Eliane Elias

 

Eliane Elias (born March 19, 1960 in São Paulo, Brazil) is a vocalist and virtuosic pianist. Since the 80s to date, Eliane has amassed an impressive discography and proven herself equally adept at jazz improvisation and songwriting. Her 1995 album, Solos and Duets, featured piano duets with Herbie Hancock. Herbie Hancock said this 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."

Whilst primarily a jazz musician, Eliane has also released classical recordings. Eliane's mother, Lucy Elias, happens to be a classical pianist herself.

Eliane was married to Randy Brecker, and they have a daughter named Amanda Elias Brecker. Now is married to bassist Marc Johnson, with whom she also plays in his own trio.