On nights like last night at Café’ Metropol (www.cafemetropol.com/), Eli showcases his talents as a composer and bandleader. However, more often Eli is supporting other artists in their endeavors, “since becoming a father I have become a better listener, and more comfortable in a supporting role.” Eli’s abilities and influences afford him opportunities to play a myriad of styles. He has carved out a niche with his arranging capabilities in the cabaret scene, as the musical director for Mark Winkler (www.markwinklermusic.com/). Holding that chair has exposed him to many singers, including Dolores Scozzesi (www.myspace.com/doloresscozzesivocalist), Charmaine Clamour (www.charmaineclamor.com/)and Joanne Tatham (www.joannetatham.com/), who appreciate Eli’s sensibilities and give him the freedom to be creative. In a place like Feinstein’s (feinsteinsattheregency.com/) in NYC, he can take tunes from the 20’s and give them a reggae flip. Without any limitations or borders, Eli finds the truth within the music he creates. In a group like Mandrill (www.mandrillis.com/), Eli flex’s his old skool funk chops, which he refined growing up listening to the group. “The bass player gave me a mixtape when I was in highschool, years later when I walked in to that audition, I already had three of the tunes memorized.” He describes the feeling associated with performing around the world with Mandrill, “ I get the most joy out of playing with that band when we’re firing on all pistons.”Playing with them has refined his jazz playing opening up the opportunity to focus on the groove and feel, with less emphasis on harmony and more on rhythm.
"Nothing Without You"
