Hermeto Pascoal e sua Visão Original do Forró was recorded in 1999 but remained unreleased until this year. It is an album “not only made to be listened to, but to be danced to” as well, according to Pascoal, a man able to mix it with the vanguard of jazz (for instance on Miles Davis’ 1971 album Live-Evil). He has also always expressed his attachment to Nordeste traditions such as baião, frevo, maracatu and colo and contributed to their current vitality.
Born in 1936 in Alagoas, Hermeto then settled in neighboring Recife as a teenager, the capital of Pernambuco. There, he frequented forrós parties where the eponymous music is played, marked by a predominance of the accordion. This same instrument is utilized by o Bruxo (the Sorcerer) throughout this marvelous album, magnifying traditions by deploying dizzying instrumental sophistication, flavored by the characteristic shade of madness that he has always displayed. With guest singers, including the star Alceu Valenca, this volume enriches the octogenarian’s unfathomable discography. His recent concert performances have proved that his creativity remains intact.
Hermeto Pascoal – Hermeto Pascoal e sua Visão Original do Forró (Scubidu Music)
