Vagabond Synth Nerd’s Journal Vol. 107 - Bossa Nova Jazz-Style Songs and Classic Albums

Bossa Nova Jazz Part VII

Following the previous installment on the theme of Bossa Nova Jazz, this edition of "A Slightly Jazzy Bossa Nova" Part VII focuses on jazz pianists’ vocal performances through the works of Antonio Carlos Jobim. With this, our Bossa Nova series will come to a temporary conclusion.

Eliane Elias: Jazz Pianist and Bossa Nova Singer

In the previous edition, we focused on the jazz trio and piano performances of Brazilian pianist Eliane Elias. This time, we spotlight her exceptional vocal talent, showcasing her dual artistry as both a jazz pianist and a distinguished vocalist.

From Bossa Nova Jazz to Pure Bossa Nova

Eliane Elias is not only a jazz pianist but also an outstanding vocalist. Beyond her remarkable piano playing, what is truly astonishing is that her very voice embodies Bossa Nova itself. When it comes to singing Bossa Nova, she stands unparalleled—her vocals are truly one of a kind.

■ Recommended Album: Eliane Elias – "Eliane Elias Sings Jobim" (1998)

A unique vocal album by Eliane Elias, centered around the works of Antonio Carlos Jobim.
This album features the exceptional saxophone playing of Michael Brecker, the brother of Eliane's former husband. While Michael is widely known for his jazz and funk-infused performances with the Brecker Brothers, he is also an outstanding accompanist, excelling in solo work alongside vocalists. His mastery of lyrical tenor saxophone phrasing can be heard on albums by artists like Michael Franks, showcasing his refined approach to vocal accompaniment.
Notably, this album is structured to highlight Michael Brecker’s strengths, blending Eliane’s piano with his expressive saxophone—one of the key elements that make this record a standout.

Until then, Eliane Elias had primarily focused on jazz based around an acoustic piano trio and had not been particularly active as a vocalist.
Her first notable vocal performance of a Jobim song came in 1997 on The Three Americas, where she sang Chega de Saudade. Accompanied only by Oscar Castro-Neves on guitar, with a sparse piano solo, this rendition was exceptional.
I personally believe that the sheer brilliance of this performance sparked the idea for Eliane Elias Sings Jobim. That’s how perfectly her voice aligned with Bossa Nova.

Recommended Track: "The Girl from Ipanema"

"The Girl from Ipanema" is a highlight of the album, showcasing Michael Brecker’s skills front and center.
From the very beginning, his saxophone takes the lead, playing the melody before transitioning into a piano intro that seamlessly flows into Eliane’s vocals—an uncommon yet captivating arrangement. Throughout the song, Michael’s saxophone weaves delicate fills behind Eliane’s singing without ever overwhelming it.
Another standout element is Paulo Braga’s exquisite top cymbal work, adding a shimmering touch to the performance.

Recommended Track: "How Insensitive"【Original Title: Insensatez】

I’ve always felt that Eliane Elias is best suited for songs with a sense of melancholy rather than bright, upbeat melodies. Her voice naturally carries that kind of depth.
"How Insensitive" is arranged in an exceptionally simple way—just a piano trio, nylon-string guitar, and Eliane’s vocals. No piano solo, no guitar solo—just the pure essence of the song carried entirely by her voice.
Her rich overtones and slightly muffled timbre give the performance an undeniable emotional weight, making this track a stunning showcase of both her artistry and Jobim’s timeless composition.

■ Recommended Album: Eliane Elias – "Bossa Nova Stories" (2008)

A commemorative album celebrating the 50th anniversary of Bossa Nova, Bossa Nova Stories showcases Eliane Elias’s new approach of incorporating lush string arrangements into iconic Bossa Nova classics.
Featuring elegant orchestration, the album presents timeless songs like The Girl from Ipanema, Desafinado, and Too Many Stars in a rich and sophisticated style. Guest appearances by Brazilian legend Ivan Lins and jazz harmonica virtuoso Toots Thielemans add further depth to this luxurious tribute to Bossa Nova.

Recommended Track: "Chega de Saudade" (Too Many Stars)

This track is based on the format of "Chega de Saudade" from the 1997 album The Three Americas, with a simple rhythm section added. The performance transitions into a quartet as the bass joins after Eliane’s solo—a simple rendition of "Chega de Saudade."
Unlike the version on The Three Americas, Eliane improvises the opening vocals in this performance.

Recommended Track: "Estate" (Summer)

A richly orchestrated rendition of Estate. Unlike many other versions of this melancholic song, Eliane Elias’s interpretation feels surprisingly light, even though she follows the same melody. The solo section is taken by the legendary harmonica player Toots Thielemans, whose expressive phrasing brings a unique depth that only he could achieve. In the outro, his harmonica intertwines beautifully with the strings, adding a final, elegant flourish to the piece.

■ Recommended Album: Eliane Elias – Quietude (2022)

Released on October 14, 2022, Quietude is Eliane Elias’s latest album, showcasing a refined and intimate approach to Bossa Nova.
While she has explored Bossa Nova in many previous albums, this record focuses primarily on her vocals, featuring a minimalist arrangement centered around nylon-string guitar, a piano trio, and her delicate singing.
The album's foundation can be traced back to her 1998 release The Three Americas and her interpretation of Chega de Saudade. It seems that Eliane has arrived at the conclusion that the best way to highlight her voice is through stripped-down, unembellished Bossa Nova arrangements.
Nylon-string guitar backing, Eliane’s voice, and her subtle solos—this stripped-down approach embodies the true essence of Bossa Nova.
In Quietude, Eliane returns to the genre’s roots, embracing its purity and simplicity. The album’s minimalistic arrangements allow her vocals to shine brilliantly, proving that sometimes, less is truly more.

Recommended Track: "Você e Eu" (You and I)

A Bossa Nova classic by Carlos Lyra and Vinicius de Moraes, Você e Eu is presented in its purest form, with nylon-string guitar and Eliane Elias’s vocals highlighting the song’s natural melodic beauty.
From the second chorus, a subtle piano enters, gently enriching the ensemble without ever overwhelming the arrangement. This delicate balance perfectly embodies the album’s concept—simplicity, elegance, and an unwavering focus on the essence of Bossa Nova.

Recommended Track: "Bolinha de Papel" (Little Paper Ball)

A significant Bossa Nova piece previously covered by legends like João Gilberto and Jon Hendricks, Bolinha de Papel is presented here in a minimalist yet deeply expressive format.
With a simple arrangement featuring a piano trio and Eliane Elias’s vocals, the track stands out for its elegant balance. This version also highlights a beautifully crafted piano solo, seamlessly blending into the ensemble while keeping Eliane at the heart of the performance.

Featured Artists, Albums, and Recommended Tracks

• Artists: Eliane Elias, Oscar Castro-Neves, Toots Thielemans
• Albums: Eliane Elias Sings Jobim, Bossa Nova Stories, Quietude
• Recommended Tracks: The Girl from Ipanema, How Insensitive, Chega de Saudade, Estate, Você e Eu, Bolinha de Papel

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