Nem Um Talvez
DIfferent versions of a great Hermeto Pascoal composition
In 1971 Hermeto Pascoal was invited to record with Miles Davis in the album Live Evil. One of the two compositions recorded then was Nem Um Talvez (Not Even Maybe). This is one of the most beautiful melodies ever created, in my opinion. A hallmark of a great piece of music is in its capacity to be arranged in many different ways. See and hear below…
In this recording we hear Hermeto on organ and voice, Miles on trumpet, Dave Holland on bass and Airto Moreira on percussion:
In 1976, the guitarist and mandolinist Robertinho de Recife recorded as a march, with Hermeto on Rhodes piano:
In 1985, Hermeto and our Grupo performed it as a piano and vocal extended encore to our concert at the Eremitage Jazz Club in Schwaz, Austria. Here’s a live recording:
I recorded this solo piano version in 2011:
Finally, here’s my arrangement of Nem Um Talvez for a string quintet, recorded in 2006 by the Swiss ensemble Kurmann Strings:
I love how Hermeto's chord progressions are so logical while still making me feel like I'm getting head-faked by Pele. The Beautiful Game indeed!
First song feels fascinating—like a world in slow motion.
Who plays the piano on the third song?
Obrigada!