As if to rebel against the silent surroundings of her home in rural Highland County, Elana Brody, at the age of 13, began to make much, much noise. With her fingers on the keys of her old upright piano, she sat mesmerized for hours creating beautiful melodies. These melodies, accompanied by perspective poetry sung by a voice both warm and clear, soon matured to become full-length, finished songs. There and then, hidden high in the hills, a singer/songwriter was born.
Today, Elana, who recently graduated valedictorian from Stuart Hall in Staunton, has written over 30 complete songs and composes new musical ideas every day. Twelve of her earliest songs are included on her debut album, which was recorded and produced by Bobby Read (of the Bruce Hornsby Band, among others) in Afton. In addition to Elana’s distinctive piano playing and singing, a full band with strings and woodwinds are featured on the album.
Although Elana has been self-taught for several years, she has had significant training from several top-of-the-line institutions. She studied jazz piano at Berklee College of Music (which she will be attending for college in spring of 2007); spent a week learning and playing blues piano at Augusta Heritage Center in Elkins WV; studied musical theater at Carnegie Mellon University; and lastly, “majored” in music through Stuart Hall’s intensive after-school arts program. As her musical ability grows, the complexity and diversity of her compositions do as well.
Elana is NOT your typical teenage singer/songwriter, with simple chords and “mad at the world” lyrics, but instead, a passionate musician who wows the audience with every performance. Her concerts are filled with smiles and laughter, while each song is played emotionally as if it were being felt for the first time. Her soulful vocals, which span her three octave vocal range, have gained comparison to greats such as Joni Mitchell, Alanis Morisette, Laura Nyro and even Janis Joplin. Listeners of every demographic are left stunned by her unique and outstanding talents.
Elana has performed in a variety of venues for a variety of audiences, ranging from indie clubs packed with pink-haired punks to concert halls full of well-to-do arts patrons. No matter where she performs, the reaction is still the same. “Wasn’t Elana Brody’s performance beautiful tonight?” “She has one of those voices that you just can’t forget!” and “I have never been more impressed” are actual and common remarks heard in the audience’s post-performance chatter.
Elana Brody’s songs, performance, and warm person together form a refreshing and promising new face in music. One can expect much from this rising star, a long career in which she brings her talent to many audiences for many more years. The time is now to finally enjoy this young talent while she is here locally in Staunton.
