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Right at the crossroads between Venezuelan folklore and contemporary music lays the soul of the Luis D’Elias Ensemble (LEDens for short). The New York based multi-cultural ensemble has dedicated its musical craft to developing a true blend of modern jazz harmonies, classical structures, rock and roll energy and Latin grooves, having South American and Venezuelan folklore as the melodic and rhythmic anchors of the ensemble’s repertoire. Founded in 2012 within the melting pot of Boston, the group is conformed by Venezuelan composer and guitarist Luis D’Elias; pianist and composer Evan Waaramaa; drummer and percussionist Brendan Pajak; and bassist P.J. Duffy, all hailing from the New England. The ensemble is also known to feature a wide range of guest musicians from around the world, being able to expand its color palette with horns, Latin percussion, strings and vocals. This blend of American and Venezuelan musicians is integral to the unique fusion of modern jazz, rock and pop idioms with folkloric South American rhythms.

Based on Luis D’Elias’ compositions, the music is defined as a new approach to Venezuelan music, where the folklore is more than a spice added to other styles on music. Classical structures serve the purpose of Joropo storytelling, while jazz harmonies provide the backdrop for Venezuelan Merengue-themed improvisations. Pop and Rock arrangements provide a new feel to the traditional Pajarillo and Onda Nueva, crafting in this manner music that is based on the history of Venezuelan folklore, using contemporary notions as the colors and spices that paint the ensemble’s music.

In Boston, the band has had the privilege to perform in many of the trademark venues of the city, such as Ryles Jazz Club, RegattaBar, the LilyPad, Café 939 and the Berklee Performance Center. In 2013 they recorded the song Oripoto for the Jazz Revelation Records release, Catalyst, as well as performed for the current MIT president, Venezuelan Rafael Reif, at an honoring ceremony at the Museum of Fine Arts. The ensemble has been a featured artist in the roster of the Berklee Summer in the City Series for the past 2 years and recently appeared in the Boston Green Fest in 2014. Currently, the band is based in New York as twork on the follow up album to their debut, “Origenes y Destinos” which showcases a musical journey through the different styles and traditions of Venezuelan music through the point of view of contemporary jazz, rock and classical music. This album features a wide range of sonorities, orchestrations, compositions and musical genres, all under the umbrella of what defines and is at the same time transformed by The LEDens’ craft: Venezuelan music. Most recently the band has been nominated for numerous awards that honor independent music, such as The Toronto Independent Music Awards, Hollywood Music in Media Awards, and the Pepsi Music Awards 2016 to take place in Venezuela.