Once declared by Miles Davis as “one of the most important musicians on the planet,” Alagoas native Hermeto Pascoal is a Brazilian music legend who’s unique recordings and playing have always had a deep spiritual connection to nature and his surrounding environments, which has resulted in some of the most original and adventurous music of our time. London’s Far Out Recordings has just unearthed a previously-unreleased live recording from Pascoal and his iconic band simply known as “O Grupo” (The Group) from 1981.

The recorded performance took place in front of a crowd gathered in Rio de Janeiro’s Gávea neighborhood under the iconic dome of the city’s Planetário (Planetarium). This was a highly anticipated event given that this was the band’s first live concert, and notable great musicians like Helio Delmiro, Milton Nascimento and others were in attendance. The series of concerts that took place at the Planetário ended up marking the birth of “O Grupo”, and apart from drummer/percussionist Zé Eduardo Nazário, the remarkable band would continue to remain intact with the same line-up for the next eleven years.

This incredible 10-track recording is a mixture between material that has been featured on previous albums, never-before-heard compositions, and premieres. As with all of Pascoal’s records, the music featured on this live session is wildly adventurous, bringing elements of spiritual jazz, Samba, Brazilian-rooted fusion grooves, cosmic tones, layered percussion rhythms and textures, all together into expanded psychedelic jams that take on a life of their own while in the moment.

Overall, this is an incredible live recording that truly captures the brilliance of Hermeto Pascaol and his O Grupo’s exploratory approach to their other-worldly live concert experiences. Highly recommended!

Hermeto Pascoal E Grupo — ‘Planetário da Gávea’
(Far Out Recordings)
(Recorded: February 1981)

1. Paz Amor e Esperança / Homônimo Sintróvio
2. Samba Do Belaqua
3. Vou Pra Lá e Pra Cá
4. Bombardino
5. Era Pra Ser e Não Foi
6. São Jorge / Ilza na Feijoada
7. Duo de Bateras
8. Duo de Bateras II
9. Ferragens
10. Jegue

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• Brazilian
• Cosmic
• Jazz Dance
• Spiritual Jazz