Eldar

Eldar

Sony Classical  SK 92593

         One of the most refreshing sounds to come out of the jazz arena in recent memory is a new album by 18-year-old piano sensation Eldar Djangirov (pronounced John-GEAR-off), an émigré from Kyrgyzstan in Central Asia. Known simply as Eldar, the self-titled CD is his first for the Sony Classical label but his third album career-wise in what promises to be a long and exciting stay in music.

Cut last spring, the eleven track disc provides a nice array of jazz standards and four stimulating compositions written and arranged by the young keyboard wizard. It also showcases the then-17-year-old's fleet-fingers in a dazzling display of digital dexterity on Sweet Georgia Brown, while his expressive, sensitive touch on Nature Boy, his melancholy Raindrops, and the gently flowing sonata of Lady Wicks will leave you going, "Wow!"

Eldar gets some Grammy-winning support throughout the project from bassist John Patitucci and drummer Todd Strait. Saxophonist Michael Brecker sits in on one track, the super-sonic Point Of View, another Eldar original.

An amazing CD by an amazing young artist.

Track selections:  Sweet Georgia Brown, Nature Boy, Moanin', Point Of View, Raindrops, Lady Wicks, Maiden Voyage, 'Round Midnight, Ask Me Now, Watermelon Island, Fly Me To The Moon.  (Total time: 57:55) 

Recorded April 6 and 7, 2004, at Sony Music Studios, New York City. Released March 22, 2005

- Stephen Fratallone/Jazz Connection Magazine

Rating:  ****-1/2

*****