ISAIAS ELPES RELEASES NEWEST EP, “LUA,” FEAT. ABRAHAM LABORIEL

Album celebrated by music icons Patrice Rushen, Lee Ritenour, Caleb Quaye, Mateus Asato

Isaias Elpes releases his newest EP, “LUA,” on Friday, July 10, featuring world-renowned bassist Abraham Laboriel. The five-song album bends genres with its simplistic and emotive tracks, flowing between classical vibes and easy-listening instrumentals. “LUA” spotlights Elpes’s superb musicality as he recorded all bass, guitar and drum/percussion instrumentation* from his home studio, while offering a subtle nod to his Brazilian upbringing and cinematic writing style.

For nearly a decade, Elpes has been widely celebrated as a touring and session bassist throughout Los Angeles. He has traveled the world with Grammy- and Oscar-winning artists including Lee Ritenour, Dave Grusin, Tiago Iorc and Marcos Valle, to name a few, and has composed/arranged for local bands and celebrities alike, most recently heard as the co-arranger and session bassist on Gloria Estefan’s new single “Cuando Hay Amor.”

But what many people don’t know is that Elpes got his start as a classically trained guitarist; it wasn’t until he suffered damage to his ulnar nerve in an accident that he had to take a break from the guitar – thinking he’d never play music again. It was a fluke that he stumbled upon the bass, to help out a friend’s band in Brazil, and the rest – through hard work and training – seems like history. In 2011, Elpes moved to LA on a full scholarship to complete his master’s degree studying under the direction of Abraham Laboriel, later honing his craft as a composer with Patrice Rushen, and then released his first bass-centric self-titled album in 2014.

But now, after years away from his first passion, Elpes has crafted “LUA” from a special place in his heart. It’s emotional. It’s expressive. It’s vulnerable. And the listener should expect to get lost in the storytelling through each of his melodies.

“This album reminds me of my beginnings, spending a lot of time writing songs on my acoustic guitar when I was young,” says Elpes. “I hope my new compositions will bring people joy and heart; and that they can close their eyes and simply feel.”

*with the exception of “SOL” with Laboriel on bass and “LUA” with woodwinds and strings.

“LUA” Album Endorsements

In a pre-release screening of “LUA,” Elpes’s work was applauded by some of today’s top music industry professionals.   

“The beautiful music in this collection of new pieces from Isaías Elpes offers the listener a glimpse into the personality and heart of this versatile musician. As one of his teachers, and one of his friends, I have also become one of his biggest fans!” – Patrice Rushen, Grammy-winning musician, composer, record producer, music director, educator

“ISAIAS ELPES … Bassist, guitarist, composer, producer, arranger… I first heard about Isaias Elpes when he competed and won the Bass award for my Six String Theory 2016 worldwide competition. I’ve always loved his musical maturity that comes from his skills as a musician and player and his love of many kinds of music, beginning with his roots in Brazil. ‘Lua’ is fresh and original; merging together his influences into his songs, rhythms and melodies! Check out his new album, ‘Lua’… BEAUTIFUL!!” – Lee Ritenour, Grammy-winning musician, composer, producer

“I highly recommend this latest project by Isaias Elpes titled ‘Lua.’ Isaias is mostly known as a superb bass player, but he is what I would call a complete musician in that he is a great composer and arranger and producer. Coming from Brazil his music richly embraces the rhythms of his origins, as well as being infused with a strong classical foundation – all of which makes for a beautiful soundtrack for the soul! Truly a beautiful fusion for the discerning palette!” – Caleb Quaye, Musician – Elton John Band, Hall & Oates, Paul McCartney, Mick Jagger

“Isaias is a great example of how a genuine musicianship could bring real depth into rhythms & melodies. The beauty of making instrumental music is the freedom of feeling that every listener is capable to reach – following all different directions of the ear’s mood, most of times. After listening to ‘Lua,’ I could understand that power of art is found in the essence of the artist’s truth. This album brought me delightful-nostalgic feelings of a simple but nice childhood. 20 minutes of a great story being expressed by one of the most talented musicians I’ve had the privilege to meet!” – Mateus Asato, Guitarist and songwriter

About Isaias Elpes
Isaias Elpes is an award-winning musician and composer from Brazil, having put down his roots in Los Angeles nearly a decade ago. He can be heard on Acústico MTV – Tiago Iorc (Ao Vivo) with special guests Jorge Drexler and DUDA BEAT, performed and recorded live in São Paulo on MTV Brazil, as well as on the 2019 MTV Acústico national Brazil tour this past fall. He has worked with such legends as Grammy/Oscar Award-winning artists Lee Ritenour, Dave Grusin, Tiago Iorc, Gloria Estefan, Marcos Valle and more – including his mentor Abraham Laboriel. In 2016, Elpes won the Grand Prize Bass award in Lee Ritenour’s Yamaha-sponsored Six String Theory Competition. His discography includes the 2014 self-titled album “Isaias Elpes,” and the 2020 release of “LUA.” For more information, visit www.isaiaselpes.com.

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