Search - Eliane Elias :: Plays Jobim

Not What I Expected

Sheldon | Aspen, CO United States | 07/22/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"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."

Unique blend of jazz and Brazil

bossa_nova | Kent | 01/25/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"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."

Elaine Elias in one of his best works.

Hiram Gomez Pardo | Valencia, Venezuela | 07/30/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"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 !"