
Eliane Elias was a fantastic pianist when she came from her native Sao Paulo to New York City in 1981. She's already worked with some of the best Brazilian musicians as a teenager. Her early albums show a pianist with monster chops, but with the ability to display delicate beauty. Passion and emotion.
She did a vocal album of Antonio Carlos Jobim music (Eliane Elias Sings Jobim, Blue Note, 1998) but admits she was a bit tentative with her singing. Since then, her soft, sensual voice has become more of a mainstay in her work. Dreamer (Bluebird, 2004) was a delight, as was and Boss Nova Stories (Blue Note, 2008). More surety in the vocals. With Brazilian music, she's obviously at home and nails the material, but other songs she selects come joyfully to life.
Now there's Light My Fire, out this year on Concord. It's not that dissimilar in content to her recent vocal outings, but her masterful piano has a strong presence, her singing seems to grow stronger. Her band is tight. It's a record that's jumped up the musical charts. In support of it,. She's on a huge tour that takes her and her sparkling band around the world. Not too many artists can boast of such an itinerary. It's warming to see a performer of such class, style and talent get the support of fans and the music industry.
An fans, she has in large numbers. Her live concerts are always enchanting because the musicianship is so high. At Freihofer's Saratoga Jazz Festival in Saratoga Springs, NY, in June, the band was full of energy. She did songs from the new CD, as well as some from past albums.
She did a vocal album of Antonio Carlos Jobim music (Eliane Elias Sings Jobim, Blue Note, 1998) but admits she was a bit tentative with her singing. Since then, her soft, sensual voice has become more of a mainstay in her work. Dreamer (Bluebird, 2004) was a delight, as was and Boss Nova Stories (Blue Note, 2008). More surety in the vocals. With Brazilian music, she's obviously at home and nails the material, but other songs she selects come joyfully to life.
Now there's Light My Fire, out this year on Concord. It's not that dissimilar in content to her recent vocal outings, but her masterful piano has a strong presence, her singing seems to grow stronger. Her band is tight. It's a record that's jumped up the musical charts. In support of it,. She's on a huge tour that takes her and her sparkling band around the world. Not too many artists can boast of such an itinerary. It's warming to see a performer of such class, style and talent get the support of fans and the music industry.
An fans, she has in large numbers. Her live concerts are always enchanting because the musicianship is so high. At Freihofer's Saratoga Jazz Festival in Saratoga Springs, NY, in June, the band was full of energy. She did songs from the new CD, as well as some from past albums.

Romero Lubambo
guitarb.1955