What makes Slaves Mass by Hermeto Pascoal notable?

Slaves Mass has been recognized for its innovative approach, influencing generations of musicians across genres. The album garnered significant critical acclaim, featuring prominently in discussions about the evolution of Brazilian jazz and its global impact. Released in 1976, Slaves Mass is Hermeto Pascoal's third album, following his groundbreaking work on the acclaimed 1973 release, 'Caminho de Pedra'. At this point in his career, he was establishing himself as a pivotal figure in Brazilian jazz, known for blending traditional sounds with experimental techniques.

Who is Slaves Mass for?

Slaves Mass works well if you're into vibrant improvisation and spontaneity, long tracks for deep exploration and playful rhythms for joyful listening.

How many songs are on Slaves Mass?

Slaves Mass has 10 tracks, running approximately 77 minutes.

Released 50 years ago

Slaves Mass

Hermeto Pascoal · 1976

77 min · 10 tracks · jazz

A vibrant fusion of Brazilian rhythms and avant-garde jazz, rich with improvisation and intricate arrangements.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Slaves Mass (Missa dos escravos) — The title track encapsulates the album's spirit, merging poignant melodies with rhythmic complexity that reflects cultural themes of resistance and heritage.
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Mixing Pot (Tacho) — This opening track sets the tone with an energetic blend of jazz improvisation over a distinctly Brazilian groove, showcasing Pascoal's unique compositional style.
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Cherry Jam (Geleia de cereja) — A lengthy exploration of texture and rhythm, this track highlights the collective improvisational skills of the ensemble, making it a standout moment on the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

81 /100

Summit

Higher than 100% of albums we've rated

A vibrant fusion of Brazilian rhythms and avant-garde jazz, showcasing intricate arrangements and strong improvisation.

What we noticed

Improvisation plays a central role, with extended solos that showcase the musicians' virtuosity, especially in 'Just Listen' and 'Open Field'.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 9/10
Durability 25% of the score: 8/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 9/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

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 improvisation and spontaneity
long tracks for deep exploration
playful rhythms for joyful listening
cathartic moments of musical release

Maybe skip if you

prefer short, immediate gratification
dislike unpredictable musical structures

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in 1976, Slaves Mass is Hermeto Pascoal's third album, following his groundbreaking work on the acclaimed 1973 release, 'Caminho de Pedra'. At this point in his career, he was establishing himself as a pivotal figure in Brazilian jazz, known for blending traditional sounds with experimental techniques.
Stylistic neighbors: Weather Report· Chick Corea· Miles Davis

Tracklist

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

1 Mixing Pot (Tacho) 9:18
2 Slaves Mass (Missa dos escravos) 4:19
3 Little Cry for Him (Chorinho pra ele) 2:11
4 Cannon (Dedicated to Cannonbal Adderley) 5:20
5 Just Listen (Escuta meu piano) 7:08
6 That Waltz (Aquela valsa) 2:46
7 Cherry Jam (Geleia de cereja) 11:45
8 Open Field (Campo aberto) 4:25
9 Pica Pau (take 1) 14:20
10 Star Trap, Part 2 15:44

What to play next

Listen next

Zabumbê‐bum‐á

1979

Go back to

Hermeto

1970

Full Hermeto Pascoal discography Artists like Hermeto Pascoal

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Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata