Released this week via Blue Note / EMI in celebration of the 50th anniversary of bossa nova, the New York-based Eliane Elias pays tribute to the music of her homeland on her 21st recording, Bossa Nova Stories; a sublime 14-song collection that captures the cool and alluring spirit of bossa nova.
Recorded at London’s historic Abbey Road Studios, the album features seven tracks withfull orchestration beautifully arranged and conducted by Rob Mathes (Carly Simon, Elton John, Tony Bennett). Bossa Nova Stories features classic bossa nova tracks “The Girl From Ipanema†and “Chega de Saudade,†American standards, and also Stevie Wonder’s “Superwoman.â€
Eliane leads a top-notch band, all steeped in the bossa nova tradition, including guitarist Oscar Castro-Neves, drummer Paulo Braga and bassist Marc Johnson. Guests include harmonica legend Toots Thielemans, Brazilian post-bossa singer/songwriter Ivan Lins and up and coming guitarist Ricardo Vogt.