once called him 'the most impressive musician in the world'. Others simply call Brazilian multi-instrumentalist, composer and producer Hermeto Pascoal 'O bruxo' or the wizard. Playing on conventional instruments (saxophone, flute, guitar, keys) and objects such as kettles, teapots, toys and even animals, he liberated Brazilian jazz in the 1960s with groups such as Sambrasa Trio and Quarteto Novo.
He is now the éminence gris of Brazilian jazz, although his music is not accessible enough for a large (jazz) audience. He also ignores everything on the double album No Mundo Dos Sons. Here is a pleasantly insane feast of smooth Brazilian rhythms, folk and complex fusion. For example, we hear Pascoal scatting with (what sounds like) a mouthful of water. In terms of swing and groove, a solid Brazilian ensemble is unmistakably at work here, but the musical antics and gimmicks clearly come from the brain of a boundless and unique musician. (MR)more
