The Pianist, vocalist and composer Eliane Elias is one of a kind. When she performed at the festival I used to manage in Bulgaria some 18 years ago, I just expected one of many pretty good gigs. Just as I was getting ready to walk up and down uselessly in the backstage area in order to kill time, she started playing. Within seconds, I was hooked. For the rest of the concert, I stared at her in disbelief.
This lady played Jobim classics, other Bossa Nova tunes and Contemporary Jazz. When she started performing Samba instrumentals on the concert grand, I nearly fainted. Never in my life had I heard this kind of beauty before. What I mean: I’ve been into Brazilian music for decades, but I admit it: I was not prepared for Eliane Elias.
Today, I am. Just the other day, my partner Patricia and I listened to her version of “Ponta de Areia” from her 1992 album “Fantasia”, with her daughter Amanda singing. Because of all the beauty this interpretation transported, we both started crying. All of her recordings, including her new live album “Ao Vivo”, are brilliant. I’m already addicted to “Sambou Sambou”.
Cooperation with Vinicius de Moraes
This is the moment to get to the best part: Eliane Elias will be performing in the German-speaking world in July. I repeat: She is coming to the Federal Republic and she’ll be playing live and in living color. The Brazilian-American artist will be invading two German stages and a Swiss one. Stuttgart, Berlin and Sankt Moritz are listed on the touring plan. I need a Valium. Seriously: I am so excited, I just can’t hide it. I’m about to lose control and I think I like it.
Born in São Paulo in 1960, Eliane Elias started playing the piano when she was seven. At age twelve, she transcribed Jazz solos, and by the time she was fifteen, she taught piano. In no time, she found herself performing with fellow artists such as Vinicius de Moraes. In 1981, during the military dictatorship, it was time for her to leave Brazil. In New York, she studied at Juilliard before becoming a member of Steps Ahead.
While doing all of this, she also recorded classical music. By now, her catalogue includes 26 solo studio albums, two live albums and tons of collaborations. With her first husband Randy Brecker (yes, THIS Randy Brecker), she recorded a record as well. Their daughter Amanda Brecker is a stunning singer herself. Her wonderful interpretation of Jobim’s “Felicidade” will make me cry again, if I’m not careful.
Has she collaborated with her late fellow pianist Chick Corea? Indeed. What about Chucho Valdés, the Cuban genius who founded Irakere in the seventies? Yes. Was she invited to tour with Antônio Carlos Jobim himself? Guess.
Yes, Patricia and I purchased tickets for her Berlin concert. But the real question is: Will you? If you want to experience the beauty of Brazil in the form of incredible sounds, attend one of her gigs.
Eliane Elias in the German-speaking world:
July 10th, 2026: Stuttgart, Germany, Jazz Open
Jul. 23rd, 2026: Sankt Moritz, Switzerland, Dracula’s Ghost Riders Club
Jul. 28th, 2026: Berlin, Germany, Zigzag Jazz Festival
Tickets for the Berlin gig are available here.
Main photo: Promo image
