Eliane Elias

Eliane Elias is a celebrated Brazilian jazz pianist, composer, and vocalist whose career spans over four decades. She began her musical journey at the tender age of seven, mastering the piano and transcribing jazz solos by twelve. After honing her skills at Brazil’s prestigious Free Center of Music Apprenticeship, she became a sought-after performer, collaborating with iconic figures such as Vinicius de Moraes and Antônio Carlos Jobim, which laid the foundation for her illustrious career.

In 1981, Elias moved to New York City to further her education at The Juilliard School, where she quickly made a name for herself as a member of the renowned group Steps Ahead. Her innovative approach to blending jazz with Brazilian rhythms garnered attention, leading to her signing with EMI Classics in 1993. This partnership resulted in the release of her acclaimed album “On the Classical Side,” showcasing her versatility as both a classical and jazz musician.

Elias’s discography is a testament to her artistic evolution, with notable albums such as “Eliane Elias Plays Jobim” and “Something for You,” which won multiple awards, including the Gold Disc Award in Japan. Her 2008 album, “Bossa Nova Stories,” celebrated the genre’s 50th anniversary, further solidifying her status as a leading figure in Brazilian jazz.

In recent years, Elias has continued to captivate audiences with her albums “Made in Brazil” and “Dance of Time,” both of which debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s jazz charts and won Grammy Awards for Best Latin Jazz Album. Her latest work, “Mirror, Mirror,” recorded with jazz legends Chick Corea and Chucho Valdés, showcases her enduring talent and commitment to pushing the boundaries of jazz and bossa nova.