Eliane Elias : Dreamer
On Dreamer, São Paulo-born, Manhattan-based pianist Eliane Elias performs bossa novas and brush-stroked ballads by North and South American composers from Johnny Mercer to Antonio Carlos Jobim. This project is a sort of musical homecoming for Elias, who once worked with bossa nova pioneer Vinicius de Moraes. Elias's pretty pianisms complement her breathy Portuguese/English contralto, especially on the '60s hit "Call Me," "Photograph (Fotografia)," and "So Nice (Samba de Verão)." Elias's two compositions, "Movin' Me On" and "Time Alone," can be considered smooth-jazz-friendly, but the Bahia bounce of "Doralice"--where Elias quotes Stan Getz's well-known tenor solo--and her instrumental rendering of Burt Bacharach's "A House Is Not a Home" are highlights of this masterpiece of soft syncopation. Rob Mathes's elegant, Claus Ogerman-style string arrangements enhance the mood. Elias succeeds on two Antonio Carlos Jobim compositions, "Photograph" and the title song, her voice ironically betraying her in the same seductive fashion that Jobim himself made a hallmark. Her solos, though beautiful and contemplative, are short and usually hug the shore. As an overall musician, Elias has sure instincts when playing or singing, and compensates for her lack of vocal strength by rarely lingering on her notes.
This CD is so pleasant to the ears and starts with her beautiful and dreamy rendition of "Call Me," and another beautiful version from Astrud Gilberto. The perfect ender is her heartfelt and intense instrumental rendition of "A House Is Not A Home," a Bacharach/David composition.
Song List:| 1. | Call Me | 4:11 | | 2. | Baubles, Bangles and Beads | 5:00 | | 3. | Photograph (Fotografia) | 3:47 | | 4. | Movin' Me On | 4:10 | | 5. | So Nice (Samba de Verão) | 5:14 | | 6. | That's All | 5:41 | | 7. | Tangerine | 6:43 | | 8. | Dreamer (Vivo Sonhando) | 3:34 | | 9. | Time Alone | 6:42 | | 10. | Doralice | 2:59 | | 11. | House Is Not a Home | 5:22 |
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