Tempo Trio

Origin

Minas Gerais, MG

Years active

1964–1967

Genres

jazz, bossa nova, jazz-bossa

Instruments

piano, contrabaixo, bateria

Biography

Tempo Trio was a notable Brazilian instrumental group formed in the mid-1960s, active primarily between 1964 and 1967. Composed of musicians originally from Minas Gerais, the trio consisted of Helvius Vilela on piano, Paulo Horta on double bass, and Pascoal Meirelles on drums. The group gained prominence in the musical scene of the time, performing frequently in Belo Horizonte and participating in important events such as the Festival de Minas Gerais in Rio de Janeiro in 1965.

The peak of their short yet significant career was the release of their self-titled album "Tempo Trio" in 1965, on the London/Odeon label. This record is remembered for featuring the first known recording of a composition by Milton Nascimento, the song "E a gente sonhando". The trio's work is characterized by a sound that moves between jazz and bossa nova, with sophisticated arrangements and high-quality musical performance, making it a rare gem for collectors and aficionados of the genre.

Although Tempo Trio ended its activities in 1967, its legacy endures through its only recorded work. The group's importance lies not only in the quality of its instrumental music, but also in its role as a showcase for emerging talents like Milton Nascimento, cementing Tempo Trio as a landmark in the history of Brazilian instrumental music. The trio's sound is frequently associated with the elegance and innovation of the MPB of that era.