Eldar, the young jazz piano phenomenon Billboard calls “astonishing” and the Washington Post hails as a “prodigious talent,” breaks new creative ground on re-imagination, his forward-looking third album for SONY BMG Masterworks, available on June 5.On re-imagination Eldar fully explores his talent as a composer. His rapidly evolving personal style defines every aspect of the project, from the bold originality of his new songs to a fascinating, sophisticated take on a couple of classic jazz standards, collaborating with a few new friends who give the project a fresh and surprising sound.
Master turntablist DJ Logic brings a distinctive edge and texture to the music of re-imagination. Also joining Eldar for the recording are drummer Ali Jackson Jr. and Carlos Henriquez on acoustic bass – both acclaimed for their work in Wynton Marsalis’ quintet – as well as rising guitar star Mike Moreno.
The songs Eldar has created for re-imagination reflect people, places and events in the pianist’s life, which has already been an remarkable adventure at the age of twenty. Emigrating from Russia to the U.S. at age ten, Eldar has toured the world, recorded three albums, and performed at most major jazz festivals and prestigious jazz venues in the decade since. The New York Times praises his "prodigious technique,” and Jazziz marvels at his "encyclopedic knowledge, and endless imagination.”
The opening track on re-imagination – “I Remember When” – is “a song for my parents” says Eldar, adding, “Now and always, I will remember having two of the most wonderful parents one could hope to have.” “Prairie Village” recalls the time he spent in his first American hometown – “a little town … a suburb of Kansas City. It’s where I grew up from the age of ten, when I came to the United States, until I was sixteen. So many kind and special people. A wonderful place to grow up.” Also featured on the disc is the Oscar Peterson tune “Place St. Henri,” which Eldar includes as “a tribute to the first jazz pianist I embraced as a young kid. Oscar Peterson is the biggest influence on my approach to jazz piano.”
Eldar will tour U.S. tour this summer and fall, and will visit Europe and Russia before the year's end.
The 20-year-old has earned widespread recognition and praise for his talents: He was the youngest pianist ever to perform on Marian McPartland’s venerable NPR show Piano Jazz, and has appeared on national television, including CBS' Sunday Morning, Late Night With Conan O'Brien and the 2000 telecast of the Grammy Awards.
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re-imagination Track Listing
(all songs by Eldar unless otherwise noted)
1. I Remember When
2. Out of Nowhere (Green/Heyman)
3. Interlude #1
4. Prairie Village
5. Place St. Henri (Peterson)
6. Interlude #2
7. Back Home
8. Tears
9. South Bixel
10. Dream Song
11. Polaris
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