Pascoal Meirelles

Origin

Belo Horizonte, MG

Genres

jazz, instrumental music, MPB, samba

Instruments

drums, percussion

Biography

Pascoal de Souza Meirelles is a celebrated Brazilian drummer, percussionist, composer, and arranger who has left an indelible mark on instrumental music and MPB. Born in Belo Horizonte, he began his professional journey as a self-taught musician playing in local dance halls and night clubs in the early 1960s. During this foundational period, he co-founded the influential Tempo Trio alongside pianist Helvius Vilela and bassist Paulo Horta, releasing their debut record in 1965.

Relocating to Rio de Janeiro in 1969, Meirelles quickly immersed himself in the vibrant cultural scene, collaborating with jazz luminaries like Paulo Moura and performing alongside legendary artists such as Maysa, Ivan Lins, and Elis Regina. His remarkable versatility enabled him to record and tour extensively across international stages in North America alongside artists like Simone. In the 1980s, he further cemented his legacy by co-founding the renowned instrumental group Cama de Gato, which maintained a prolific recording career spanning decades.

Beyond his performance credits, Meirelles pursued formal higher education at the Berklee College of Music in Boston, eventually sharing his vast expertise as a respected educator across institutions in Brazil, the United States, and Ecuador. He also maintained an active solo career marked by acclaimed albums like Considerações a Respeito and Forró Brabo, while contributing his drumming mastery to landmark recordings by iconic figures such as Chico Buarque, Tom Jobim, and Gonzaguinha.

Discography

• Considerações a Respeito (1981)
• Tambá (1983)
• Anna (1987)
• Paula (1991)
• Tom (2004)
• Quarenta (2006)
• Ostinato (2010)
• Dubai-Lima Guitar Project (2012)