Eliane Elias Brazilian Classics CD

Featuring tracks culled from eight of her albums, beginning fittingly enough with 1989's Eliane Elias Plays Jobim, Blue Note has compiled a strong collection of pianist Eliane Elias' Brazilian jazz cuts on Brazilian Classics. Elias' classically influenced touch is evident here on such standards as Antonio Carlos Jobim's "Chega de Saudade" and "One Note Samba," as well as her medley of Milton Nascimento works off her 1992 Fantasia release. While it would have been nice for Blue Note to include some rarities or alternate takes, as it stands Brazilian Classics works as a fitting representation of Elias' take on her home country's unique sound. ~ Matt Collar

Recorded at Power Station, Avatar, Sound On Sound, BMG Studios, New York, New York between 1989 & 1997.

Compilation producers: Eliane Elias, Michael Cuscuna.

Personnel: Eliane Elias (vocals, piano, synthesizer); Johnny Chance (vocals, guitar, acoustic guitar); Amanda Elias Brecker, Ivan Lins, Malcolm Pollack (vocals); Dave Valentin (flute); Michael Brecker (tenor saxophone); Jim Beard (synthesizer); Jack DeJohnette, Paulinho Braga, Peter Erskine, Satoshi Takeishi (drums); Portinho (shaker); Naná Vasconcelos (percussion).

Audio Mixer: Malcolm Pollack.

Recording information: Avatar Studios, New York, NY (12/1989-10/1997); BMG Studios, New York, NY (12/1989-10/1997); Power Station, New York, NY (12/1989-10/1997); Sound on Sound, New York, NY (12/1989-10/1997).

Photographer: Diego Uchitel.

Personnel: Eliane Elias (vocals, piano, synthesizer); Oscar Castro Neves (vocals, acoustic guitar); Ivan Lins, Malcolm Pollack, Amanda Elias Brecker (vocals); Michael Brecker (tenor saxophone); Dave Valentin (flute); Jim Beard (synthesizer); Marc Johnson, Eddie Gomez (bass); Jack DeJonette, Peter Erskine, Paulo Braga, Satoshi Takeishi (drums); Portinho (shaker); Cafe, Nana Vasconselos (percussion).

Producers: Eliane Elias, Randy Brecker, Oscar Castro Neves.