Everything I Love (Blue Note)
Eliane Elias
Released February 14, 2000
Jazz Journalists Association Jazz Awards Brazilian Jazz Album of the Year
YouTube:
https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_nny7S48PnFgyZeGJgiLNx53mi1r5fVsN8
Spotify:
About:
Eliane Elias is such a fine hard bop/post-bop pianist that it is a pity that she occasionally feels compelled to vocalize; her singing voice is small, quiet, and unimpressive. However, other than her brief vocals on “The Beat of My Heart,” “I Fall in Love Too Easily,” and “Blah Blah Blah,” this is a strong trio set. Elias interacts with either the bass-drum team of Marc Johnson and Jack DeJohnette or Christian McBride and Carl Allen, with guitarist Rodney Jones just popping up briefly on one song. Elias’ playing is often introspective, but always very expressive and she swings hard on the faster pieces. She is one of the underrated greats of the jazz piano.
Track Listing:
1. Bowing To Bud (Eliane Elias) 5:11
2. Nostalgia In Times Square (Charles Mingus) 4:17
3. The Beat Of My Heart (Harold Spina / Johnny Burke) 2:16
4. I Fall In Love Too Easily (Sammy Cahn & Jule Styne) 3:50
5. Everything I Love (Cole Porter) 5:20
6. Introduction #1 / If I Should Lose You (Eliane Elias / Leo Robin / Ralph Rainger) 7:24
7. They Say It’s Wonderful (Irving Berlin) 3:04
8. I Love You (Cole Porter) 4:49
9. That’s All It Was (Eliane Elias) 4:37
10. Introduction #2 / Alone Together (Eliane Elias / Harold Dietz & Arthur Schwartz) 7:53
11. Woody ‘N You (Dizzy Gillespie) 4:04
12. Blah Blah Blah (George Gershwin & Ira Gershwin) 2:40
13. Introduction #3 / Autumn Leaves (Eliane Elias / Jacques Prevert / Johnny Mercer / Joseph Kozma) 6:38
Personnel:
Eliane Elias: piano and vocals
Christian McBride: bass (1, 2, 11, 12)
Marc Johnson: bass (3-10, 13)
Carl Allen: drums (1-3, 11, 12)
Jack DeJohnette: drums (3-10, 13)
Rodney Jones: guitar (3)
Recorded and mixed May/June 1999, at Avatar Studios, New York
Producer: Eliane Elias
Co-producer: Marc Johnson
Recorded and Mixed by Joe Ferla
Assistant Engineers: Anthony Rutolo, Aya Takemura
Mastered by Greg Calbi
Photography by John Cooper
Art Direction: Jessica Novod
Creative Director: Gordon H Jee
Executive-Producer: Christine Martin
Review:
Her light singing voice and light piano touch go hand in hand. Always clear and vibrant, pianist Eliane Elias creates modern mainstream quality every time out. This one is a love letter that she’s put together to honor those who have inspired her. The pianist mentions Bud Powell, Charles Mingus and Dizzy Gillespie, but there are more.
Both Marc Johnson and Jack DeJohnette apply that same light touch on bass and drums to Cole Porter’s lively “I Love You,” as well as to her own slow and romantic composition “That’s All It Was.” Carl Allen and Christian McBride appear in roles a little heavier to suit different situations.
Elias’ lovely alto voice remains soft and gentle throughout. A highlight is the sentimental ballad “I Fall in Love Too Easily” with its piano fills and sparkling interlude. Quite convincing on this one, Elias breathes new life into Sammy Cahn’s lyrics. The other vocal tracks appear soft and gentle as well, representing both up-tempo and slow impressions. McBride and Allen are featured in “Nostalgia in Times Square” and “Woody ‘N You.” For both classic straight-ahead pieces, Elias has captured the mood with her piano trio format. Both bassists and both drummers on the session appear in frequent solo spots. An enjoyable singer and a superb pianist, Eliane Elias’ romantic love letter pays homage to many, but in her own sweet way.
Jim Santella (All About Jazz)
