Eliane Elias Jazz singer, composer Date of Birth: 19.03.1960 Country: Brazil

1. Jazz Singer and Composer Eliane Elias
2. Early Years and Influences
3. Early Career and Collaboration
4. Success as a Solo Artist
5. Latter Career and Recent Works

Jazz Singer and Composer Eliane Elias

Eliane Elias is a jazz singer, composer, and pianist hailing from Brazil. She has successfully balanced between two cultures - American and Brazilian - in her music, showcasing her talents as a pianist, vocalist, composer, and arranger. As a teenager, Elias moved to America in pursuit of international recognition for her music.

Early Years and Influences

Eliane Elias began playing the piano at the age of seven. She quickly developed a passion for American music, especially jazz, and started listening to various records by jazz musicians such as Wynton Kelly, Bill Evans, Red Garland, and Art Tatum. By the time she turned twelve, Elias had already mastered playing jazz standards. Her biggest influence came from her mother, a classical pianist, who supported her daughter's interest in jazz from the beginning.

In addition to jazz, Elias also had a deep love for Brazilian folk music and admired the melodies of Antonio Carlos Jobim and Luiz Bonfa. This diverse musical background would later play a significant role in shaping her unique style.

Early Career and Collaboration

After gaining experience playing in different ensembles, Elias moved to Europe at the age of twenty. It was during this time that she met Eddie Gomez, a renowned jazz bassist and member of the group Steps. Impressed by her demo recordings, Gomez invited Elias to join Steps as the replacement for their recently departed member, Don Grolnick. This collaboration marked a significant milestone in Elias's career.

In 1983, Elias recorded her first album with Steps, which later changed its name to Steps Ahead. Although she enjoyed playing with the acclaimed group, Elias had a strong desire to form her own band. In collaboration with trumpeter Randy Brecker, whom she would later marry, Elias formed her own group in 1985. Their Latin fusion project, named Amanda after their daughter, brought Elias success and opened doors to the elite world of American jazz.

Success as a Solo Artist

Two years later, Elias signed a contract with Blue Note Records, and her first solo album, "Illusion," was released. The album featured top jazz musicians, including Stanley Clarke, Eddie Gomez, Steve Gadd, and Lenny White. With her preferred trio format, Elias showcased her skills as a pianist and delivered captivating solos. The album solidified her reputation as a brilliant musician who excelled in both accompanying and performing extraordinary solos.

Elias continued to release albums that showcased her versatility and unique interpretations of Antonio Carlos Jobim's compositions. Her 1990 album, "Eliane Elias Plays Jobim," successfully bridged Brazilian musical traditions with the achievements of contemporary American jazz.

Throughout her career, Elias has maintained a deep connection with Jobim's music, consistently reimagining his melodies and offering original versions of timeless Brazilian songs. Her albums, such as "Paulistana," further emphasized her ability to merge Brazilian and American musical styles.

Latter Career and Recent Works

One of Elias's notable albums, released in 1998, featured Jobim's bossa nova compositions interpreted in her fresh and vibrant style. She carefully selected and arranged each song, aiming to incorporate more jazz elements into the traditional bossa nova genre.

In her most recent album, "Dreamer," released in 2020, Elias once again captivated listeners with her enchanting voice and masterful piano playing. Her interpretation of Jobim's music in this album showcases her ability to evoke a range of emotions, leaving audiences feeling inspired and moved.

Eliane Elias has consistently pushed musical boundaries and showcased her immense talent as a jazz singer, composer, and pianist. Her ability to seamlessly blend different musical styles has made her a respected figure in both the American and Brazilian jazz scenes. With a career spanning several decades, Elias continues to captivate audiences with her unique musical interpretations and heartfelt performances.