Customer Reviews

Elis (1977)

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Elis Regina, little known by the average American musical consumer, was (she died in 1983 in Brazil) a singer with amazing abilities to express emotion. This is one of her recordings that has NOT been "canabalize" into compilation form. And I had not heard the recording complete like this for over 30 years. Nothing quite like it. Took me back.

The singing, musicians and the arrangements are "aggressive" -- this is not Bossa Nova! And, although it is sometimes labeled MPB (Music Popular Brazilero) it is not that either. Elis did not fit into a category. I recommend it, but not as an introduction to her singing. Instead try "Tom and Elis" (Tom -- pronounced Ton -- is Antonio Carlos Jobim's nickname) a recording of all Jobim songs, sung by Elis (and a little help from the composer.)

The original recording was called "Tom and Elis in LA", where they recorded it in the early 80's. (Jobim lived in So. Cal. for several years.) But in many ways this is the single best recording of Elis Regina, with each song being a small masterpiece of Jobim's. Grab it and listen. You won't be disappointed.

There is a smash hit in this album, the song "Romaria", a song in a traditional Brazilian country style.

Features a splendid performance of Milton Nascimento's standard "Morro Velho".

Arrangements are top quality as usual by Cesar Camargo Mariano.