CD-Charts Position 1
Average Rating:

Something for You: Elaine Elias Sings & Plays Bill Evans

by: Eliane Elias

Release Date January 15, 2008
I was not a big fan of Eliane Elias' "Dreamer," so I bought this c.d. with some trepidation. It has received really good reviews; would I be wrong to buck the tide?

As it turns out, I'm not bucking the tide. This c.d. proves a basic point: Eliane Elias is the best pianist who sings. That's not to say she's the best singer who plays piano: I'd vote for Diana Krall on that score. And it's not to say she's the best singer/pianist: I'd vote for Andy Bey, but with a special nod to Patricia Barber.

I review singers; but Eliane Elias is such a fabulous pianist here that I can't (and shouldn't) get past that point.

She has chosen to tribute Bill Evans, and I can't think of a better musician to do so. For ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 2
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Bossa Nova Stories

by: Eliane Elias

Release Date June 24, 2008
The music of Eliane Elias is deeply harmonic and sensual. At its heart is utterly superb jazz piano - rhythmic, gently propulsive and essentially (though not overtly) Brazilian. Elias infuses her sonorous, vibrant playing with some pleasingly melodic, whispery-delicate vocals - always pitch-perfectly complementing her sumptuous piano verve.

'Bossa Nova Stories' combines loving interpretations of Brazilian jazz classics with some popular American standards, all quality-assured by the formidable rhythm section of top-level bassist Marc Johnson (her husband) and percussionist Paulo Braga. About half the tracks are enriched by subtle orchestral arrangements conducted by Rob Mathes - reminiscent to me of those that embellish Diana Krall's ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 3
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Dreamer

by: Eliane Elias

Release Date May 04, 2004
"Dreamer" was released 2002 on RCA's Bluebird label and stands as one Elias' best to date. Her amazing piano playing is not really the main focus her like on so many of her recordings, but she does play some great improvisations, though short in length. The string orchestrations are also very well done. Absolutely beautiful.

There are two highlights for me "Call Me" and "A House Is Not A Home." Those two songs are the worth the price of admission, but this is not to say that the whole album isn't great. "Call Me" features some of the lyrical improvisations from Michael Brecker I've ever heard. I'm not a fan of him at all, but am quite shocked to him play with lyricism. He has a great tone on this song as well.

Here's a lineup ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 4
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Kissed by Nature

by: Eliane Elias

Release Date September 24, 2002
"Kissed By Nature" was released in 2002 by Blue Note Records and stands as one of pianist Elaine Elias' best work to date.

Many people complain about her vocals, but I don't find them annoying or distracting. I do agree, however, that her voice is not that strong and it's strengths are on ballads and not so much on uptempo tunes, but again, her voice isn't an issue for me.

This recording has several selling points for me. The two main ones being the songs "October" and "September" featuring Randy Brecker on trumpet and flugelhorn. I always knew Randy had some remarkable lyricism, but you wouldn't ever know judging by his own discography. Brecker simply surprised me on these compositions. His tone had such a delicate beauty. The ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 5
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Eliane Elias Plays Jobim

by: Eliane Elias

Release Date May 15, 1990
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!

CD-Charts Position 6
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Sings Jobim

by: Eliane Elias

Release Date July 28, 1998
Elaine Elias redoes Jobim SO WELL. Just the thing to play when you're a bit down or having dinner with your baby, and every song sounds fresh every time you play it. And the piano playing is sublime.

GET THIS ALBUM.

CD-Charts Position 7
Average Rating:

Around the City

by: Eliane Elias

Release Date August 22, 2006
This Cd is Excellent! Exhale, where do I begin....

It to me is a journey into the mind & emotion's of a musical genious. It display's level's of expression from happy, to saucy, exciting rythmic sensation, to just plain ole' classic sensual.

I can listen to it from beginning to end, enraptured in complete & utter melodic satisfaction.

At a gathering I had, my guest's were constantly asking me, who is that!!
~ ~
\_/

It has turned me into a (New) Eliane Elias fan, and
I have since seeked, and discovered more jewels in her lair!

If you enjoy journying into multipul levels of musical expression at it's best, then may I suggest you give this a listen....

Peace, ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 8
Average Rating:

Brazilian Classics

by: Eliane Elias

Release Date September 16, 2003
FWIW, I have jazz degrees from a couple of the best music schools in the US (that & $5 will get you a Cappucino at Starbucks). IMO, Eliane Elias can play, she "digs in", her time is great, & she can sing.

Eliane Elias may be my new jazz piano hero/heroine. At least amongst younger players. It's not that her playing is the best jazz piano playing in history; it's that she "grooves": maybe one of the funkiest, most time-keeping pianists ever. Maybe out of Horace Silver? Or Joe Sample?

And the audio quality on this "Red Book CD" is truly excellent. It sounds gorgeous on my "high end" audio system.

She's not going to put Fred Hersch, or Bud Powell, or K.J. out of business of course (but they're not singers/players, & I haven't ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 9
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The Best of Eliane Elias, Vol. 1: Originals

by: Eliane Elias

Release Date June 19, 2001
Wow, what a talent. The prior reviews say it quite well, but only a listen will do the trick. There is something almost primal about the rhythms that just draw you into the groove. If you can stay still listening to this, you are better than I......

CD-Charts Position 10
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The Three Americas

by: Eliane Elias

Release Date July 01, 1997
I really like her music and playing , but this album is not that good . Cohesion is what is missing , too bad , not that there are no good tunes , there are , but kind of weak and disorginized for my taste ...