ALL ABOUT JAZZ

by Dr. Judith Schlesinger
December 12 2008

This terrific recording by Eliane Elias salutes the 50th anniversary of bossa nova in a number of explicit ways. For one thing, it contains the three most famous tunes by its most famous composer, Antonio Carlos Jobim (“Girl from Ipanema,” “Desafinado,” and “Chega de Saudade,”), where Elias paraphrases his familiar piano solos; for another, the generous use of strings is a nod to Jobim’s classic albums with arranger Claus Ogerman. “It’s a part of the sound,” Elias explains, “and it suits the music so beautifully.” Finally, there’s the spirited participation of guitarist Oscar Castro-Neves and drummer Paulo Braga, both bossa nova pioneers who have long experience playing with Jobim.

Bossa Nova Stories is an ideal showcase for Elias, whose music is both grounded in tradition and full of surprises. Her last CD, Something for You, was a well-received tribute to Bill Evans which also yielded a concert of historic import as well.

This one includes her tropical take on hits by Stevie Wonder (“Superwoman”) and Chris Montez (“The More I See You”), and gems by Johnny Mercer and George Gershwin. There are also newer Brazilian classics: “I’m Not Alone,” composed by (and sung with) Ivan Lins, whom many consider to be Jobim’s melodic successor, and the gorgeous “Estate” (“Summer”), which was written by two Italians, but transformed into a bossa anthem by Joao Gilberto (on his Live in Montreux album [Elecktra/Asylum/Nonesuch, 1985]). This “Estate” also features the legendary Toots Thielmans playing luscious harmonica at the age of 85. And as always, whatever the era or style of the music, Elias swings it like mad.

By now, Elias is well-established as an exceptional composer, singer, and classically-trained pianist. Her voice on Bossa Nova Stories is better than ever; it has evolved from soft and breathy to strong and compelling, which Elias attributes to a recent coach who “opened up a whole new world” for her. But some things never change, like her very Gilberto-like ability to float over the rhythm with impeccable time, and the fact that, if you listen carefully, you can hear her smile as she sings.

This CD will delight existing Elias fans, and invariably recruit many others. Elias’s sound is unique and instantly identifiable, and she also possesses that rare ability to lift the spirits of everyone who hears her. Bossa Nova Stories is absolutely first-rate, joyous stuff and highly recommended.

BILLBOARD MAGAZINE

Bossa Nova Stories
by Philip Van Vleck
January 17, 2009

Brazil’s bossa nova turned 50 in 2008, and Sao Paulo native Eliane Elias has produced an appropriate tribute to the genre. The pianist/ vocalist works with a core group of players who are noteworthy in their own right—Paulo Braga, Oscar Castro-Neves, Ricardo Vogt and Marc Johnson—to cover classic numbers within the genre and lay a rich bossa vibe on tunes by George Gershwin, Johnny Mercer and Stevie Wonder. The album opens with an elegant cover of “The Girl From Ipanema,” which Elias reprises in dazzling fashion in English and Portuguese. She provides an equally appealing treatment on “Desafinado,” another Tom Jobim classic. As wonderful a singer as Elias is, take note of her keyboard chops on “A Ra” and “Chega de Saudade.” Her touch on the black-and-whites is as polished and tasty as her vocals.
—Philip Van Vleck

BC MUSIC / BlogCritics Magazine

by Big Geez
January 28, 2009

Not gonna make you wait on this one. No beating around the bush, no hemming and hawing – well OK, a little – but the simple truth is that Brazilian jazz icon Eliane Elias’ newest album, Bossa Nova Stories, is one of the best I’ve heard in a long time.

It’s a new issue on the Blue Note label commemorating fifty years of Bossa Nova, and I can’t imagine a better choice to celebrate the musical heritage of Brazil. Pianist/singer Elias has spent the last couple of decades establishing herself as one of the stars of the genre.

A classically-trained piano virtuoso who’s equally adept at performing jazz, she became known earlier in her career as one of the few individuals to have best-selling albums in both genres at the same time. But she didn’t stop there. While continuing to build her résumé as a member – and leader – of some of the best groups around, she also added singing to her arsenal of weapons. Not surprisingly, she proved to be very, very good. Her warm, rich and full voice, along with her natural affinity for the material, gave her the ability to delight and entertain listeners, and she’s become one of the most popular performers around.

To commemorate fifty years of Bossa Nova, Elias and her producers have put together a 14-track collection that throws a pretty wide net over a lot of different musical – er – fish. Included are some nice performances on the Brazilian standards you’d expect, such as “Girl From Ipanema” and “Desafinado,” along with some lesser-known pieces, such as “Falsa Baiana,” a tricky little vocal exercise that Elias handles flawlessly.
Many of the tracks showcase the instrumental side, and not just Elias’ keyboard. On a number of the pieces she’s backed by a lush orchestral sound, while on others the focus is on smaller and more intimate groups. Among her accompanists are guitarist Oscar Castro-Neves and drummer Paulo Braga, along with her regular collaborator – and husband – bassist Marc Johnson.

Even legendary jazz harmonica master Toots Thielemans shows up on a couple of tracks, notably in support of Elias’ outstanding performance of Stevie Wonder’s “Superwoman.” It’s one of several non-Brazilian tunes that are included here and given a Latin treatment; among them “They Can’t Take That Away From Me,” and one of my favorite standards, “The More I See You.”

The inclusion of Latin versions of jazz standards might seem a little odd in a collection devoted to Bossa Nova’s fiftieth birthday, but when the result is this delightful it’s easy to forgive. And I would guess that it might make it more accessible to those who are a little new to Brazilian jazz, which is probably the purpose.
In any case, it’s an outstanding album — highly recommended, and not just for newbies.

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