Shelter Press / France / 2025
The debut album from NYC-based pianist and vocalist Eliana Glass is a breathtaking masterclass in sensual minimalism and avant-jazz intimacy. Released via the prestigious Shelter Press, E distills lifetimes of emotion into sparse, meditative songs that bridge the gap between the otherworldly and the painfully human.
Deeply influenced by her jazz background and her love for Brazilian music, Glass filters the spirit of legends like Annette Peacock, Carla Bley, and Sibylle Baier through her own naturalistic lens. The record features stunning reinterpretations of Peacock’s "Dreams" and Bley’s "Sing Me Softly the Blues," alongside original compositions that evoke a tactile, mercurial sound.
Recorded over four years with producer Francis Harris (Public Records), the album’s sound is enriched by vintage analog gear—from 1960s echo chambers to 1940s ribbon mics—giving it an enigmatic, blurry electronic edge. From the breathy ballads to the percussive interplay of double bass and drums, Glass’s signature low voice and androgynous poise create a resonant beauty that feels both timeless and forward-thinking.
FFO: Annette Peacock, Sibylle Baier, Carla Bley, Emahoy Tsegué-Maryam Guèbrou, and leftfield improvisational jazz.