Bio:
Elie was first introduced to music at the age of 9. Soon after, music became his main interest and he began studying from records. He began imitating bass lines from those records, such as Jaco Pastorius’ debut album and albums Jaco featured on with Weather Report and Joni Mitchell. Elie quickly began showing talent, and by the time he was 17, he had built a name for himself in Lebanon. During the same year, Mike Stern invited him to perform alongside him on a visit to Beirut, which further inspired Elie to pursue music as his profession.
Elie then began playing regularly with Arthur Satyan, started taking lessons in upright bass as well as in classical contrabass, and also started taking a great interest in the jazz theory approach of Barry Harris who would become his idol. Over the years, Elie would go on to study with Barry Harris several times, in both Italy and New York.
In 2007, upon receiving a scholarship, Elie attended Prins Claus Conservatorium in Holland for a short period.
He then attended the The Collective School of Music in New York in 2012 after receiving another scholarship. It was here that Elie was quickly exposed to the New York scene, as well as having the opportunity to meet many great players that he would also learn a tremendous amount from such as Matt Garrison, Tarek Yamani and Ian Foreman.
Originally from Beirut, Lebanon, Elie is currently based in Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates, performing in various formations, mainly as Afif Jazz, as well as working in the sound production field.
Elie has performed with many great players such as, Rene Mclean, mike Stern, Jerome Sabbagh, Chris Mcnaulty, Bobby McFerrin, Ranjit Barrot, Tim Garland, Ayden Esen, A.R Rahman, Zakir Hussein, Bobby Durham and Dwight Dickerson to name a few.