São Paulo, Brazil’s Eliane Elias brings strong backgrounds in classical, jazz and Brazilian music to her piano stylings. While her most recent album at this point saluted the late, great Bill Evans – one of her principal influences – Bossa Nova Stories returned to bossa nova as Brazil’s great contribution to jazz celebrated its 50th anniversary.
With Elias’ heritage, training and talents, it’s hard to imagine someone more qualified to provide this tribute. Here, she employed a base quartet of piano, guitar, bass and drums that included husband Marc Johnson, occasionally supplemented by strings orchestrated by Rob Mathes and cameo appearances made by Ivan Lins and Toots Thielemans. They helped create a tastefully executed affair, but the focus remained on Elaine Elias.
Of course, Elias had already released a bossa nova-themed record 20 years before with Eliane Elias Plays Jobim. She’s far more confident now. Bossa Nova Stories, released in January 2009, also stood out because it combined Antonios Carlos Jobim songs with other bossa nova classics and interpretations of American standards. Stevie Wonder’s “Superwoman” was even given the Brazilian treatment.
Elias got in a few piano solos here and there, but the central focus of Bossa Nova Stories was her singing. It’s the perfect instrument, as she vocalizes in both English and her native tongue Portuguese. Her soft, sensual approach to these songs presents them the way they’re meant to be sung.
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