.
Nicknamed “o Bruxo” (the Sorcerer) in his native Brazil, Pascoal earned international acclaim for his unorthodox approach to creating music, using teapots, toys, and even animals as instruments. His compositions incorporated water sounds, glass bottles, and natural elements, exemplified in works like “Música da Lagoa,” while his mastery extended across conventional instruments including piano, flute, saxophones, and accordion. His sound design techniques often involved layering and synthesis to transform simple sounds into complex, atmospheric elements that created immersive musical experiences. As a founding member of the Quarteto Novo, he helped pioneer a revolutionary sound that merged traditional northeastern Brazilian music with jazz elements.
In 1999, Pascoal completed his ambitious “Calendário do Som,” composing a unique song for every day of the year, including February 29. His educational impact was equally significant through the “Jabour School,” where he mentored young musicians who developed his distinctive sound. Although known primarily for his artistic innovations, Pascoal also generated income through sync deals and licensing his distinctive compositions for films and commercials.
Recognition for Pascoal’s contributions included Latin Grammy Awards in 2018 for “Natureza Universal” and in 2019 for “Hermeto Pascoal e Sua Visão Original do Forró.” Throughout his later years, he remained active in Rio de Janeiro’s Jabour neighborhood, continuing to compose, rehearse, and host international musicians until his death.
Pascoal’s legacy endures through his revolutionary expansion of Brazilian music and his profound influence on generations of musicians worldwide who continue to draw inspiration from his boundless creativity and innovative spirit.
