Eliane Elias - Eliane Elias Plays Jobim

The Brazilian pianist Eliane Elias is an ideal interpreter for the music of her compatriot Antonio Carlos Jobim. She's attuned to both its melodic and rhythmic nuances, and she's a potent improviser, able to develop Jobim's often graceful melodies and put her own stamp on them. Despite her Brazilian roots, Elias's approach is often more jazz oriented than bossa nova, and she provides a fuller portrait of Jobim than is usual. The songs stretch from the '50s to the '80s, and she thoroughly recasts some of the best-known tunes from the bossa nova period, like "Desafinado." Bassist Eddie Gomez, who first encouraged Elias's move to the U.S., is a full partner in the music, an aggressive and virtuosic presence providing constant stimulation with fleet counter lines, while drummer Jack DeJohnette and percussionist Nana Vasconcelos combine to create a flowing, percussive backdrop. Elias's singing on "Don't Ever Go Away" looks ahead to her later vocal approach on the CD Sings Jobim. --Stuart Broomer Amazon.com

Better than I anticipated

Very soothing and relaxing. Best for intimate settings with someone special or small groups. This played in the background at a cocktail party I hosted and I received so many queries on who was the musician that was playing so beautifully. Eliane is wonderful! November 7, 2006

Elaine Elias in one of his best works.

Elaine Elias is a talented and extraordinary well gifted brazilian jazz pianist - Her appoach and arrangements made in every track of this album are simply gold dust .
Antonio Carlos Jobim represents one the supreme names in the bossa nova mood . His name is so clearly engaged to Brazil that Aguas de Marzo or Girl from Ipanema are titles that have surpased its own age and have signed its memories in the immortality . Think in Stan Getz , and Astrud Gilberto for instance among other famous examples . They won Grammy Award in 1964 thanks to their undeniable talent , and supported for the lyric mood of Jobim .
All these performances are of first rate and confirm once more the prodigious talent of this artist .
A must for any jazz lover ! July 30, 2004

Not What I Expected

Obviously, something brought you to this artist and this particular CD. For me, it was hearing her amazing rendition of Don't Ever Go Away on a local radio station, and this cut alone is worth the price of admission.

The title is a bit deceiving, however, and I really didn't get what I was expecting. When one thinks of Antonio Carlos Jobim, one thinks of bossa nova and memorable songs from one of the best composers ever. What Eliane Elias has done is marry these melodies with true jazz, giving each song a twist with improvisations that only a gifted jazz artist can produce. For those who know these melodies well, this will be a real treat. For those who don't, you may find yourself struggling to find the melody as she playfully dances around it.

The only dissapointment here is the last cut, where she attempts to sing Don't Ever Go Away. While her playing is superb, her singing really leaves me cold, and it was a dissapointing finish to an otherwise excellent CD. One more vocal would have dropped my rating to 4 stars.

Bottom line, if you love jazz, and Jobim, this CD is a real treat, and some excellent work by Elias. But this CD isn't for everyone, especially the person who is looking for a "first" Jobim CD, or someone who is expecting a more contemporary version of his songs. July 22, 2001

Unique blend of jazz and Brazil

I love this album and play it all the time. The material is great, and Elias has a unique approach which blends cool and vibrant jazz with a subtle Brazilian rhythmic flow. Her support too is excellent, with Eddie Gomez playing melodic bass lines that at times sound like a pizzicato 'cello or even a guitar! Both percussionists play with great subtlety and together they create a magical soundworld, heard to best advantage on the elusive 'Sabia'. This track and 'Zingaro' are truly haunting. Jazz fans will love what Eliane does with 'One Note Samba' and 'Desafinado' and there is plenty of lively and witty soloing along with the ballads. Highly recommended. January 25, 2000

Outstanding interpretation of Jobim

Stylish & classy....grab a nice cool drink and enjoy this one April 23, 1999

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