On "Around the City", pianist Elias assigns the keys a back seat in support of her alluring, sensuous vocals sung in English and Portuguese. The Brazil-born, New York-based Elias has played the singer card before in her 18-album career, but nothing like this outing, where she delivers a spellbinding meld of pop, Brazillian and Latin music with a jazz sensibility. Her pianistic excursions arrive sporadically and deeper into the 13-song collection, including a fine run in "A Vizinha Do Lado". But upfront is where "Around the City" enraptures, beginning with the spirited original "Running", and continuing with a bossa-steeped take on Tito Puente's "Oye Como Va" and later a sultry swing through Beck's "Tropicalia". Standout track: Elias' jazzy spin on Bob Marley's "Jammin'" with loops, trumpet ornamentation and a piano sprint, all girded to earth with speedy grooves by two drummers.
1) Running
2) Oye Como Va
3) Around the City
4) Jammin'
5) Segredos (Secrets)
6) We're So Good
7) Tropicalia
8) Slide Show
9) A Vizinha Do Lado (The Next Dor Neighor)
10) Save Your Love for Me
11) Chiclete Com Bamama
12) Another Day
13) Segredos (Secrets) Part 2