Eliane Elias: Tiny Desk Concert

Suraya Mohamed | December 9, 2022
Eliane Elias and her team arrived the day before this Tiny Desk to check out the space and audition the piano. We all worked to make sure that every detail, including the sound and cameras, were just right. And it turned out great. The meticulousness and care that went into this concert is evident in the brilliance of the performance.

Elias and her band brought a little bit of Brazil with this commanding performance of the best of the Brazilian jazz genre. Watch how the piano keys sit comfortably under Elias' hands, and how the dynamic syncopation in her percussive left hand complements the beautiful melodic lines of her right, both blending perfectly with the musicianship of her talented band. This superb combination of Afro-Latin rhythms, like samba and bossa nova, with straight-ahead styles make for really infectious music.

Eliane Elias was born in São Paulo, Brazil, and grew up in a musical household. By the time she was 10 she was already a huge jazz fan. Today, she has her own fandom and a 31-album catalog that includes her latest release, Quietude, and Mirror Mirror, a project with Chick Corea and Chucho Valdés that won both a Grammy award and a Latin Grammy for best Latin jazz album earlier this year.

SET LIST
"At First Sight"
"An Up Dawn"
"The Time is Now"

MUSICIANS
Eliane Elias: digital piano,vocals
Marc Johnson: upright bass
Rafael Barata: drums, percussion
Leandro Pellegrino: guitar

TINY DESK TEAM
Producer: Suraya Mohamed
Director/Editor: Maia Stern
Audio Engineer: Josh Rogosin
Creative Director: Bob Boilen
Series Producer: Bobby Carter
Videographers: Maia Stern, Joshua Bryant, Kara Frame, Sofia Seidel
Audio Assistant: Hannah Copeland
Production Assistant: Jill Britton
Tiny Desk Team: Marissa Lorusso, Hazel Cills, Ashley Pointer, Teresa Xie
VP, Visuals and Music: Keith Jenkins
Senior VP, Programming: Anya Grundmann

#nprmusic #tinydesk #elianeelias

[mschannigan]

Not that I'm an expert but it is my impression that Ms. Elias is possibly the best and most accomplished female jazz pianist we have today. Her style uniquely combines strength and softness unlike anyone else I know... imho. I love her style.

[DRGR]

That drummer is the personification of finesse and tastefulness. 😍

[brunoxl]

We need a two-hour "Tiny" Desk Concert by Eliane!

[theTrend]

Oh my goodness I love the drummer. He has the best drumming faces😁

[fredrit]

Eliane Elias epitomizes Brazil and its music, its culture and its wonderful people, after all these years I can't get enough of her...

[elvin]

I saw the trio of Eliane Elias with Rafael Barata at a private concert in France, it was unforgettable. Being a drummer myself, I can say that Rafael Barata is an incredible master drumer and musician. There is so much to learn and enjoy from his technique and musicianship. One life wouldn’t be enough. Eliane ans Marc are such a miracle : a legend of acoustic bass, two giant musicians and a wonderful couple. Mr Pellegrino is at the same level, what a great musician!

[TheConsideredMan]

Omg...how did you manage to get Eliane...TinyDesk...you've made my day...she is absolutely fabulous...I'm such a massive fan...

[johnz]

Elaine is such a gift to the world of jazz. You just can't find

[rogerpardo]

Eliane is a bossa nova and latin jazz legend. I was lucky enough to see her in a live concert here in Spain a few years ago and I keep her signed CD as a treasure. Thank you for bringing her to the Tiny Desk! 😊

[humbertgustaf]

Eliane´s energy is just so adorable and naive; that it feels like she is gonna have a youg soul for forever.

[TheRealDannAlexander]

Marc was Bill Evans' bassist in the final group he was in. Great tone.

[tambordecrioula]

Wow! A BIG fan of Eliane Elias. As others have mentioned, the drummer was unbelievable on his solo. Starting with his partido alto groove and from hands, brushes, and sticks with impeccable technique and touch, mixing it it up with samba, jazz, and Afro-Cuban so seamlessly woven together. Wow!

[patry]

It's not enough to listen, you have to look at the expression on the faces while everyone plays their own instrument to fully savor the joy that this music gives you. Thank you!
👏❤️



[JhonataBatera]

Coisa linda, ver o nosso Brasil tão bem representado por grandes músicos!

[garyb]

Glorious, elaine flying the flag for Brazilian bossa jazz and more. Had the enormous pleasure of seeing her and the band live on a few occasions, mind-blowing concerts. This lady is supremely talented and totally unique. Share the music magic!

[acme.videos]

The drummer was superb with his delicate touch on the whole kit and cymbals!

[BeeSting]

Four truly talented musicians in full glory. That must be one of the best drum solos I have heard and seen!

[Mrlogic]

Thank you for bringing Eliane Elias and this fantastic band to Tiny Desk!

[gustavoschartz]

Thank you so much Eliane, Marc, Rafael and Leandro for sharing your talent and your beautiful music with the world.
Thank you NPR for inviting these great musicians.

[adelsonouza]

"What an incredible performance! Eliane Elias and her band deliver an impeccable show, full of musicality, virtuosity, and emotion. The groove of the bass, the precision of the drums, the guitar arrangements, and of course, Eliane’s masterful piano playing create a truly unique musical experience. Simply spectacular! 👏🎶✨"