Zabumbê-bum-á
Hermeto Pascoal
1979
Rankings
Why This Album Matters
Zabumbê-bum-á, released between 1978 and 1979, is an essential recording in the discography of Hermeto Pascoal, the "Sorcerer" of Brazilian music. This album encapsulates the genius of the multi-instrumentalist and composer, notorious for his inventive approach to orchestration and improvisation. The work stands out as one of the fruits of his collaboration with the "fixed and cohesive group" that Hermeto established in 1977, a period when his sound was particularly robust and exploratory. The album reflects the essence of an artist who transcends musical conventions, frequently incorporating elements of nature and unusual objects into his creations, culminating in a unique and challenging auditory experience.
Context
Hermeto Pascoal's journey leading up to Zabumbê-bum-á was marked by constant evolution and experimentation. Born with albinism and strabismus, he was unable to dedicate himself to rural labour, turning instead to the sounds of nature and the creation of rudimentary instruments from childhood. He learned the accordion early and, still young, performed at forrós and parties, before migrating to Recife and, later, to Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, where he refined his skills on various instruments, such as piano and flute. Before solidifying the line-up that would record this album, Hermeto was part of important groups like Som Quatro, Sambrasa Trio and the innovative Quarteto Novo, where he already demonstrated his talent as an arranger and composer. His international prominence intensified from 1969 onwards, with trips to the United States, collaborations with names like Miles Davis, and the release of albums such as Slaves Mass in 1976. It was in 1977 that he formed the "fixed and cohesive group" that would accompany him on Zabumbê-bum-á, consolidating a phase of great creative effervescence and recognition.
Tracks
Credits
Mazzola
Hermeto Pascoal
Guti Carvalho
Hermeto Pascoal
Rosemarie "Zabelê" Pidner
Hermeto Pascoal
Itiberê Zwarg
Jovino Santos Neto
Nenê
Cacau
Pernambuco
Vitor Farias
Films
Books
Quebra tudo! a arte livre de Hermeto Pascoal
Vitor Nuzzi · 2024
This book by Vitor Nuzzi is a biography and in-depth analysis of Hermeto Pascoal's life and work, exploring his musical trajectory, his free art, and his nicknames such as 'Bruxo' and 'Campeão'. As it is a comprehensive study of the artist, recently published, it is highly likely to dedicate significant attention to the 1979 album 'Zabumbê-bum-á'.
Os 500 Maiores Álbuns Brasileiros de Todos os Tempos
Ricardo Alexandre · 2022
The largest Brazilian music election ever conducted: 162 specialists, spanning journalists, critics, musicians, producers and podcasters, each nominated 50 essential albums, supported by a masterlist of more than 2,000 works. Led by Ricardo Alexandre with tabulation by Sérgio Jomori, it was published in December 2022 as a 200-page hardcover book with graphic design by Fernando Pires.
300 Discos Importantes da Música Brasileira
Charles Gavin, Tárik de Souza, Carlos Calado, Arthur Dapieve · 2008
Conceived by Titãs drummer and musical researcher Charles Gavin, the 434-page book brings together covers and reviews of albums released between 1929 and 2007. The texts were written by journalists Tárik de Souza, Arthur Dapieve and Carlos Calado.
