Originally from Greece, Eleonora Kouneni is a London-based jazz vocalist and songwriter known for her contemporary and emotive jazz vocal style and unique original compositions.
She launched her musical career in Athens as a teen, opening for legendary Greek vocalists Maria Farantouri and Savina Yannatou at the 16th Greek Anti-Racism Festival, and for Matoula Zamani and Pantelis Thalassinos at the Greek Μedia Broadcasters stadium concert in 2012.
Since moving to London in 2014, she’s been establishing herself in the city’s jazz scene and beyond.
Her independently released debut EP “If You Just…”, introduced her songwriting to international audiences. It has helped to pave the way for several London shows, including sold-out shows at the Green Note Basement, a showcase in New York City, and a recent sold-out headline show at the Monks Jazz Club in Austin, TX, with some of the best musicians in town, which was also livestreamed worldwide.
Her new EP, ‘This Eager Heart’ is Eleonora’s first recorded take on the Great American Songbook, and forms a four‑chapter emotional narrative of memory, love and surrender, told through standards born nearly a century ago.
Eleonora steps into that lineage of interpreters to show that the emotional architecture of love hasn’t changed – only the rooms we sing it in.
‘This Eager Heart’ is out now under the G2 Records & Publishing label, following a sold-out live launch at PizzaExpress Live, London.
In her intimate show at Durham Jazz Festival, Eleonora will be accompanied by renowned pianist Paul Edis.
