Someday, and hopefully soon, jazz fans will appreciate the width, height and depth of pianist/vocalist Eliane Elias. Obviously, jazz musicians do, as this latest album has her in a collection of wondrous duets with either the recently departed Chick Corea and still alive and well Cucho Valdes.
Elias is on the left speaker, with either Corea or Valdes on the right, but there’s no mistaking anyone here, as Corea is inquisitively explorative and Valdes is rhythmically enticing as rich counterpoints and discussions to Elias’ mix of bop and Brasilia. With Corea, there’s a rich fluidity to “Armando’s Rhumba” while the two dance across the sepia floor on the serene “Blue Bossa” and caress the lyrics to “There Will Never Be Another You.” Valdes and Elias go bel canto on “Sabor A Mi” and give a romantic aria to “Esta Tarde Vi Llover” while going off on wondrous strolls for “Corazon Partio”. The real joy is when each partner is in the supporting role, answering, edging, responding or cajoling, and when the two pair up for a three legged race, the sparks fly. Treasure this one!