Customer Reviews

Kissed By Nature

5 star:		(16)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Kissed by Nature is another display of the marvelous talents of Eliane Elias, who always produces nice music but with this release achieves a pinnacle of beauty. The lovely Brazilian pianist authored all of the songs, save a Djavan medley with some bouncier piano work. Most were written while she was by the beach in the Hamptons, and the CD title reflects the soft, pretty, reflective nature that characterizes most of the music, rather than the greater forcefulness that she often displays.

Ironically, "Manhattan" (where she resides, in fact in my neighborhoood) is the most bossa nova (and liveliest) of the compositions, with Paulo Andre Tavares' steady guitar plucking and the percussion reminiscent of the classics of Jobim and others. But the spirit of Brazil is also experienced in "Balance," a rhythmic tune with sultry vocals by Eliane focusing on the waves of Bahia, and in the more laid-back yet rich "Luar." On "October" and "September," Eliane's pretty piano and fleeting vocal presence are complemented by some fine horn work, mellow and ponderous with a jazzy texture. The title cut and "Balance" are given livelier expression in bonus tracks enhanced by excellent remixes with alluring, vibrating sound effects, produced by Bossacucanova, a Brazilian DJ team.

Eliane's piano work is delivered with masterful phrasing. Most of it is soft and sensuous, and all is plain beautiful, and the same is true of her singing. At times her vocals are wordless and ethereal, as on "Perere," or whispered, as on "A Volta" (which also has some overdubbing). I simply love Eliane's voice, and it is just as much of a treat as her superb piano work.

All of Eliane's music is enjoyable, but with Kissed by Nature I do not have to say "the better came before" because it is my favorite CD of hers that I own and one of my favorite of all. Beauty can be captured with intensity, but also with a softer touch, and it is with this that she triumphs here.

I have been a lover of Brazilian music since the mid '60's, when, as a 14 year old, I first heard Astrud Gilberto croon her classic "Girl from Ipenema." Since then, I have collected hundreds of albums and CD's in this genre. When I heard Eliane Elias in her "The Best of Elaine Elias" and "Kissed by Nature" CD's, it was as if I were hearing Brazilian music for the first time all over again. There is a real sense of discovery in hearing Elias' sensuous, sophisticated melodies and rhythms. Her voice captures the wonderfully percussive/musical quality of Portugese lyrics sung in uniquely Brazilian style, matched perfectly by her mastery of piano, composition and arrangement. Everytime I listen to these albums, and after several weeks I remain addicted, I discover new rhythms, wonderful, brilliant harmonic progressions and much more that demonstrates that after decades, the "Brazilian invasion" is alive and well, and reinvented by this brilliant artist. For lovers of Brazilian music, these CD's are a must: buy these albums for yourself and give them as gifts -

Eliane Elias has reached that point in a talented musician's life when skills have been established and true mastery begins. Her output during the past several years have shown a unique transposition of Brazilian music and American jazz. All too often such attempts sound like one form parroting or overwhelming the other but here Ms. Elias paints their colors with one brush. Her selection of musicians and her performance as composer, pianist, and singer are all flawless on this beautiful recording. This cd is a major event.

As an old Bill Evans fan and also a bossa nova/samba fan, I was pleased to find out about Elaine Elias. She combines both styles seamlessly. That's a very high compliment, because Evans was never involved in bossa nova or latin music. If you're a Bill Evans fan, check her out. Her basist, Marc Johnson, was the basist in Bill Evans's last trio.

Kissed by Nature is simply one beautiful album. Her vocals and playing are just stunning. One reviewer has noted something to the effect that she's maturing into a truly great artist -- a master if you will -- and I totally concur. Note that she's also the producer of her work, so this is a musician who knows what she wants her sound to be and she's really nailed it with Kissed by Nature.

All I can say is 5 stars, 5 stars plus.

One of today's most inspiring pianists, This CD has it all - the compositions are introduce some really beautiful melodies. With lush voicings and technical skill the groove is always right there. Not to mention the numerous transpostions and soft vocals, so tasteful. This may be her best yet!

Thanks Eliane!

Candlelight, a warm cognac or brandy, your favorite girl or guy, and simply listen to the magic. Once again Eliane will tickle your insides.

Eliane's music has become like a good wine, it only gets better with time. This album is another great example of Eliane's musiquality; the compositions are full of expression and fineness. You can feel immediately that fantastic Brazilian flavor throughout the album and Eliane's voice is as sultry and sensual as always.
And the perfect end for the album is the fantastic contribution of Bossacucanova playing two cuts previously performed by Eliane <Kissed by Nature and Balance> and their rhythm applied to these two is all the album needed.
Not to be missed by Eliane fans as well as by Brazilian Jazz fans.

These two albums are loaded with great songs and renditons as only Eliane can play and sing. She puts me in mind of Diana Kralls.

I just discovered Eliane Elias. I have also been listening to her other albums on Pandora.

I think this is the best of her albums. The other work she has done does not feel as refined or focused or mature as this work. Maybe the switch to a new label has helped her. If you are interested in her music, this is a good start. It would be great if she continues to get better with age!

UPDATE: Still a great album but, I have now listened to most of her albums via MOG and also Pandora. There are other fantastic albums by Elias too.