What makes Em Som Maior by Hermeto Pascoal notable?

This album is significant for its role in popularizing Brazilian jazz on an international scale, influencing countless musicians both in Brazil and abroad. It received critical acclaim for its experimental sound, which has been recognized as a crucial contribution to the genre's development. In 1965, Hermeto Pascoal was emerging as a pivotal figure in Brazilian jazz, having just released his debut album. 'Em Som Maior' introduced his innovative style that blends traditional Brazilian music with complex harmonies and improvisational elements, setting the stage for his influential career.

Who is Em Som Maior for?

Em Som Maior works well if you're into vibrant energy for social settings, playful experimentation in sound and short bursts of rhythmic joy.

How many songs are on Em Som Maior?

Em Som Maior has 11 tracks, running approximately 33 minutes.

Em Som Maior

Hermeto Pascoal · 1965

33 min · 11 tracks · jazz

A vibrant fusion of Brazilian rhythms and jazz improvisation, showcasing intricate arrangements and a spirit of spontaneity.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Sambrasa — The opening track sets the tone for the album with its lively rhythms and complex melodies, encapsulating Pascoal's unique approach to blending genres.
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Arrastão — This piece showcases Pascoal's ability to incorporate traditional Brazilian samba elements while weaving in intricate jazz improvisations, creating a captivating listening experience.
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João sem braço — With its playful arrangement and rhythmic complexity, this track exemplifies the joyful spirit of the album and highlights Pascoal's skill as both a composer and performer.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental

70 /100

Alpine

Higher than 94% of albums we've rated

The album blends intricate arrangements and improvisation, establishing a distinctive sound in Brazilian jazz.

What we noticed

The album features complex rhythmic patterns that shift frequently, reflecting both Brazilian and jazz influences.
The arrangements incorporate traditional Brazilian instruments alongside standard jazz ensembles, creating a unique sound palette.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 7/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

vibrant energy for social settings
playful experimentation in sound
short bursts of rhythmic joy
spontaneous moments of improvisation

Maybe skip if you

prefer lengthy, cohesive compositions
seek conventional song structures

Where this album fits

Career context: In 1965, Hermeto Pascoal was emerging as a pivotal figure in Brazilian jazz, having just released his debut album. 'Em Som Maior' introduced his innovative style that blends traditional Brazilian music with complex harmonies and improvisational elements, setting the stage for his influential career.
Stylistic neighbors: Weather Report· Chick Corea· Miles Davis

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Sambrasa 3:42
2 Aleluia 3:13
3 Samba novo 2:44
4 Clerenice 2:15
5 Duas contas 2:40
6 Nem o mar sabia 2:26
7 Arrastão 4:23
8 Coalhada 3:04
9 João sem braço 3:44
10 Lamento nortista 3:17
11 A jardineira 1:56

What to play next

Listen next

Hermeto

1970

Go back to

Roteiro Noturno

1964

Full Hermeto Pascoal discography Artists like Hermeto Pascoal

jazz

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata