Eliane Elias Plays Jobim cover

Eliane Elias Plays Jobim

Eliane Elias · 1990

58 min · 11 tracks · jazz

A vibrant blend of Brazilian rhythms and jazz harmonies that pays homage to the timeless melodies of Tom Jobim.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Waters of March / Agua De Beber Start here — This track opens the album with a delicate interplay between vocals and piano, highlighting Elias's ability to evoke the song's flowing imagery through rhythm and melody.
  • →
    Desafinado — Elias's rendition of this classic showcases her unique phrasing and emotional depth, breathing new life into a well-loved standard while maintaining its original charm.
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    Angela — The subtlety and complexity of this piece reveal Elias's mastery of dynamics, making it a standout track that embodies both intimacy and sophistication.
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    One Note Samba — This track exemplifies Elias's skillful blending of jazz improvisation with bossa nova elements, creating an engaging dialogue between instruments that highlights her versatility.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental
65 /100
Treeline
Higher than 88% of albums we've rated

Elias's arrangements blend Brazilian rhythms with jazz, showcasing her skill while honoring Jobim's legacy.

What we noticed

  • The album features intricate piano melodies that intertwine with subtle percussion, creating a rich tapestry of sound.
  • Each track maintains a consistent bossa nova rhythm, with variations in tempo and dynamics that keep the listener engaged.
  • Several tracks include extended improvisational sections, allowing for expressive interpretations of Jobim's compositions.
Composition 25% of the score
8/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • wave-like pacing with emotional depth
  • dynamic journey through diverse moods
  • warm vocals for cozy evenings
  • for intimate gatherings

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking instant gratification
  • prefer standalone tracks only

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — This album helped establish her reputation and popularize bossa nova in jazz.
Career context
Eliane Elias was establishing herself as a prominent figure in jazz by 1990, transitioning from her earlier work with the group Steps Ahead to her solo career. 'Eliane Elias Plays Jobim' marked her first major tribute album, showcasing her deep connection to Brazilian music and Jobim's compositions at a time when she was gaining international recognition.
Stylistic neighbors
Chick Corea· Pat Metheny· Herbie Hancock

Tracklist

  • 1 Waters of March / Agua De Beber Start here 4:46
  • 2 Sabia 3:03
  • 3 Passarim 5:11
  • 4 Don’t Ever Go Away 8:27
  • 5 Desafinado 6:32
  • 6 Angela 5:31
  • 7 Children’s Games 8:52
  • 8 Dindi 5:47
  • 9 Zingaro 2:24
  • 10 One Note Samba 4:25
  • 11 Don’t Ever Go Away (Por Causa De Voce) 3:00

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata