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