Renowned Brazilian jazz musician Hermeto Pascoal has passed away at the age of 89, his family confirmed on Saturday.
Pascoal, instantly recognizable for his flowing white beard and hair, was affectionately called “The Sorcerer” because of his extraordinary ability to create music from both traditional instruments and everyday objects.
In a statement posted on Instagram, his family revealed that he died “with serenity and love,” surrounded by loved ones and fellow artists. They added that at the time of his passing, his band was on stage performing, “just as he would have wished: making sound and music.”
Born in the northeastern state of Alagoas, Pascoal gained international recognition through his collaborations with jazz legend Miles Davis and other leading musicians. Davis even recorded some of Pascoal’s compositions, a milestone that secured his place as one of the most innovative figures in world jazz.
Known as a master of many instruments, Pascoal was widely admired for his improvisational brilliance and creative genius.
Reacting to the news, Brazilian singer Caetano Veloso hailed him on Instagram as “one of the highest points in the history of music in Brazil.”
