Short description
Eliane Elias returns to the music of her native Brazil with this collection of bossa nova favorites, though there are a few American standards and pop songs recast as bossa novas as well. The pianist has grown in confidence as a vocalist over the course of several CDs, developing a sexy yet never overdone style that beautifully complements the music. With her husband Marc Johnson (who has also been her longtime bassist of choice), drummer Paulo Braga, either Oscar Castro-Neves or Ricardo Vogt on acoustic guitar, and a pair of guests, Elias proves herself as a talented singing pianist, effortlessly switching between English and Portuguese lyrics. Some of the tracks add string orchestrations, yet they never overwhelm the arrangements. ~ Ken Dryden
Review
JazzTimes - "[With] a hushed, dusky rendering of 'Estate' that shimmers with a warm mysteriousness that suggest the majestic Cristo bathed in purple twilight."
Record Collector - 4 stars out 5 -- "It's packed with languorous vocal performances reminiscent of Astrud Gilberto and an opulent sonic palette featuring crystalline piano solos, wistful harmonica melodies and the lush backdrop of a string orchestra."
Mojo - 4 stars out of 5 -- "[A]nother near-flawless recording, superbly balancing gloss with groove."
Down Beat - 3 stars out of 5 -- "Elias wows on a simmering 'Chega De Saudade,' her vocals butterfly light, the arrangement sunny and glittering."
Billboard - "The album opens with an elegant cover of 'The Girl From Ipanema,' which Elias reprises in dazzling fashion in English and Portugese."