Is So Far So Close a good place to start with Eliane Elias?

Yes, So Far So Close is recommended as a starting point for new Eliane Elias listeners. A vibrant blend of Brazilian rhythms and jazz sensibilities, elegantly showcasing Eliane Elias's piano prowess and vocal warmth. In 1989, Eliane Elias was transitioning from her earlier work with the group Steps Ahead to establishing herself as a solo artist. 'So Far So Close' marked her first album released on the Blue Note label, setting the stage for her subsequent rise in the jazz world.

Who is So Far So Close for?

So Far So Close works well if you're into steady pacing for focused listening, melodic journey through emotions and intricate piano detail exploration.

How many songs are on So Far So Close?

So Far So Close has 9 tracks, running approximately 41 minutes.

So Far So Close

Eliane Elias · 1989

41 min · 9 tracks · jazz

A vibrant blend of Brazilian rhythms and jazz sensibilities, elegantly showcasing Eliane Elias's piano prowess and vocal warmth.

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Top tracks — play these first

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At First Sight Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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So Far, So Close — The title track weaves intricate melodies with Elias’s lush vocals, embodying the album's themes of longing and connection while showcasing her compositional skills.
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Bluestone — This track features a captivating interplay between piano and percussion that highlights Elias’s ability to blend Brazilian rhythms with jazz improvisation seamlessly.
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Straight Across (to Jaco) — An homage to bassist Jaco Pastorius, this piece stands out for its expressive bass lines and dynamic arrangements, illustrating Elias's deep connections within the jazz community.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

64 /100

Treeline

Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong compositions and skilled execution, blending jazz and Brazilian influences effectively.

What we noticed

The album features intricate piano melodies that often intertwine with syncopated rhythms, creating a dynamic interplay between the two.
Each track maintains a consistent tempo, with several pieces incorporating Brazilian percussion elements that enhance the jazz foundation.
The use of space is notable; many tracks feature extended sections of silence or minimal accompaniment, allowing the piano to resonate.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

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

steady pacing for focused listening
melodic journey through emotions
intricate piano detail exploration
for evening relaxation

Maybe skip if you

prefer fast-paced music
seek immediate gratification

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — Established Eliane Elias's reputation as a solo artist and garnered critical acclaim.
Career context: In 1989, Eliane Elias was transitioning from her earlier work with the group Steps Ahead to establishing herself as a solo artist. 'So Far So Close' marked her first album released on the Blue Note label, setting the stage for her subsequent rise in the jazz world.
Stylistic neighbors: Chick Corea· Pat Metheny· Herbie Hancock