Brazilian pianist, vocalist and composer Eliane Elias returns with a truly exquisite album titled Made in Brazil. For this project, Eliane Elias recovers her Brazilian roots. She took control as producer, composer, lyricist, arranger, keyboardist and vocalist.

“I am completely immersed and involved in every single detail of the music and the recording process, from the birth of an idea until its completion through every aspect of the production until it reaches the public,” she reveals. 

In addition to her own vocals, Elias invited several excellent guest vocalists such as a cappella gospel jazz music sextet Take 6; her singer-songwriter daughter Amanda Brecker; Brazilian R&B stars, multidimensional singer Ed Motta; bossa nova composer Roberto Menescal; and Mark Kibble (Take 6). Highlights include the first three songs that contain strong Brazilian- roots beginning with “Brasil (Aquarela do Brasil)”. Elias takes recreates this highly popular song by mixing an irresistible samba beat, string arrangements and Fender Rhodes electric piano.

“Brasil is a Brazilian anthem,” explains Elias. “It’s reported to be the most preferred Brazilian song of the last 100 years. It’s about the beautiful things of our country, the Brazilian Brazil; its natural beauty, mixed ethnic cultures and the samba.” “Você” has a retro bossa feel with Elias and Roberto Menescal delivering a delightful vocal duo performance topped by Elias signature piano improvisation.

The third track on the album is the Jobim memorable classic “Águas de Março (Waters of March.” Elias transforms this song by injecting more fabulous Fender Rhodes as well as funk and R&B. she invited a cappella jazz group Take 6 to join her on vocals. 

The next two pieces, “Searching” and “Some Enchanted Place,” take the album into a smooth jazz territory. Some Enchanted Place” includes Elias’ daughter Amanda Brecker on vocals. “Incendiando” is another high point, featuring outstanding vocal performances by Take 6 vocalist Mark Kibble and Elias. “Vida” is the most radio friendly track.

It’s an R&B pop song featuring Ed Motta on vocals. Track 8 takes you back to bossa nova with a combination of Jobim’s “Este Seu Olhar” and “Promessas” with Elias on Fender Rhodes. Track 9, “Driving Ambition,” delivers another stellar performance by Kibble and Elias. On the bossa piece “Rio” Elias collaborates once more with Menescal. “We shared some very tender moments.” The love song “A Sorte do Amor (The Luck of Love)” includes lush string arrangements, piano and bass. 

The album ends with another splendid Brazilian classic piece, “No Tabuleiro da Baiana” by Ary Barroso. This upbeat song combines the rhythms of Bahia with jazz. Tabuleiro is a tray filled with eatable treats typical of Bahia. “I love the culture; I love the people; I love the music; and I love the food,” says Elias. “I’ve been in love with Bahia all my life.” 

The lineup on Made in Brazil includes Eliane Elias on vocals, piano and keyboards; Take 6 on vocals, Roberto Menescal on guitar and vocals, Mark Kibble on vocals, Ed Motta on vocals, orchestral arrangements by Rob Mathes performed by members of the London Symphonic Orchestra at Abbey Road Studios, Steve Rodby on bass, Marc Johnson on bass Marcelo Mariano on bass; Marcus Teixeira on guitar, Edu Ribeiro on drums, Rafael Barata on drums; Mauro Refosco on percussion, and Marivaldo dos Santos on percussion.

Read original review at: http://worldmusiccentral.org/2015/03/04/eliane-elias-brazilian-dna/