Elis & Tom [Import]

1. Aguas De Marco

2. Pois E

3. So Tinha De Ser Com Voce

4. Modinha

5. Triste

6. Corcovado

7. O Que Tinha De Ser

8. Retrato Em Branco E Preto

9. Brigas, Nunca Mais

10. Por Toda Minha Vida

11. Fotografia

12. Soneto De Na Separacao

13. Chovendo Na Roseira

14. Inutil Paisagem

Tracks:

Aguas De Marco (Waters Of March)
Poise E (So It Is)
So Tinha De Ser Com Voce (It Had To Be With You)
Modinha
Triste (Sad)
Corcovado
O Que Tinha De Ser (What Had To Be)
Retrato Em Branco E Preto (Picture In Black And White) (AKA Zingaro)
Brigas, Nuncas Mais (Fights Never More)
Por Toda Minha Vida (For All My Life)
Fotografia (Photograph)
Soneto De Separacao (Song Of Separation)
Chovendo Na Roseira (Raining On The Rosebush) (AKA Double Rainbow)
Inutil Paisagem (Useless Landscape)

Customer Reviews:

A Classic, But..........2007-05-16

At the risk of being accused of massive heresy, I'd like to point out a few things that the potential buyer should be aware of: 1) if you're of a certain generation(younger than say, 40)and aren't accustomed to hearing sacharrine-like string arrangements then there will be about 4 or 5 slow orchestra + singer tracks(non-bossa) on this album that will drive you nuts and distract from Elis's amazing voice. For example, if you get the chance, listen to the version of "Modinha" on this CD vs. the version with just Elis and Cesar on piano in the Elis DVD. I always skipped this song on the CD and now I'm realizing how sad it is that it was orchestrated...Good heavens just get out of the lady's way and let her sing. This song sounds so much better 'unplugged'! I bet the same would happen with the other tracks. It sounds a bit pretentious since the strings are not needed to make Elis 'better', due to the inherent greatness of the songs...thus, sublime songwriting by Jobim...but he should've nixed the 'ambitious' arrangements! Btw, I also dislike the version of Corcovado here...and I'm not so sure it's the definitive vocal version...I think that honor should go to Joao Gilberto...and once again, I bet if Elis has/had an unplugged version, it probably would be the among the best. Anyhow, just a controversial opinion of mine. I'm sure many disagree!
2)Many are calling this a quintessential bossa album...but nearly half the tracks are not bossa nova but modinhas...slow-tempo dramatic songs that may sound a bit 'over-the-top' to modern ears.
3)This is not my favorite singing by Elis...for my taste she is too polished and restrained on a few of the songs here(with some very notable exceptions such as Aguas de Marco)...although her singing is indeed flawless and unmatched. Call me crazy, I'd much rather hear the relaxed, soulful, or fun Elis in "Como Os Nossos Pais", "Upa Neguinho", or "Sou Caipira Pira Pora Nossa"(not sure about the title), or "Alo, Alo Marciano". At any rate, Elis was soooo much more than a bossa nova or jazz singer. She was and could be anything!
Now, as for the priceless songs...these are the ones that I pick as my faves on this CD:
1) Aguas de Marco (btw, the end part, in which Elis starts laughing is I think due to the fact that, based on my limited understanding of Portuguese, Elis and Tom start chopping off the first letter of each word starting the refrain phrases...it's onderful!)
2) Triste: So sexy...tua beleza e' um aviao, Elis!
3) Retrato em Branco e Preto- Just amazing! The strings aren't as obnoxious here, either.
4) Fotografia: brilliant!
5) Chovendo na Roseira: One of my favorite songs ever!
6) Inutil Paisagem: Great song for when you're feeling depressed...very cathartic!

Magnificient.......2007-01-10

Wonderful stuff....both of these folks were masters.

I am so glad that I have discovered Elis, and feel
sorry that I was not familiar with her long ago.

She passed away at age 36 in 1982, and brought
enlightening moments to so many.

Their collaboration gave birth to a rich and magical thing!

Genius!.......2006-11-22

This record is a true jewel, a century-recording. It's like you enter a place with stagnant energy in which, suddenly, a beautiful woman who dropped from nowhere lights a cigarette, and not voluntarily, but because you let yourself go, you inhale the smoke, and thereby inhale the woman's perfume and all her being ...

It has the incredible presence of touch, of life, of emotions that only analog recordings have and the digital era has buried in 'clean' sound anaestetics. The talent of the musicians is nothing less than genius, not to talk about Jobim's music which is not of century, but of millennary genius. The inner harmony and synergy between Jobim and Regina is not to put in words. It's one of those rare encounters between artists that are truly blessed by heaven.

This unique music has transformed me an evening of utter depression into one of wonder and inner peace. This music is truly religious, in a non-religious sense.

What Brazilians teach us is that musical genius, when you encounter it incarnated in a human being seems to be simplicity. This simplicity is the outer shell of high inner complexity. Brazilians are all gifted for music, as they have it in their blood. This is because they are one of the most emotionally intelligent cultures on earth, together with Cubans and Italians.

One last word: there is today lots of Samba and Bossa Nova around. Don't let yourself fool by all these copy productions. This CD has the originals!! And you may be surprised at the romantic slowness of some of the pieces that you heard played like clockworks and with digital robotic perfection. And also you may be surprised about the natural pathos of the Brazilian soul. What most people confuse with 'bar music' truly is a religious expression. It's people presenting themselves without a shell, without an emotional armor, and with a totally open heart. And the Brazilian language, that has almost totally transcendented Portuguese is next to Indonesian and Italian one of the most beautiful languages for chant.

To play this music like nightclub candies, which is (unfortunately) the understanding most Westerners have of Brazilian music, is based on a cultural misunderstanding. For Brazilians their music is sacred, no less than that. And perhaps, this CD will convince you of this truth!

This CD merits 50 stars, not just 5.

Elis & Tom. They live!.......2006-11-10

This the epitome of awesome music! Two giants of Brazilian and international music paired in one of the best ever Bossa Nova records. The music they make together has an inherent energy and romanticism that feels utterly free and endless.

Still Fabulous!.......2006-09-10

A treasured classic!

After the justly famous Getz/Gilberto album, this is the most essential Jobim session. Recorded at MGM Studios, Los Angeles, California between February 22 and March 9, 1974 this recording pairs the brilliant Brazilian vocalist Elis Regina and the father of bossa nova, Antonio Carlos Jobim. This album is magic!

Regina, who many feel was the finest female Brazilian jazz singer ever, adroitly taps into the melancholy, existential sadness at the heart of so many Jobim recordings. ELIS AND TOM features a full orchestra. Moreover, Jobim wisely tailors his arrangements to suit the strengths of Elis who works best in a sparse environment.

Portuguese lyrics enrapture me. The sublime song cycle of material, reminiscent to my ear of Lani Hall, Herb Alpert's wife (lead Brazil '66) solo material, creates an emotionally complex mood of melancholy that suddenly bursts free with the exhilarating, wondrous Aguas De Marco (Waters Of March). The lyrics sung in Portuguese add a fresh dimension of mystery and tension to the recording.

Average customer rating:

VERY VERY GOOD CD
Are you missing me
Review
I like it
Hopefully the future is kind to Elis

Dark Clouds in a Perfect Sky
Elis
Manufacturer: Napalm
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Goth | Goth & Industrial | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

God's Silence, Devil's Temptation
Griefshire
Where Twilight Dwells
Lovelorn
Vinland Saga

ASIN: B0002ZXCYY
Release Date: 2004-10-11

Tracks:

Der Letzte Tag
Anger
Lost Soul
Perfect Love
Heart In Chains
Die Zeit
Black Angel
Devil Inside You
Rebirth
Are You Missing Me
Ballade
Show Me Heaven (bonus track)

Album Description

Elis' debut album caused quite a commotion in 2003: God's Silence... was a triumphant, strategic advance that undoubtedly continues with the quintet's new opus, Dark Clouds in a Perfect Sky. The CD displays superb, rich and varied Gothic Metal, with a heavy and occasional ballad-like edge. Altogether a deep and entertaining album - a new star in the "perfect sky".

Customer Reviews:

VERY VERY GOOD CD.......2007-05-22

Goth-metal, straight up rock with a female singer with the voice of a goddess. The first song on this CD, sung in the band's native tongue (German), is incredible. The remainder of the CD is very well crafted and the female vocalist is/was incredibly, incredibly talented. When I heard she had died at age 29, I was really saddened. What a loss to the world of music. Out of all the female vocalists I've heard over the years, this girl had it going on. I love her voice,layered and backed by throbbing rock and roll. Gracious, mesmerizing. Please don't let her death deter you from purchasing this CD. I highly recommend it. Add it to your collection. You won't be disappointed.

Are you missing me.......2006-07-13

I am not a big fan of heavy metal. I hated the '80s hair metal scene when I was in high school. I hated the nu metal schtick of the late '90s, early '00s. The only metal genre I enjoy is the gothic metal genre which has been around longer than Evanescence (who contrary to what some people might think, did not originate the goth metal sound...The Gathering is credited for creating the goth metal sound).

One of my favorite goth metal bands who I think have never really been recognized is the german band Elis. I discovered Elis accidently in the back pages of Outburn magazine (when it was STILL cool). I immediately went out to purchase the band's 2nd album "Dark Clouds in a Perfect Sky". There is a definite resemblence of Leaves' Eyes Liv Kristine in the voice of Sabine Duenser. Both women share that same delicate voice. The music is though a lot more aggressive IMO. The aggressive guitar riffs compliments Sabine's angelic vocals. A lot of that credit goes to producer Alexander Krull (Atrocity), Liv's husband. His production abilities are immaculate. His work on Elis' album as well as with his wife's albums are perfectly crisp and clean without being overly produced.

Some of the stand out tracks on "Dark Clouds in a Perfect Sky" are the ballads. "Perfect Love" and "Ballade" has that perfect combination of melody and sorrow without losing out that aggressive edge. I absolutely love working out to the aggressive track "Anger" or if I lose my temper, I often crank up this song and start taking out my anger to this song. Elis's sound may not be terribly original but they certainly know how to keep the goth metal genre from becoming bland and predictable.

It deeply saddens me to note mention this news. The heavy metal scene has lost one of its own. Elis lead singer Sabine Duenser recently passed away not even a week ago due to a cerebal hemorrage. This young woman had shown a lot of promise and had a bright future. You were loved and will be forever missed. RIP Sabine :(.

Review.......2006-06-15

Elis, a Liechtenstein-based 5-piece band began as "Erben Der Schöpfung" & they released their debut, "Twilight" in 2001. Vocalist Sabine Duenser and guitarist Pete Streit continued working together and Erben Der Schopfung morphed into Elis. They released their debut, "Gods Silence Devils Temptation" in 2003 to very good reviews, and quickly followed with "Dark Clouds in a Perfect Sky" in February 2004. Their style of music is most often considered goth metal, but Elis incorporate electronics, doom, and rock into their music for a rather eclectic sound.

Following the path of bands like Lacuna Coil, Leaves' Eyes, Darkwell, Lacrimosa & The Gathering, ELIS is trying to find a place for themselves in the world of Gothic music, and with Dark Clouds in a Perfect Sky, they succeeded in doing just that.

Let's start with the Album Cover Artwork. Vocalist Sabine Duenser says : "The picture with the butterfly is a symbol for the album title and so it is also a symbol for the message we want to give to the listener. There's this perfect butterfly, which is a picture of a real but dead butterfly- which is brutally speared on the sky. On the first look the picture just seems nice but when you have a closer look at it you see that it is not as nice as it seemed. The title Dark Clouds in a Perfect Sky stands for the fact that in this world there exists nothing which is perfect. Everything, even when it seems to be perfect, has also a dark and ugly side. People only can be rich, because many people are poor. We like it when the sun shines but it has the power to burn everything. The nature can be very nice but on the other hand it can destroy lives with its power. So the title is a metaphor of our music, which also combines these dark and soft elements, and the lyrics which are about this contrast between good and bad. Also in a perfect sky there can appear dark clouds." [ from an interview with www.basementbar.com (Transcending the Mundane). ]

Upon first listen to Dark Clouds in A Perfect Sky, one may get the impression lead singer Sabine Duenser might be taking one too many nods from ex-Theatre of Tragedy vocalist and current Leaves' Eyes frontwoman, Liv Kristine. When you realize Liv Kristine is also the wife of Elis producer and manager Alexander Krull, the comparison might make a little more sense.
This is not really the case, though both vocalists do share similarities in their approach. They both can, and will pull out a booming soprano when needed or lull you into a mid-tempo trance.

There are 3 tracks in the band's native language, German : Der Letzte Tag (the last day) / Ballade (ballad) / Die Zeit (it's time). The other songs are Anger / Lost Soul / Heart in Chains / Perfect Love / Black Angel / Devil Inside You / Rebirth / Are You Missing Me / Show Me Heaven (Bonus Cut on Digipak Release)..Emotions range fom anger (guess which song that focuses on... ) , to love (Perfect Love) , to something we all have tendency to do, thinking too much (Are You Missing Me).

Der Letzte Tag , the album opener is bombastic with even an epic solo from Pete Streit near the conclusion. It's just how an opening track should be. Bassist Tom Saxer is featured on a couple of songs, where his extremely capable growl lends itself to the subject matter ("Lost Soul", "Heart in Chains", "Are You Missing Me").

All in all , this was an amazing listening experience. I enjoyed each & every song. However, I found myself trailing back to Black Angel , Show me Heaven , and Perfect Love..repeating them again & again...

Overall rating of the Album : 9/10

I like it.......2006-06-11

Frankly, with all the rather blah reviews here on Amazon it took me a while to get around to this cd, but when I listened to the samples I realized that it sounded very good -- and now that I have it and I've listened to it a few times I'm not really sure why so many people (well, 3 anyway) said that it was uninspired and unmemorable. I think it's much better than that, so I had to write a review.

Now, I'll admit, I'd be the first to say that if you're just getting into this kind of music, you should probably listen to Nightwish, Leaves' Eyes, Within Temptation first. Maybe Lacuna Coil too, I don't own any of them but enough people seem to like them. But if you really like this style of goth metal then this is a very good cd. Read what the official Amazon reviewer said, listen to the samples, and see for yourself.

I like it a great deal more than, say, Epica or After Forever, for example....

Hopefully the future is kind to Elis.......2006-01-26

3.5 stars

I discovered Elis completely by accident. I only bought this CD because I knew it was a female fronted the band and I thought the title of the CD was intriguing, luckily I didn't expect much on first listen. Sabine doesn't have the strongest voice you'll ever hear, she pretty much has the same vocal pattern for each song actually and the death growls, while good, don't fit at all. So a lot of the time it's the band pulling most of the weight.

My big issue with Dark Clouds In A Perfect Sky is that the songs don't have much variety. In fact, the only song that really stands apart from the others to me is Devil Inside You. I think every other song tries much too hard to be groundbreaking. Take Heart In Chains, there are some very good parts in the track, but the death metal growls and some of Sabine's vocals kind of ruin it. The closing song, Ballade, despite being performed completely in a foreign language, is the other strong track. It seems simplicity is key to this band making good music. Devil Inside You is pretty intricate, but I just think Elis shines on ballad-type songs.

My two favorite songs are Devil Inside You and Ballade. There's so much potential in this CD, but it doesn't seem Elis tried to capture it and use it to their advantage. If they want to be compared to a band as truly amazing as Nightwish, then they better step their game way up.

Average customer rating:

Amazing Accidental Discovery!
Elis is a gift from God!
Two giant musicians !
Stunning! A Six Star Tour De Force!!!
Pure Fire - Elis Regina ensemble with Toots on harmonica

Aquarela Do Brasil
Jean 'Toots' Thielemans and Elis Regina
Manufacturer: Polygram Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Brazil | South & Central America | International | Styles | Music

General | International | Styles | Music

General | Latin Music | Styles | Music

Latin Pop | Latin Music | Styles | Music

Bebop General | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music

Brazilian Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

Latin Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music

Swing General | Swing Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Elis & Tom
The Brasil Project
Chez Toots
Wave
Only Trust Your Heart

ASIN: B00000471V
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

Wave
Aquarela Do Brasil
Visao
Corrida De Jangada
Wilsamba
Voce
Barquinho
O Sonho
Five For Elis
Canto De Ossanha
Honeysuckle Rose
Volta

Customer Reviews:

Amazing Accidental Discovery!.......2007-07-05

As an avid jazz-samba fan from the era of those Getz/Gilberto/Jobim (etc.) collaborations, I am stunned to imagine -and embarrassed to admit that I did not know of Elis Regina before recently stumbling by accident into these extraordinary reviews on the Amazon site. The obvious question was, "Could anything be as good as these people say?!!" The answer is YES! For starters, the magic of this beautiful CD thoroughly compares to that experienced when I first heared the other albums referenced above, and then some! Not at all because these selections display great musical innovation or complexity within this genre; -they don't, and that is what makes these performances so delightful from start to finish. That is, this is music which "sings", and goes straight to the heart of the listener. The whole group sound like they are enjoying themselves enormously during the sessions, and I still find myself unable to sit still when this album is on! Rather, the compulsion to tap one's toes, or to rise and start dancing (with or without partner available) is simply irrepressible! Small wonder, therefore, that the polite and cool-tempered Swedes who observed these recording sessions were spellbound, or so it seems, by the spectacle of these Brazilians having so much fun while "working"! For Elis Regina, she is everything the other reviewers say, and she grows on me increasingly with each new listening; her loss at such a young age is forever saddening and confounding to me. Very thankfully, however, the recording engineers have captured and preserved the moment for us magnificently with this album. I am also very pleased, as well, to be introduced to the music of Toots Thielemans, who blends into this group with absolute perfection.

Elis is a gift from God!.......2006-08-26

Elis is my one and only singer! I am sorry to say this, but Elis does not sing, SHE HUMILIATES THE REST! As a Brazilian I am very proud of her singing so many wonderful Brazilian songs and share them with the world. Thank you, Elis! I love you!

Two giant musicians !.......2004-12-05

Two legends : two unforgettable names for the musical story of Brazil .
Toots Thielemans is an extarordinary musician . His wide scope has allowd him to face one of the widest spectre of the music .
In this famous recording dated from 1969 Elis Regina (the divine , unforgettable and supreme brazilian song goddess and one of most inspired female singers ever) joined theor gifts to giva the world a tresure of thousand carats .
Canto de Ossanha, Aquarela de Brazil , O barquinho and Wave are among the best tracks of this spectacular and glorious CD . The only complaint -if I may- is the shortness of this album . Thought and recorded according the LP laws: Twelve tracks and that's all . I have the hidden hope someone finds records not available before or recording sessions never released before to get the chance to enjoy the craft of this fantastic combination .
Acquire this CD and get close to the world of this giant couple .

Stunning! A Six Star Tour De Force!!!.......2004-05-19

On a scale of 1 to 5, "Aquarela Do Brasil" is a SIX!! One of the great MPB performances of all time, with Toots Thielemans adding soaring beautiful harmonica/guitar solos between some truly amazing vocals by Elis Regina. Plus Toots gives three solid solo performances, including an Elis tribute.

Recorded in 1969, during a "howling snowstorm" in Stockholm Sweden of all places, the Brazilian Super-Diva, Elis Regina, and the acclaimed jazz master, Toots Thielemans, conjured up a steaming, mid-summer Brazilian beach in the studio. Elis is on fire throughout and clearly having alot of fun! Her musical quintet, Elis Cinco, is brilliant and audibly enthusiastic. Singing with a wide range of emotions and tossing off gymnastic phrases with ease, Elis is incredible! She wields her voice like a knief, cutting quickly and deeply into each song. Toots is equally brilliant and the entire ensemble plays like old musical friends. I speak no Portuguese but this music is as clear as a crystal.

Normally I pick out a "Piece D'Resistance" in every CD, but this CD is so uniformly brilliant that there are too many outstanding performances by both artists to pick one. The sensuous, sultry "Barquinho" (Little Boat) is cast as an overpowering ballad performance that will slow your breathing. "Voce", the tongue twisting "Corrida de Jangada", and the sizzling "Wave" (with Elis' patented "sozinho" Afro-Brazilian tagline at the end) are new again. She totally personalizes "Aquarela Do Brasil" using the 'bridge' only and then adds the batucada "Nega do Cabelo Duro" to it, infusing it with humor and the sound of "crickets": very unique performance. And the octave-jumping tour de force of "Cantu de Ossanha" is spine-tingling great singing like no one else can do it.

I bought this CD primarily out of curiosity about the combination of Toots & Elis. I had recently bought the excellent "Chez Toots" CD and noticed this CD in his discography. I popped it in the CD player and wandered away. The next morning the CD player woke me up with "Wave" and I was captivated and totally amazed for the next hour. As a jazz, classical, and pop music fan, I KNOW singers and this singer was someone very, very special. She understood nuance, emotion, improvisation, the blues (ok, "saudade", if you must), how to deliver a knockout punch and leave us wanting more. It's no wonder they called her 'The Hurricane'. Now I'm collecting more Elis recordings and have just purchased the self-titled first CD cut by her multiple Grammy-winning daughter, "Maria Rita". With this CD, Elis (over twenty years after her tragic accidental death) has stolen my musical heart. She ranks in the company of the greatest singers ever: Ella, Sarah, Maria Callas, Judy, and LadyDay. I think she realized she was really a jazz singer at heart interpreting MBP. Believe me, this CD should be required listening for ALL music fans who love GREAT MUSIC. Definitely, a SIX !

Snowstorm? What snowstorm? LOL

Pure Fire - Elis Regina ensemble with Toots on harmonica.......2003-05-18

One of the outstanding Elis Regina's characteristics as a singer was not only her quality as a vocal master. She also knew very well how to choose her musicians and arrangers.

And she also had all great Brazilian musicians at her keep. They used to say it was very hard to work under her top parameters but the result was prestige. Many American songbirds became famous on this aspect - this reminds me of Carmen McRae and Betty Carter - and like them, Elis Regina always brought luck to all musicians and composers she recorded with.

This album counted on her trio in 1969, leaded by pianist and composer Antonio Adolfo. This same trio made her European tour in 1969 and recorded this album with Toots Thielemens in Sweden.

Half the program consists of instrumentals with the trio plus Toots. Very Great!

Average customer rating:

Regarding Nightwish/Within Temptation/Leaves' Eyes comparisons..
God's Silence, Devil's Temptation
Good stuff
check it out
Getting there...

God's Silence, Devil's Temptation
Elis
Manufacturer: Napalm
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Goth | Goth & Industrial | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Dark Clouds in a Perfect Sky
Griefshire
Lovelorn
Vinland Saga
Where Twilight Dwells

ASIN: B0000AP6KF
Release Date: 2003-10-14

Tracks:

For Such A Long Time
Where You Belong
Sie Erfasst Mein Herz
Do You Believe
Engel Der Nacht
Gods Silence
Devils Temptation
Come To Me
My Only Love
Child
Abendlied

Album Description

Full Title - God's Silence, Devil's Temptation. Great ethereal gothic metal from Germany in the vein of Nightwish! 11 tracks. Napalm Records. 2003.

Customer Reviews:

Regarding Nightwish/Within Temptation/Leaves' Eyes comparisons.........2006-08-20

Spectacular band, terrible what happened to Sabine. I know they arn't orchestrated as Nightwish, but I believe they can make a good compare. And it is true that Sabine was influenced greatly on Theatre of Tragedy/Leaves' Eyes's Liv Kristine. I believe Elis/Erben der Schöpfung grasps the best elements of both. Whomever the girl is who commented below me really has no room to speak, considering she is only basing her oppinions off of her own personal tastes in music.

And to clarify, most people think Elis is from Germany. There is a difference between Leichtenstein and Germany..

And comparing Evanescence and Elis is basically comparing Pop-rock with Gothic Metal.. the quality of music is just that much better.

By the way, I am a huge Nightwish fan, and also love Elis. Speak for yourself.

God's Silence, Devil's Temptation.......2006-01-15

I do not think Elis sound at all like Nightwish. Tarja is a first rate vocalist, and it wouldn't even be fair to compare Sabine to her. Sabine has a pleasant voice and it suits the music. Unlike some others, I don't find the drumming to be too heavy for the music at all. I actually like it.

"For Such a Long Time" is definitely one of the better songs on the album. While it is somewhat catchy, it doesn't detract from it being a good song. I would give it a 4/5.

"Where You Belong" is an okay song. I'm not too keen on the growls at the beginning, followed immediately by Sabine's voice, but the growls later in the song are a bit better placed. This song is also a little catchy, but it's not one of those that sticks in your head for an annoyingly long time. I thought this song could be just a bit heavier in terms of instrumental sounds. I give this a 3.5/5.

"Sie Erfasst Mein Herz" is a nice song. It's a little slower than the first two songs. I do like that they include some songs in their native German. I think the guitars in some parts of the songs are a little too power metal for my taste, but I know that would appeal to some people. This song also gets a 3.5/5.

As "Do You Believe" starts out, it reminds me a little bit of the music from Disney's "Beauty and the Beast", and then the guitars come in. It retains the "Beauty and the Beast" sound through much of the song. Some of the vocals in the refrain remind me a lot of something off of Leaves' Eyes' "Vinland Saga." This song gets a 3.5/5.

"Engel Der Nacht" is, obviously, another song in German. To me, this is one of the better songs on the album. It's got a faster pace interspersed with some slower moments. 4/5.

"God's Silence" starts out nicely, grabbing your attention with some upbeat sounding stuff. However, shortly after the intro, it slows down quite a bit. At this point in the album, I admit I am wanting something a little faster after all these slow-ish songs. It's tempting to give it a lower score than it deserves because of how boring it gets listening to all these slow songs in succession, but as a stand alone song, I would give it 4/5.

"Devil's Temptation" is nice. It starts out slow, but the refrain picks up the pace, which is refreshing. The vocals again remind me of Leaves' Eyes in some places. In other places, they distort her voice, and I am not sure how fond of that I am. I don't think it fits, but overall the song is good. 4/5.

"Come to Me" is another slow song, but the piano parts on it are very pretty. I always like when you can very clearly hear a piano on ballads. Unfortunately, Sabine's voice isn't as nice on this song. On a few occasions, she tries to sing higher than she can reach and you can hear that her voice is very tight and a bit screechy. However, she also sings some parts in a lower voice than she usually does and those parts sound great. 4/5.

"My Only Love" sounds a lot like other songs on this album. By the time you get to this point in the album, you start to wonder if your CD is on repeat and it has started over. There is nothing in this song that stands out for me that another song hasn't already provided. 3.5/5.

The lyrics to "Child" sound like the band's way of promoting a pro-life agenda or abstinence agenda or some such thing. Well, okay...not my cup of tea, but maybe someone else likes that kind of thing. Frankly, I prefer bands to leave political statements out of their music, but whatever. Unfortunately, the music for this song is not very good. Probably Sabine's weakest performance and the song overall is just boring to listen to. 2/5.

"Abendlied" is okay. It's better than the last few songs, but unfortunately, it doesn't quite measure up the strong beginning the album has. Another song in German. This is a very repetitive song, with very little instrumental music. Mostly just Sabine singing. 3/5.

The bonus track, "Betrayal", is not on the CD here on Amazon, which is unfortunate, because it is a lot better than most of the songs on this album. It is quicker paced and doesn't sound just like all the other songs on the album. In fact, it is probably my favourite song. If you buy this CD, try to find the version with this bonus track. 4.5/5.

I'm giving this album 4 stars, because I think it was pretty good for a debut album (and I hear they improved with their 2nd album), and although I don't care for all the Christian overtones in the lyrics, I'm willing to overlook those. I wouldn't recommend this album to anyone who prefers faster paced music, but if you like slower genres and are into bands like Leaves' Eyes or maybe old Theatre of Tragedy, even, you might like this. I don't think too many fans of bands like Nightwish or After Forever will care for Elis as much, though.

Good stuff.......2005-09-24

Opera-influenced metal with female lead vocals, in the vein of Nightwish. Folks who dig Evanescene might want to check these guys out. I paticularly like the album cover and artwork. Interesting lyrics too. For all you fellow Christians, don't worry, there's nothing blasphemous to be found in their lyrics; just some questioning about God, which is perfectly fine with me. While far from being a pefect cd, this is still a great listen, and worth adding to any metal collection.

check it out.......2005-09-01

well iam giving this album 5 stars for reason is they do not sound like nightwish maybe a little but not enough to make me think they are nightwish clones. in my opinion this a great album could have been a little bit better but i think this band hasn't found there true roots yet but when they do there going to break big so i recommend this album to any nightwish fan or leaves eyes fan now they don't sound like leaves eyes but if your into that kind of metal then you'll like this band

Getting there..........2005-03-09

Too much eletronics! They have great melodies, songs, lyrics and Sabine is quite a singer, but the mixage is overloaded with eletronic effects that make the music sound shallow and distant.
Worth buying, but it can be so much better.

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Elis & Tom

Elis & Tom
Antonio Carlos Jobim & Elis Regina
Manufacturer: Verve
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Aquarela Do Brasil

ASIN: B000EZ8BCA
Release Date: 2006-05-29

Tracks:

uas de Mar[Waters of March]
Pois [So It Is]
Snha de Ser Com VocIt Had to Be with You]
Modinha
Triste [Sad]
Corcovado
O Que Tinha de Ser [What Had to Be]
Retrato Em Branco e Prieto [Picture in Black and White]
Brigas, Nunca Mais [Fights Never More]
Por Toda a Minha Vida [For All My Life]
Fotografia [Photograph]
Soneto de Separa [Song of Separation]
Chovendo Na Roseira [Raining on the Rosebush]
Inaisagem [Useless Landscape]

Customer Reviews:

Elis & Tom.......2007-05-02

This album is considered THE BEST album ever released in Brazil! The performance of Elis Regina and Antonio Carlos (Tom) Jobim in this album are absolutely impeccable!!!

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Sabine's last album
R.I.P. Sabine
Wonderful tribute to Sabine
A loving and fitting tribute to Sabine Dunser
In Loving Memory of Sabine Duenser

Griefshire
Elis
Manufacturer: Napalm
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Dark Clouds in a Perfect Sky
Nine Destinies and a Downfall
Alice's Inferno
The Forgotten Goddess
God's Silence, Devil's Temptation

ASIN: B000JLPO1U
Release Date: 2007-01-16

Tracks:

Tales From Heaven Or Hell
Die Stadt
Show Me The Way
Brother
Seit Dem Anbeginn Der Zeit
Remember The Promise
Phoenix From The Ashes
How Long
Innocent Hearts
Forgotten Love
The Burning
A New Decade
Heaven And Hell (bonus track)

Album Description

With their third release, Griefshire, Elis has reached a career climax, delivering bombastic Gothic Metal that is beautifully carried by the vocal strength of frontlady Sabine Duenser. Elis continues to explore the extremes, pushing forth with even more aggressive riffs and faster songs, while still emphasizing midtempo tracks and a refined ballad-like feel. In this regard, Griefshire is the next logical step in the history of Elis: A compact and mature Gothic Metal album that is never monotonous, nor pretended. The special Ltd. Edition comes housed in digipak format and contains the bonus track, Heaven And Hell.

Customer Reviews:

Sabine's last album.......2007-03-28

Sadly this is Sabine's last album since she passed away. Her vocals will always live on. Griefshire is a really great album as well as different from their previous albums. I really loved the cover song of Heaven and Hell.

R.I.P. Sabine.......2007-03-10

Not as strong as "Dark Clouds" but nice to listen to. But seeing as this is the last time we will get here Sabine, this will always be special.

Wonderful tribute to Sabine.......2007-03-04

I bought this album and I love it. This is the best they could do in Sabine's memory. I love all the tracks but in particular, I like Phoenix from the Ashes, Innocent hearts, Forgotten Love, The Burning, and Heaven and Hell. The bonus track makes the album even better, it's very much like the actual Black Sabbath song only with Sabine's voice. As the Description says, Elis is not mononotnous, not pretending. I would give this album 10.5/10. It excels and is the best album I own!

A loving and fitting tribute to Sabine Dunser.......2007-02-11

Even after a few months, this Elis fan is still reeling over the sudden and untimely death of singer Sabine Dunser. Thank heavens her final work with her band Elis was recorded prior to her death for metal fans to hear. It is almost ironic in a somber way that part of the album title has the word "grief" in it and I am still grieving for the loss of this talented singer.

"Griefshire" is a 53 minute opus of aggressive yet melodic gothic metal. The album is a perfect follow up to the 2005 release "A Dark Cloud in a Perfect Sky". The music picks up where the previous album left off. Guitarists Pete and Christian Gruber provides the aggressive edge to the music. The guitar riffs never drowns out Sabine's delicate vocals. The rhythm section of Tom Saxer and Max Naescher is steady and reliable to the rest of the band, providing a meaty sound to the band's gothic metal sound. I will admit that the band doesn't offer anything new or adventurous to their sound but then again neither does the legendary hard rock band AC/DC. I enjoyed "Griefshire" with bittersweet tears and immense satisfaction. The ballads on "Griefshire" really moved me the most especially the song "How Long". I thought all of the songs on the cd is classic Elis.

The metal has lost a truly lost a talented singer in Sabine Dunser. Sabine had a voice of an angel. Thank heavens I am able to listen to her one more time via "Griefshire". I am pleased that the band has continued to soldier on with a new singer. It will be interesting how well her voice will mesh with the band.

In Loving Memory of Sabine Duenser.......2007-01-31

Elis is back with their third release, 'Griefshire' - and although I don't feel that it's as good as 'Dark Clouds In A Perfect Sky', it is still a very well executed Gothic Metal album. And for me, along with many other fans I'm sure, it holds a special place in my heart for it is sadly the last offering that will be graced with the powerful, angelique voice of Sabine Duenser, which makes me wish there were more songs on here like "How Long" and "Forgotten Love" for they really showcase her beautiful voice without being drowned out by the thrashing drum and guitar riffs of their harsher melodies. Her untimely passing in 2006 came as a complete shock and she will greatly be missed.

Elis has already found a replacement singer (I realize the band just wants to move on; however, I personally found it was too soon for that), but I really can't imagine a better voice to compliment the other members of Elis. I'm ready to give her a chance, of course, but she definitely has some big shoes to fill.

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SUPER DIVA'S SCORCHING BRITISH SESSION ! (IN ENGLISH AND PORTUGUESE)
One of her best albums
English arranger does not hip with Elis Regina

In London
Elis Regina
Manufacturer: Universal
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Samba, Eu Canto Assim!
Live at the Blue Note

ASIN: B000060N9O
Release Date: 2002-03-21

Tracks:

Corrida De Jangada
A Time For Love
Se Voce Pensa
Giro
A Volta
Zazueira
Upa Nequinho
Watch What Happens
Wave
How Insensitive
Voce
O Barquinho

Album Description

Japanese DSD remastered reissue for the late Brazilian jazz vocalist. Details TBA.

Customer Reviews:

SUPER DIVA'S SCORCHING BRITISH SESSION ! (IN ENGLISH AND PORTUGUESE).......2006-01-24

Five HUGE Stars!! Elis Regina, Brazil's SuperDiva, is stunning in a landmark London studio session. Singing in both Portuguese and English, her astounding singing capabilities carry over in both languages fully displaying her power & technique. This CD should open up her extensive Portuguese discography to those who might have previously been hesitant to investigate what all of the adulation is about. Fear not, her musicianship almost makes words useless. She was simply one of the world's greatest singers and on this CD she's on fire and clearly enjoying herself. It's also clear that Musical Director Peter Knight and the orchestra understood the unique Brazilian popular music (MPB) idiom and provide outstanding support, including strings, giving Elis a more 'continental' sound this time. The predominant beats are either a driving afro-cuban beat or a smoking samba beat on the uptempo numbers, which give different rhythmic frameworks for her to work within.

Elis' vocal twists and turns in "Corrida de Jangada" (Raft Race) immediately sets the tone for the session, showing her articulation speed, power and range, while masterfully playing with the beat. The orchestral arrangement gives an airy, expansive feel to the song, more so than the version on the "Aquarela do Brasil" CD. "Giro" (Turn) shows her total capabilities as she sings solo and with the orchestra in a thrilling performance. "A Volta" (The Return) is pure sensuality that has a very emotional Elis singing in that 'special' voice that she reserves for these sultry ballads: you may have to hose down your CD player on this one. Kudos to the sax and trombone soloists for their soaring cameo contributions.

"A Time for Love, "Watch What Happens", and "How Insensitive" are in wonderfully nuanced English, while "Wave" and "Voce" (You) are in both languages. All are superb performances and it's clear she's not singing phonetically, but from the heart.

Pieces De Resistance: "O Barquinho" (The LIttle Boat) is taken at a unusually fast beat with Elis, riding above the rhythm, creating a wild stretching effect. "Zazueira" is multi-tracked voice as Elis 'sings with herself' using some amazing stratospheric effects. "Wave" is sung in Portuguese, switching to English for the second pass of the bridge and then back to Portuguese. And a fabulous reading of "Upa Neguinho" (Little Black Boy) boils over with an insistent beat that shifts back and forth under Elis' fragmented dynamic reading with those beautiful high notes. WOW, notice how she relentlessly drives the orchestra with her voice and almost flamenco-like hand clapping. What a performance! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. Five INTERNATIONAL Stars.

(Note: the liner notes say the musicians gave Elis an ovation after each session. I can see why! There are alternate Regina Portuguese versions of some of these songs on other excellent CDs: "Aquarela do Brasil" (Watercolors of Brazil) and "Como & Porque" (How & Because), which demonstrate her power to recast a song into unique versions. Meanwhile, in the US, Sergio Mendez (& Brazil 66, 67, etc...) was recasting many of these songs into wonderful Americanized versions with the fabulous Lani (Mrs Herb Alpert) Hall starring as Elis Regina. Sadly, Elis' tragic accidental death in 1982 robbed us of at least 20 more years of magnificence and plunged Brazil (and us) into permanent bereavement. Now in 2006 her multiple Latin Grammy-winning daughter, Maria Rita, has Brazil spellbound all over again.)

One of her best albums.......2004-12-08

Elis Regina, who died in 1982, was one of Brazil's greatest modern vocalists, and this is certainly one of her finest albums, certainly in the top three of her prolific career. It's swingin'!

English arranger does not hip with Elis Regina.......2003-05-18

I don't quite understand why this album has been recorded. Arrangements are by Peter Knight and they definitely did not work well with the Brazilian rhythm section. Unfortunately, there is a Johnny Mandel's gem "A Time for Love" but ...

Tracks:

Casa No Campo
Dois Pra La, Dois Pra Ca
Madalena
Atras Da Porta
Triste
Agaus De Marco
Mucuripe
Romaria
Folhas Secas
Como Nossos Pais
Me Deixa Em Paz
Nada Sera Como Antes
E Com Esse Que Eu Vou
Voce
Fascinacao
Vou Deitra E Rolar (Quaquaraquaqua)

Amazon.com essential recording

With a temperamental personality and crystalline voice, Elis Regina became a beloved national symbol of Brazil in the early 1960s when she was 21 years old. She sang with the clarity of glass in a naturally risqué tone that spilled forth with little effort, a reposed style shared by Astrud Gilberto. Though she sang much music unrelated to the bossa nova, her best-known albums include the legendary collaboration with Antonio Carlos Jobim, Elis & Tom, as well as this collection in the Personalidade series. Oozing with samba rhythms and bossa nova sensuality, Elis takes listeners to the lounges of Brazil with such classics as "Aguas de Marco" and "Triste." Regina is intimately romantic and charismatically mysterious, and early into the album it's easy to see how an entire country could fall in love with her. She even escaped the political exile suffered by other artists during Brazil's rigid military rule in the 1960s. Tragically, though, the singer died from a cocaine overdose in 1982. This compilation serves as a lovely remembrance of the magnetic singer who set Brazilian hearts on fire. --Karen K. Hugg

Customer Reviews:

Wonderful, Sizzling Elis Regina Performances........2004-08-05

Five Stars!! The legendary Elis Regina is a Brazilian National and World Music Treasure over 20 years after her accidental death and this CD tells you why!! There was simply no other to whom she could be compared. She's an idiom unto herself, instantly recognizable, and one who always demands our complete attention.

This CD is simply wonderful and loaded with 'Pieces D'Resistance'. From the joyful "Voce" (taken from the amazing CD "Aquarela do Brasil" with Toots Thielemans in 1969); to the definitive "Madalena", complete with strings and 'whistlers'; to Milton's "Nada Sera Como Antes", chalk up yet another Five Star winner. And don't miss her outstanding performances of Jobim staples "Triste" (from "Elis & Tom") and the sizzling version of "Aguas De Marco" is without Jobim. "Mucuripe" is amazingly beautiful, as is the show stopper "Como Nos Pais" (Like Our Parents).

"Atras Da Porta" (Behind the Door) is the mesmerizing original version, where Elis hums the unwritten Chico Buarque final verse from the unfinished manuscript. It's hauntingly beautiful and Elis infuses it with so much overpowering emotion. Small wonder it sets the standard for all of the following attempts by other singers who do sing a final verse.

Two more gems are the breezy "Me Deixa Em Paz" (~I'm Left At Peace), tightly arranged and deftly performed faster than the version on Milton's "Clube da Esquina" CD, and the awesome, crystalline beauty of "Dois Pra La, Dois Pra Ca" with Elis obviously enjoying and joining the wonderful background vocal group. This is Elis at her wonderful best and each song is a winner.

Ella Fitzgerald, a music legend herself, liked Elis' artistry. And Elis' awesomely talented singing daughter, Maria Rita, is influenced mainly by Ella: and so the artistic wheel goes 'round and 'round. If you love Elis and Ella, you'll love the triple Grammy winning CD "Maria Rita".

BTW, "Romaria" and the uptempo "Vou Deitar E Rolar", with the familiar "Quaquaraquaqua" verse, are bonus songs, not found on the original Philips vinyl LP. This CD also overlaps alot with the import "Perfil". Buy and enjoy this wonderful recollection. Five Stars!

The soft side of Brazilian spice- leaves the heart dancing!.......1999-07-08

This is the perfect CD for those who enjoy the softer bossa nova side of Brazilian music. This easy- listening adventure embraces the heart of the listener with jazzy overtones, whimsical gimmicks and bittersweet poignancy all from the magical voice of Elis Regina. One need not understand Portuguese to enjoy this music as it weaves itself around the listener. This is the cheapest vacation you will ever get to Brazil - with your tour guide leading you through clever musical passages with her voice. You will feel the pride, the gaiety, the passion and disappontment of lifes little turns in classic songs written by the "best of the best" Latin songwriters. There are few voices more beloved in the world of Brazilian music than Elis Regina. The clarity and emotion her voice delivers is unsurpassed and contagious. This CD transports you to a beach in Rio, where life shows its beauty, sensuality, sadness and vitality. This is what Brazil is really like! Not to be missed by those who like to dust off their souls with a little spice and spontaneity!

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Essential Elis, Vol. 1
Elis Regina
Manufacturer: Planet Rhythm
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0006213IA
Release Date: 2004-10-19

Tracks:

uas de MarWaters of March - Tom Jobim, Elis Regina
Madalena
Canto de Ossanha [Chi Dice Non De] - Elis Regina, Toots Thielemans
Aquarela Do Brasil/N Do Cabelo Duro
Casa No Campo
Dois Pra lDois Pra C
CaxangCrab]
Gracias a la Vida
O Mestre Sala Dos Mares
Nada Seromo Antes
Louva
As Curvas da Estrada de Santos
Atrda Porta

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A Must!
Watanabe at his Best

Elis
Sadao Watanabe
Manufacturer: Elektra / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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In Tempo
Sweet Deal
Birds of Passage
Remembrance
Round Trip

ASIN: B000002H6G
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

Quilombo
Passo De Doria
Elis
Made In Coracao
O Que Passou Passou
Manhattan Paulista
Paciencia

Customer Reviews:

A Must!.......2006-02-01

I've had this CD for over ten years and still play it a lot. Funny, because this is the only Sadao Watanabe CD I own and have listened to ever since. I think because, this CD epitomizes this artist. Every song, every note is just breath taking. And you will get a special treat in track #5 with Toquinho on vocal and guitar. The master piece is ofcourse "Elis," It is so sad and romantic all at once. I believe the singer, Elis, died of accidental overdose by mixing cocaine and vodka some years back. Makes it even sadder because if you ever listened to Elis, her voice is so crystalline and so beautiful. And this is what make this CD even more special. I play it occasionally with friends and at work and everyone stops to ask "what's this? who's this?" not hearing a familiar name, it is followed by "oh, it's very pretty." It is very pretty to listen, I wish more people had the luck to have this CD, it truly is one of my all time favorites.

Watanabe at his Best.......2000-08-16

There is usually one cut on a CD that I don't like. Not so with Elis! Every song is a Watanabe masterpiece, displaying his talent and diversity. The music is smooth with all the elements of traditional jazz without being "sappy." With the Latin rhythm gentle and mellow, chosing a favorite cut is difficult, but if I had to make a choice, Paciencia would have to be it... it's one of those songs that lingers in your mind long after you've turned off the CD player and gone on to other things.

Considering Elis was recorded in 1988, I'm only disappointed that I didn't buy it sooner. Whether you're into Jazz, Latin music or just love sax recordings, this is one not to miss.

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