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Ely Perlman

Based in New York City, Ely is emerging as one of the scene’s most exciting new voices. Known for his genre-blending versatility, he connects his all-around guitar, production and composition skills.

Originally from Tel Aviv, Ely is a member of “Ursa Major” - eight-time Grammy Award-winner Christian McBride’s newest quintet. Ely has collaborated with a wide range of acclaimed artists, including Shai Maestro, Braxton Cook, Noah Preminger, Amir Bresler and Larry Klein.

He will soon release his self-produced debut album. Always searching for deeply personal sounds, Ely’s music draws from an eclectic mix of jazz, indie-folk, and electronic influences.

Ely Perlman: Open Heart

by Scott Lichtman
October 31, 2025

Ely Perlman is a rising guitar phenom. A standout in three genres--jazz, indie acoustic and electronic--he bridges the styles with fast, angular lines and techniques like fret tapping. Christian McBride has welcomed Perlman into the bassist's elite quintet, Ursa Major. Meanwhile, Perlman is releasing Everything Should Be (Self Produced, 2025), his first album as leader. Read his interview: Introducing Guitarist Ely Perlman. On the shimmering tune, “Open Heart," Perlman is joined by Shai Maestro on piano ...

Rising Stars

Introducing Guitarist Ely Perlman

by Sanford Josephson
September 1, 2025

After graduating from Israel's Thelma Yellin High School for the Performing Arts about four years ago, guitarist Ely Perlman came to the United States to attend Boston's Berklee College of Music. The summer before school started, he went to the Jazz Aspen Snowmass Academy, a music education program in Aspen, CO, directed by bassist Christian McBride. “It was June 2021," the 26-year-old Perlman recalled, “during the last period of Covid. Christian was just forming his band, Ursa Major. ...

“Perlman’s composition swims in the seas of contemporary jazz meets ambient. A minimalist approach, opened up with processed electric guitar, which favors texture and mood over extended virtuoso spotlighting.”

HUMP DAY NEWS

“Guitarist Ely Perlman.. showed off incredible solo skills that reminded listeners of the gold standard musicianship of legendary jazz and jazz fusion guitarist Pat Metheny.”

UTAH JAZZ REVIEW