Record Reviews

HERMETO PASCOAL ~ LAGOA DA CANOA MUNICIPIO DE ARAPIRACA LINE 9.00520 ~ BRAZIL ~ Jazz-World Fusion Recorded: 1984 Released: 1988 This is an album by the Godfather of Brazilian Jazz, multi-instrumentalist / composer / bandleader Hermeto PascoalFind albums by this artist, recorded with a large group of local musicians, including saxophonist Carlos MaltaFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Jovino Santos NetoFind albums by this artist, bassist Itibere ZwargFind albums by this artist, drummer Marcio BahiaFind albums by this artist and others. The album presents eleven tracks, nine of which were composed by Pascoal and two short ditties are credited to other composers. The music is typical Brazilian Jazz, soaked with local melodic and rhythmic influences, which is arranged for a large ensemble and flows briskly, making it very hard for any listener to stay still and not to get swooped into a wild dance. As usually, Pascoal incorporates local Folklore influences into his compositions in a unique way, which characterizes his music for decades. The music is a wonderful amalgam of Jazz, World and Improvised Music, which incorporates Jazz idioms with the riches of Brazilian music, weaving a unique tapestry, which is typical of Pascoal´s brilliant achievements. The vigor, dynamics and enthusiasm characterizing the contributions by these young players is strongly felt, balancing Pascoal´s more lyrical and contemplative approach, again creating magnificent tension and feeling of urgency. Overall, this album is a gift to all Jazz-World Fusion enthusiasts, saving this superb music from oblivion. Since most Pascoal’s albums are currently unavailable or extremely hard to find, this release fills a gap. An absolute must!

Updated: 09/10/2026Posted: 09/10/2026

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HERMETO PASCOAL ~ PLANETARIO DA GAVEA FAR OUT 229 (Barcode: 5065007965085) ~ BRAZIL ~ Jazz-World Fusion Recorded: 1981 Released: 2022 This is a phenomenal archival album by legendary Brazilian Jazz multi-instrumentalist (keyboards / saxophone / flute) vocalist / composer / bandleader Hermeto PascoalFind albums by this artist, presenting a live recording captured at Rio de Janeiro’s Planetarium. He is accompanied by some of the best Brazilian Jazz musician, which played in his various groups over the years: saxophonist / flautist Carlos MaltaFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Jovino Santos NetoFind albums by this artist, bassist Itibere ZwargFind albums by this artist and drummers / percussionists Zé Eduardo NazarioFind albums by this artist, Marcio BahiaFind albums by this artist and PernambucoFind albums by this artist (a.k.a. Antonio Luis de SantanaFind albums by this artist). The 2CD album presents ten original compositions, which get here an expanded treatment, in one case over half an hour in duration. The music is the familiar magical mixture of Brazilian music, Pascoal’s brilliantly weaved melodies and Jazz improvisations, which these great musicians perform with superb skill and passion. Although the live recording is a bit rough on the edges sound wise, the enthusiasm and sheer virtuosity of these players combined with Pascoal’s music, works like a charm. Pascoal is undoubtedly one of the most important precursors of Jazz-World Fusion and all his work over the decades is a wonderful example of the power of the genre. His talent, recognized by many fellow musicians all over the world, is a beacon of ingenuity, inventiveness and universality of music. Overall, this album is a gift to all Jazz-World Fusion enthusiasts, saving this superb music from oblivion. Since most Pascoal’s albums are currently unavailable or extremely hard to find, this release fills a gap, not mentioning its importance as it presents several compositions that were never previously available on record. An absolute must!

Updated: 12/08/2022Posted: 12/08/2022

CD 2 Recommend To A Friend