Elsa Nilsson

Flutist and composer Elsa Nilsson’s new album “Salt Wind” is a deeply personal expression with influences from every aspect of her colorful life. Born in Gothenburg, Sweden and raised by a California hippie, Nilsson had her feet planted in two very different cultures, leading her to seek commonalities wherever she can find them. She believes the true beauty of music is its ability to create common ground, and she weaves all kinds of folk music (including jazz) to find a deeper understanding between people and cultures. This cross-cultural philosophy is evident in her compositional style, subtly drawing from personal and universal elements to create a sound that is distinctly her own yet approachable from many angles.

Nilsson started her love affair with music in her father’s ex-Navy choir and playing piano as a small child, but it wasn’t until age fourteen, when her father broke his neck in a cycling accident, that music became Elsa’s refuge and outlet for coping with her emotions. This reliance on music as a channel for expression and a source of comfort, along with her love of the wildness (which is also breathed into her compositions), led her to the flute. After her early years traveling between Gothenburg and California, Elsa graduated high school and, just three days later, flew to Seattle with two suitcases and her flute to continue her musical studies. She received her Bachelors of Music from Cornish College of the Arts in 2008, and Master of Music from New York University in 2013. Now, Elsa is a freelance musician based in Brooklyn, NY, performing around New York City while touring in the states as well as Europe.

Salt Wind by Neri Pollastri

February 06, 2017

Elsa Nilsson CD Release Party at Rockwood Music Hall on March 26 -...

January 02, 2017

Flutist Elsa Nilsson New CD: "Salt Wind" Video Release Show, January...

”Elsa has a beautiful conception of melody and music.” - Chris Potter

“...so much creativity” -Hubert Laws

“Elsa Nilsson is my favorite flutist of the Twenty First Century. She just blew my mind playing live with Amanda Ruzza on Som do Brasil at WKCR NY . From Jazz to the Folklore of Northern Europe nothing can stop her; she will go on. Next stop- Brasil!” -Jassvan DeLima, producer and Host - Som do Brasil WKCR-FM 89.9 NY

“Elsa's sound is strong and she is expanding horizons as a flutist.” -Jovino Santos-Neto

“Do you hear that sound from the Northern skies? It's Elsa Nilsson with something new, passionate and beautiful to say with her flute and her pen

”Elsa has a beautiful conception of melody and music.” - Chris Potter

“...so much creativity” -Hubert Laws

“Elsa's sound is strong and she is expanding horizons as a flutist.” -Jovino Santos-Neto

“Do you hear that sound from the Northern skies? It's Elsa Nilsson with something new, passionate and beautiful to say with her flute and her pen. Check out her music and let her light your skies.” -Robert Dick, Acclaimed Flute player and mentor

“The group plays with tight rhythm and pitch, and Elsa’s music is inventive, mostly spare, and employs extended techniques and interesting ideas.” –Barbara Siesel, The Flute View.

“Airy, sensual, flute-led, original jazz compositions, and Swedish folk songs updated with the jazz treatment. A kinder, gentler Jethro Tull” -Edward Burke, Shillelagh Safari with CelticED. www.theradiator.org

“Elsa's playing is absolutely gorgeous.” -Karen Pauley, KSER, Seattle

“Elsa Nilsson throws her hat in the ring of improvising flute players on the scene today. With her beautiful, strong tone (especially on the alto flute) and use of extended techniques, interesting lines and well-crafted Swedish-influenced compositions, she has forged a very personal and unique statement with her exceptional bandmates to create a memorable recording.” -Jamie Baum, Jazz flutist and mentor

“The CD is absolutely phenomenal. The writing, the soloing, the orchestration, is right on the money. But what makes the recording special is that it sounds like a real band. The choice of instruments and the orchestration is perfect.” - Tony Moreno, acclaimed jazz drummer and NYU Faculty

Show less