15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A musical journey with a Master!, March 18, 2000
This review is from: Slaves Mass (Audio CD)
I first listened to this album as a jazz major in college and it blew me away. I don't use the word "Master" very often but, Hermeto is a MASTER. This album will dazzle your ears and imagination. Not only does Hermeto play most of the instruments on this album, he plays them so well you have to wonder which one is his main axe. A seance to contact the soul of Cannonball Adderley with Hermeto playing muti-tracked saxaphone is a treasure. The title cut "Slaves Mass" scared the hell out of me when I was 18 and alone in the dark of my dorm. "Little Cry for Him" demonstrates how well he plays everything.
If you like music that breaks all the rules then you owe it to yourself to own this album.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
14 of 16 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Music for All Humans, July 27, 2000
This review is from: Slaves Mass (Audio CD)
I pondered for a bit about what to call this album. "Aclassic"? "A masterpiece of Brazilian Music"? "An Unknown Genius"? ... The best I can say about Hermeto's work is all of the above and more. I am convinced that if he was born in the United States, he would be as well regarded as Miles Davis himself. I know this is quite a ambitious statement, the kind I am prompt not to make and even disdain when made by others, yet Mr. Pascual deserves such company. Like Miles, Hermeto never stops re-inventing himself, reaching for the farthest shores of his own soul. Like Miles, it will render you speechless with the breadth of his musical vocabulary, and it may even annoy you, with his unwillingness to repeat himself and rest on the laurels of a "winning formula." This album is a universe onto itself. From the mystic to the bizarre in a single tune (check "Cannon, a lament for flute and two live pigs ... yes, really), or his virtuosity and inspiration on the piano on "Tacho."
If you honor the profound creativity of Miles Davis, the unexpected beauty of Monk's melodies, and the deep musical range of Zappa's parodies, you must buy this gem. One last warning ... don't expect a comfortable listening experience, this is only for those other humans who, like Hermeto, long to be transfixed and transformed by great art.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
12 of 14 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Adventurous, Surprising and ... Tuneful!, September 13, 2000
This review is from: Slaves Mass (Audio CD)
Hermeto's music matches avant-garde inventiveness and jazz improvisation with the Brazilian tradition of colorful melodies and african-based rythms. Perhaps not his best album ("So' nao Toca Quem Nao Quer" is a stronger contender for this title), but still a marvellous showcase of his abilities as a composer and player. After less than a hour of pig squeals, tea pot whistles, screams and children - not to mntion great playing of more "traditional" instruments -, you will be surprised to find out that experimental music can stick to your ears as much as Britney Spears - the only difference being that Hermeto's music is a lot more pleasant.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No