Eliane Elias

Brazil's Eliane Elias is an amazing bop pianist who can also sing bossa nova in the breathy Astrud Gilberto tradition. On Around the City Eliane Elias plays real jazz but she also goes adult pop with class on a pleasingly slick release that mixes Bebel Gilberto, Swing Out Sister and smooth jazz in with her own acoustic style. Highlights include her cover of Beck's "Tropicalia" and her electro take on Bob Marley's "Jammin'" (which shows off her piano chops). Those curious about Elias' bossa nova chops should check out "A Vizinha Do Lado."