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Eric Elias--Multi Instrumentalist

Jazz Guitarist

Eric Elias

Eric Elias has performed in and recorded with bands of all styles including folk, rock, alternative, blues, gospel, R & B and jazz (even rap). He began playing folk, blues and rock guitar around age 12 (shortly after learning on the dulcimer and banjo). Eric played in garage bands, for school dances and in churches and community centers through jr. high and high school. It wasnt until college that Eric began to develop his interest in jazz. He performed in several jazz combos, school ensembles and toured England with Ignition (a gospel group with R & B and jazz influences) while studying social sciences. As a graduate student, pursuing a masters degree in educational psychology, Eric began to take a greater interest in be bop and standards and has studied with a number of great teachers at the college level and privately. Eric is a graduate of Rich Seversons Guitar College program and has studied at the Hartford Conservatory.

Since moving to Hartford, CT in 1996 Eric has been performing most often in small jazz combos on guitar and upright bass (taking a slight detour from his normal finger-style guitar work). This work has helped Eric find his unique voice on the arch top guitar.  He feels that his influences in finger-style, gospel and folk music have allowed him to create an interesting blend of styles on the jazz guitar. Eric performs regularly with his trio and in a duo with multi-instrumentalist Luke Nelson. The trio combines musical Eric's influences and interests, blending Brazilian, jazz and original tunes on upright bass, congas and acoustic guitars. The duo with Luke Nelson has begun exploring the art of the arch top guitar and its influences from the 1920's to the present. Focusing on creative compositions and arrangements the duo is revitalizing the sound of the great arch top guitar duos and bringing it into the 21st century.  Most recently the Elias/Nelson Duo has been featured on the Connecticut Classical Guitar Societys last two compilation CDs (available on this site). They expect to record their first full CD together by the summer of 2002.

Eric is an author and jazz educator as well. He has written 11 jazz guitar and bass instructional books. He writes a regular column on beginning improvisation for Just Jazz Guitar magazine. Eric contributes articles to several other magazines and music related newsletters as well.  He continues to teach guitar, bass, banjo and mandolin in the Hartford area.

Eric Elias endorses Stromberg arch top jazz guitars.

 

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Trio gig with Fran Iracci and Kris Allen

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Luke's trio

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Elias/Nelson Duo

Stromberg Guitars

Guitar College

Just Jazz Guitar Magazine

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