Downloadable Quote Sheet for

Eliane Elias
Light My Fire
“Eliane Elias stands out from other Brazilian singers because she not only has a deep-rooted feel for the
rhythms of her native land but also is fluent in the American jazz idiom after spending some 30 years in
the United States. Light My Fire showcases her talents as a four-tool player — singer, pianist, arranger
and songwriter — with a romantic collection of classic Brazilian songs, American pop and jazz standards
set to Brazilian grooves, and original tunes. She's supported by top flight Brazilian and American
musicians, including her rhythm section of guitarist Oscar Castro-Neves, drummer Paulo Braga and her
husband, bassist Marc Johnson…a fitting soundtrack for warm summer nights.”
“Since the mid-1980s, pianist/vocalist Eliane Elias has grafted various elements of jazz, pop, soul and
other styles to her deep Brazilian roots to create a hybrid groove. Her forthcoming album, Light My Fire —
set for a May 31 release on Concord Picante, a division of Concord Music Group — wields this universal
sound to explore the various corners of the human heart. Along with four compositions written or cowritten by Elias herself, the album also includes covers of familiar works by Jim Morrison and the Doors
(the title track), Stevie Wonder (‘My Cherie Amour’) and jazz saxophonist Paul Desmond (‘Take Five’).
Elias weaves it all together into a cohesive whole by injecting each of the 12 songs with distinctly
Brazilian grooves that alternate between the fiery and passionate to the cool and sophisticated.”
“Bright as August along the Costa del Sol and breezy as an Hawaiian lanai, the latest from Brazilian
pianist-vocalist-arranger Eliane Elias is possibly the most refreshing summertime jazz album since Getz
met the Gilbertos…Elias’ slow, sensual treatment of the Doors’ title track is a masterpiece of musical
foreplay, her dusky reinterpretation of ‘Take Five’ and gossamer cover of Stevie Wonder’s ‘My Cherie
Amour’ equally enticing.”
“Sultry Brazilian singer/pianist Eliane Elias wraps her jazzy bossa nova style around familiar top 40 radio
chestnuts as well as some homeland favorites on her smooth new release, Light My Fire. The title seems
like a fait acccompli, the way she coos her way through the title song, swings softly on Brubeck’s ‘Take
Five’ and turns Stevie Wonder’s ‘My Cherie Amour’ into a sexy slow jam. And with countrymen Oscar
Castro-Neves and drummer Paulo Braga laying down irresistible grooves, you’ll wonder ‘is it hot in here?
Or is it just…’”
“Pianist/vocalist/composer/arranger Eliane Elias delves into matters of the heart on her latest
release, Light My Fire (Concord Picante). Featuring a collection of self-penned scores as well as covers
of familiar all time classics such as the Jim Morrison and The Doors mega hit title track, pop icon Stevie
Wonder’s ‘My Cherie Amour,’ and jazz giant Paul Desmond’s ‘Take Five,’ Elias transforms these musical
gems and everything she touches into passionate and joyful interpretations. Backed by a crew of such top
caliber players as Gilberto Gil (guitarist/vocalist), Randy Brecker (trumpet), Oscar Castro-Neves (guitar),
Marc Johnson (bass), Paulo Braga (drums), and Marivaldo dos Santos (percussion), Elias takes us on a
musical voyage of the heart while touching on the romantic, sexy and passionate sides of Brazilian jazz.”
“Light My Fire (Concord Picante) finds the pianist and vocalist Eliane Elias filtering an array of love songs
through a breezy bossa nova lens. Her partner, musically as well as romantically, is Mr. Johnson, a
bassist of supple erudition.”
“[Elias is] a nonpareil keyboardist, evidence of which can be found on her new album, Light My Fire, on
which she covers the Doors (of course), Paul Desmond, Stevie Wonder and more. Stellar bassist Marc
Johnson anchors the band.”
“Light My Fire is not a disc for the jazz purist. But it is highly recommended for those still treasuring their
old Gilberto and Sergio Mendes platters as well as newer devotees of the temperate strains of classic
Brazilian pop.”
“Brazilian jazz pianist/singer Eliane Elias takes it all back home with cool-groovin’ samba classics and
bossa-novasized versions of ‘My Cherie Amour,’ ‘Take Five’ and the title track on Light My Fire (Concord,
A-). Support cast includes Brazilian legend Gilberto Gil, Elias' Phillyspawned ex-hubby Randy Brecker and daughter Amanda Brecker.”
“June has arrived. That means it’s time to find a ‘summer album’—a disc that will go into heavy rotation
for road trips, beach walks and other outdoor festivities. The latest release from singer/pianist Eliane
Elias, Light My Fire, fits the bill, with its intoxicating mixture of original and iconic songs flavored by the
bossa nova vibe of her native Brazil.”
“Smoldering like an ember on a rainy night…With a voice as smoky and warm as a dark Creole roux, …
[Eliane] provides some of the most sensual, un-gimmicky sounds in our digital world….From familiar
favorites like the Dave Brubeck theme song ‘Take Five’ and Stevie Wonder’s ‘My Cherie Amour’ to her
original composition ‘Bate Bate’ (pronounced ‘Batchi-Batchi,’ what the beat of the human heart sounds
like in Rio), the sambas overflow in a throwback to the surprising, infectious rhythms that started the
bossa nova craze 50 years ago. But Eliane Elias is also fresh, contemporary and sexy, taking classics by
João Gilberto and Antonio Carlos Jobim in a whole new direction. There really is nobody like her, and you
owe it to yourself to catch her while the mic is still hot. Buy Light My Fire—it will cool your summer.”
“After releasing more than twenty records, jazz sensation, Eliane Elias comes out with a real ‘jewel’ that
she says just came to her. Just the album name, Light My Fire, combines two things you probably never
heard in the same sentence: Jazz music and the ’60s rock band, The Doors…Together with an elite team
of musicians, Elias combines a smooth ‘cool and sexy’ style with her Brazilian roots.”
“…Brazilian jazz has enjoyed a worldwide following through the music of veterans and younger artists like
Ivan Lins and Eliane Elias, whose gifts as singer, songwriter, arranger and pianist give her the sort of
mainstream appeal Gilberto herself had in the mid-‘60s. On Light My Fire, Elias, joined by vocalist
Gilberto Gil, trumpeter Randy Brecker and guitarist Oscar Castro-Neves, offers a diverse, swinging and
immensely satisfying blend of Brazilian material and more…Projecting authority and a fertile creative
mind, Elias has created a near-flawless effort, one reaffirming the elegance and timelessness of jazz from
Brazil.”
“The newest disc from Brazilian-American pianist and singer Eliane Elias is engaging for its romantic
flavors, her virtuosic playing, and a great selection of music.”
“Even after more than 20 records over the course of 30 years, Brazilian jazz singer/pianist/composer/
arranger Eliane Elias’ creative and passionate fire has yet to go out…Elias plies her distinctly alluring and
sultry voice into songs rendered in Portuguese and English. She turns the Doors’ “Light My Fire” into a
slow, simmering bossa nova dirge, while
“Isto Aqui O Que E” oozes with the essence of joyful Brazilian jazz. Heated by Elias’ creative and nimble
hands and voice, Light My Fire will re-ignite anyone’s love for classic Brazilian jazz and pop.” ****
“Since 1984, Elias has recorded over 20 albums and established herself as an accomplished jazz pianist
and increasingly as a singer…The singing is front and center on her new album Light My Fire, which
features an all-star supporting cast including Gilberto Gil, Romero Lubambo, Oscar Castro-Neves and
Randy Brecker, as well as her husband and long-time collaborator, bassist Marc Johnson. The breezy
and sensual album features Elias singing (and playing) originals, classic Brazilian compositions and some
interesting covers, including Stevie Wonder’s ‘My Cherie Amour’ and the title song by Jim Morrison and
the Doors.”
“…[Elias] has always been a highly innovative pianist, and coupled with her unique voice and abilities as
composer and songwriter of popular songs, she continues to be a visible and enjoyable jazz icon in
contemporary jazz music. There is nobody just like her, for she is one of a special kind. Her piano stylings
continue to dazzle and hypnotize!...Light My Fire is a lovely, memorable encounter. Every song
performance is a winner on this CD collection and well-worth the listener’s time...a fine CD collection in all
aspects. Highly recommended.”
“The Brazilian singer songwriter and pianist Eliane Elias does sultry very well. For years, she has
transcended any badge that listeners might want to hang on her as she effortlessly veered between
instrumental jazz and vocal pop and lately, both genres. Her glam style makes her instantly recognizable,
but it’s her immensely pleasurable vocals that kiss every tune. As a pianist, Elias is plainly enviable.” ***
“Elias, a fine pianist as well as a singer, offers versions of songs from her native land as well as South
American-flavored versions of the title song, ‘My Cherie Amour’ and ‘Take Five,’ on which she does a
tasty, wordless vocal. The album also gets great help from guitarists Oscar Castro-Neves and Romero
Lubambo, trumpeter Randy Brecker and bassist Marc Johnson.”
“La voz sensual de la brasileña Eliane Elias y el genio de Gilberto Gil se unen por primera vez en Light
My Fire, grabación de la también pianista de jazz que incluye versiones de clásicos de The Doors y
Stevie Wonder.”
|Spanish]
“Brazilian jazz pianist, vocalist Eliane Elias’ 2011 Concord Picante debut Light My Fire is a romantic and
sultry affair that showcases her knack for traditional bossa nova tunes as well as few inspired covers.
Joining Elias here are a few special guests including Brazil legend Gilberto Gil, who sings on three tracks,
as well as singer Amanda Brecker (Elias' daughter with trumpeter Randy Brecker) who appears on ‘Toda
Menina Baiana.’ Also backing Elias are a bevy of talented individuals, including producer/bassist Marc
Johnson, guitarist Oscar Castro-Neves, percussionists Rafael Barata and Paulo Braga, and
trumpeter Brecker. Along with Elias’ slow-burn take on the Doors’ title track, she delivers a stylish version
of ‘My Cherie Amour,’ adds her own lyrics to trumpeter Kenny Dorham's ‘Stay Cool,’ and even delves
into Paul Desmond’s classic ‘Take Five.’”
“Un disco teñido de la sapiencia que sólo los años pueden otorgar.”
“…the Brazilian pianist-singer’s bossa-samba tracks – about half the album – are special, extra-special
when Gilberto Gil joins her. (He is on three tunes.) The band, with guitarist Oscar Castro-Neves, is
superb.”
“Even after more than 20 records over the course of 30 years, Brazilian jazz singer/pianist/composer/
arranger Eliane Elias’ creative and passionate fire has yet to go out…Heated by Elias’ creative and nimble
hands and voice, Light My Fire will re-ignite anyone’s love for classic Brazilian jazz and pop.” ****
“Light My Fire is to me a great presentation of the music of living life as lived in Brazil. Eliane Elias is a
top-class artist and a joy to listen to. The recording is high quality and clear. It is a kaleidoscope of
sounds, rhythms and expressions of life.”
“RECOMMENDED…one of this year’s most enjoyable jazz records yet.”
“With vocals that simply drip sensuality, and a polished piano technique that has established her as one of
the most talented practitioners on today’s jazz scene, Sao Paulo-born Eliane Elias is a formidable artist…
Light My Fire accomplishes a delicate balance between the connected worlds of ultra-cool jazz, sexy
bossa nova pieces and timeless pop anthems.”
“Ah!...Brazil. The effervescing sound and at times, refreshingly relaxed, is on full display with Light My
Fire by Eliane Elias. The emotional core of all the songs focuses on love’s many lovers...oh, I meant
layers. Whether it is love of your fellow man, a love brought forth by circumstance or just the sparkle of
good ol’ fashioned romance, Elias excels by hitting a bull’s-eye through the heart…Slip Light My Fire on
and relax to her passionate summertime time-out.”
“Brazilian jazz pianist and singer Eliane Elias is exquisitely exceptional on her latest. You are going to
love her soft, incandescent voice…”
“Brazilian pianist, vocalist and composer Eliane Elias explores Afro-Brazilian rhythms in her latest album,
titled Light My Fire. This time she has regained her fiery piano and vocal energy by adding samba and
Afro-Brazilian beats from Bahia…Light My Fire is a striking combination of jazz and Afro-Brazilian rhythms
by one of the most interesting Brazilian musicians based in the United States.”
“All in all, this is an appealing CD that would be a perfect summertime companion.”
4 out of 5
“This album is a treat of the highest order–equally enjoyed playing with children on the beach, or over a
nice sunset après sun. Buy this on May 31 and be the envy of your friends, which we know is one of the
chief joys of summer entertaining!”
“…Eliane’s beautiful voice makes you fall in love with the album, and the last track being a romantic
ballad seems to be the perfect closure to Light My Fire, a strong album, ambitious but never pretentious.”
“With a summer breeze voice that reminds of Astrid Gilberto but is more woman that coquette, Elias has
rounded third and is heading toward home for that jazz Grammy next winter. Hot stuff throughout as she
puts the boss in bossa nova.”
“There’s is a tremendous amount of variety on Eliane Elias’ new Concord release, Light My Fire. Eliane
has a telepathic connection with her top-drawer rhythm section, including veteran guitarist Oscar Castro-
Neves, bassist Marc Johnson, and drummer Paulo Braga. The legendary Gilberto Gil joins Elias on ‘Toda
Menina Baiana’…Nearly all of the songs were done on first take and the CD represents very well what
Elias delivers in live performance.”
AARP Espanol has chosen Eliane’s version of “Take 5” as one of the top 10 Latin Jazz recordings
of all time.
No es fácil el arte de Eliane Elias. Proveniente de Sao Paulo, la pianista y cantante brasileña toca música
suave, sutil y sensual. En otras manos, el mismo estilo se transformaría en música para supermercados
y ascensores. Pero Elias tiene un gusto irreprochable y el virtuosismo de su piano aparece cuando tiene
que aparecer. Durante su adolescencia, trabajó con Toquinho y el poeta de la bossa nova, Vinicius de
Moraes. Trasladarse a Estados Unidos le permitió desarrollar una carrera fructífera en el jazz latino, con
docenas de discos que enfatizan las melodías de la samba, el jazz y la bossa. Un ejemplo perfecto de
sus habilidades es esta flamante versión vocal de la archiconocida Take Five de Dave Brubeck. Elias la
reviste de terciopelo
Elegant is one way to describe Light My Fire, the new album release by Brazilian pianist-singersongwriter Eliane Elias, who while still in her teens was mentored by fellow Brazilians, singer-songwriter
Toquinho and Vinicius de Moraes who co-wrote and served as the lyricist for Antonio Carlos Jobim. While
heavily influenced by Jazz it would be far too limiting to describe Elias’ new album as simply a Jazz
recording. The elements of Pop and Adult Contemporary are evident throughout the songs.
Breathtaking is the word that comes to mind while listening to the title song, as Ms. Elias accompanies
herself beautifully on piano, while bassist Marc Johnson’s and drummer Paulo Braga’s playing is so
subtle, it is like whispering in your lover’s ear. Eliane Elias’ voice is seductive and her phrasing is
evocative. Eliane Elias has created a musical masterpiece with Light My Fire, an album that will sweep
you away to another place and time, find a special place in your heart and leave you longing for the one
you love or to be in love again. The arrangements are breathtaking, the musicianship is exquisite and
Eliane Elias is elegant. This is a Grammy Award worthy performance by one of the most gifted ladies on
the music scene today, in any genre.
“In a career that spans around 30 years and over 20 albums, singer and pianist Eliane Elias has come to
epitomize a cool, sophisticated jazz sensibility, especially on the bossa nova songs of her native Brazil.
On Light My Fire, she set out to extend the range of styles and grooves in her music and, in so doing,
mixes Brazilian music with a couple of jazz standards and one or two famous pop and rock songs. The
Brazilian songs, which comprise the majority of the album, are splendidly cool and generate a real sense
of positivity and optimism.”
“There’s never been any doubt about Sao Paulo-born Elias’ extraordinary skills as a jazz pianist. But her
new album, Light My Fire, thoroughly authenticates her equally impressive abilities as a
singer. Performing in a brilliantly produced set of songs, she brings stunning new perceptions to
everything she sings, from the incredibly atmospheric title track to an unexpected, but delightful version of
Paul Desmond’s ‘Take Five.’”
“Showcasing the title tune from her latest release, Elias’ arrangement of the rock standard ‘Light My Fire’
was a bird of a different color, to be sure. Performed with a throbbing, slow pulse which allowed for her
accented articulation of ‘few-neh-rahl pyre’, the singer transformed the piece into even darker, more
mysterious and languid territory—offset by serpentine strands of piano adventure.”
“Certainly anyone who's paid much attention to Elias–-who's been making brilliant connections between
straight-ahead jazz and Brazilian styles for more than two decades–-knows she can take just about
anything and turn it into bossa nova magic. Exhibit A on Friday was Stevie Wonder's ‘My Cherie Amour,’ a
highlight from Elias' new album, Light My Fire. With Elias caressing the lyrics with her breathy, seductive
style, you had to pay attention to note the keyboard wizardy she was performing at the same time, slyly
injecting the tune with bouncy rhythmic undertones.”
“Brazilian piano prodigy Eliane Elias has shined in a myriad of fertile musical formats since bursting onto
the jazz scene with the fusion supergroup Steps Ahead back in 1983. On Light My Fire, Elias excels as
both a prodding pianist and heartfelt vocalist, on a varied set that celebrates her affinity for pop, jazz, and
Brazilian song…Recommended”
“Elias may well be the finest example of Brazilian jazz musicality ever heard or seen grace the musical
stage. Her humility and maturity were so refreshing when contrasted with the greatness of her music, and
this was one of the more uplifting aspects of her music: it is not entertainment, it's pure art. See and hear
her now while she is arguably the finest creator of melodic/rhythmic jazz on the scene today. You may just
have an unexpected peak experience and be blown away, too.”
“One of the joys of listening to jazz music is discovering what the performer can do with a song you
already know, particularly if it's from a different genre. Few are as good at is as pianist/singer/songwriter,
Eliane Elias, as she proves on her new album, Light My Fire (Concord Picante, a division of Concord
Music Group). Along with four original songs, written or co-written by Elias, the album features unique
covers of songs as diverse as the title cut, played slow and sexy and completely different from the original
one you remember as recorded by Jim Morrison and The Doors, and ‘My Cherie Amour,’ the Motown pop
hit from Stevie Wonder that Elias turns into her own sensual siren's song.”
“Brazil’s Eliane Elias was a widely acclaimed pianist, with both jazz and classical credits, long before she
started adding her rich, romantic vocals to the mix. On her latest release, Elias’ singing, in both English
and Portuguese, is front and center, as she explores a nicely mixed bag of bossa nova and Latin beats,
jazz standards and reimagined rock and pop tunes…And while her vocals are paramount here, Elias’
exceptional piano playing should not be overlooked.”
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