HERMETO PASCOAL & GRUPO

Man this is not an easy listen. Hermeto "big hair" Pascoal from Brazil is the best flute player I've ever heard and his album "Slaves Mass" from about 5 years earlier than this album I'm reviewing was released is a must own. Is there an instrument he doesn't play? Plus he plays these ethnic ones I've never heard of. On top of all that he does vocals and whistles just for the exclamation point.

Basically they are a seven piece here with three guests. Flutes lead the way as we get many flautists on here playing piccolo flute, wood flute, bass flute and bamboo flute. Maybe more? Anyway besides flute there's a fair amount of clavinet played by the keyboardist and Hermeto. Sax, guitars, percussions, drums, bass, harmonium, tuba(haha) and more were used to create this album. Hermeto composed all but track 7 which the guitarist took care of.

Lots to like here of course but man this is difficult at times. A tough listen for me overall hence the 3 stars. I think any composers out there would be impressed although this borders on Avant in my opinion. Check this man out please!