Brazilian vocalist, virtuosic pianist, and artist.
Born: 19 March 1960 in São Paulo, Brazil.
Since the 1980s onwards, Elias has amassed an impressive discography and proven herself equally adept at jazz improvisation and songwriting. Whilst primarily a jazz musician, she has also released classical recordings.
Her album [m=928440] (1995) featured piano duets with
Herbie Hancock, who said of her: Eliane is a rare talent. She is of a new generation of aggressive pianists that attack music like a lioness attacking its prey, at the same time expressing a tenderness within the core of her passion that at times has brought me to tears. She never seems to run out of inventive ideas.
Daughter of classical pianist
Lucy Elias. Married to bassist
Marc Johnson, with whom she also plays in his own trio. Previously married to
Randy Brecker, with whom they share a daughter, jazz vocalist
Amanda Elias Brecker.