Piano, Composer (1940-1976)

Francisco Tenório Júnior, born 4 July 1940 in Rio de Janeiro's Laranjeiras, was a Brazilian pianist and composer considered one of his generation's finest despite recording only one solo album. His light, clean touch evoked Bill Evans with elegant swing and melodic gift. His piano appears on landmark Brazilian albums: Leny Andrade's Arte Maior (1963), Edison Machado's Edison Machado é Samba Novo (1964), Os Cobras' O LP (1964), Wanda Sá's Vagamente (1964), Victor Assis Brasil's Desenhos (1966). At 24, he recorded sole solo album Embalo (1964), an instrumental samba-jazz masterpiece with Milton Banana, Paulo Moura, J.T. Meirelles, Raul de Souza. He opened up bossa nova by incorporating modal harmony, hard bop, samba, and rock elements.

By early 1970s, Tenório Jr was part of Clube da Esquina collective, adding piano to Lo Borges' debut, electric piano to Nelson Angelo e Joyce, appearing on Egberto Gismonti's Arvore and Academy of Dances, Gal Costa's India (1973). He accompanied Milton Nascimento, Caetano Veloso, and leading Brazilian artists. In March 1976, whilst touring Buenos Aires with Vinícius de Moraes and Toquinho, he left his hotel to buy cigarettes and never returned. Apprehended by Argentine police during the military dictatorship, he was tortured and eventually murdered.