Have you ever lived music? When you are so happy or so full of
whatever emotion that you just remember your favorite song and
start singing?
Well, Fernando Trueba’s documentary “Calle 54″
follows 13 of the greatest Latin and Brazilian jazz musicians to
Andalusia, the Bronx and even Havana as they perform their
authentic Latin music in concert.
Flamenco percussionist Israel Suarez, Puerto Rican percussionist
Giovanni Hidalgo, Brazilian pianist Eliane Elias and many other
musicians from “Calle 54″ will bring rhythms and dances
from all over the world to Royce Hall tonight. All of these
musicians from “Calle 54″ have made music their love
and life.
Eliane Elias’ jazz music has helped her through some of
the most difficult times in her life. She lives in Manhattan and
witnessed the tragedy of Sept. 11 from her window. As she took a
break from all the chaos in New York City, she was inspired in her
summer home in the Hamptons to write the songs on her new album,
“Kissed by Nature.”
“Nature was so inspiring. Just going out, taking a ride or
listening to the birds was so inspiring. During all the time off I
had, I would go there,” said Elias.
Even though her father was against Elias becoming a jazz
musician, Elias was considered a child prodigy by age 12.
“The piano really became a continuation of me. It’s
like an extension of my body, of my heart, my soul. And it’s
where I express myself the best,” Elias said.
By age 17, Elias had performed with Toquinho and Vinicius de
Moraes, two of the most respected musicians in Brazil, and had
become one of the few female jazz musicians.
“Life as a musician is tough and for a woman it’s
really tougher. It’s hard to raise your family when you live
on the road. I didn’t know what I was getting into, but I
love it,” Elias said.
The Eliane Elias Trio, with bassist Marc Johnson and drummer
Satoshi Takeishi, will be performing songs from “Kissed by
Nature,” at the “Calle 54″ show.
This album is different from Elias’ more classical and
impressionist jazz albums because it incorporates electronic
remixes, including some Antonio Carlos Jobim material that comes
from Bossa Nova, as well as some arrangements that go into
jazz.
“Jobim is the father of Brazilian standards and an
incredible composer. He made Brazilian music, Bossa Nova, well
known world-wide,” said Elias, who has dedicated two albums
to his music.
Calle 54 arrives at Royce Hall tonight at 8 p.m. Tickets are
$35-50, $15 for students.