Even the climate co-operated Sunday to make it feel like a sultry afternoon in Brazil, as Eliane Elias, one of that country's most gifted contemporary jazz musicians, brought some tropical sizzle to the historic Filoli estate south of San Francisco.
Elias is one of those rare polymaths, equally gifted as a pianist, vocalist and arranger. But it was her piano chops that were mainly on display as she closed out the 2010 Jazz at Filoli season with a selection of tunes that made the idea of Brazilian vacation seem rather redundant.
The vivacious entertainer happily concentrated on bossa nova tunes, the focus of her latest album, "Bossa Nova Stories," and a style that perfectly fits her breezy, seductive vocal style and insistently rhythmic piano vamps. Highlights includes a saucy run through "Falsa Baiana," complete with a helpful explanation of what the song is about, and a playful romp through "A Ra (The Frog."
While Elias is every inch the lady on stage, appearances can be deceiving, as she's one piledriver of a piano player. One of the consistent pleasures was watching her hands keeping pace with the joyful beats tapped out by her hyperactive left leg. As a singer, Elias is all cool breeze and seduction, as demonstrated on her light-as-mist rendition of "The Boy from Ipanema."
Elias also turns out to be quite generous, giving ample space for her well-seasoned backing band to add layers of color and meaning to tunes. Particularly effective was an extended version of "Desafinado" in which Elias and longtime collaborator (and husband) Marc Johnson passed around and developed the melodic core with consummate skill.
The only possible disappointment was that no matter how balmy the weather and appropriate the music, Filoli still won't let visitors take a dip in the swimming pool.
Send tips, comments and good karma to the author.
Comments