Elis [1972]

The Brazilian diva Elis Regina was considered to be the representative singer of MPB (Musica Popular Brasileira) throughout the '70s. Elis, from 1972, is one of her best albums, the smooth production values never spilling over into the ersatz disco sound which marred too much of Brazilian pop during the MPB period of the '70s and especially '80s. It's worth comparing Regina's version of Tom Jobim's masterpiece "Aguas de Marco" with Joao Gilberto's on his spare 1991 album Joao Gilberto. Though both interpretations are superb, Regina just might have the edge on the great bossa nova master. She later got to do yet another with the composer himself on the classic Elis & Tom, recorded in Los Angeles in 1979. ~ Richard Mortifoglio