Eldar Djangirov Three Stories

Eldar Djangirov
Three Stories
Masterworks Jazz

The piano virtuoso, Eldar Djangirov has a new CD, “Three Stories” (Masterworks Jazz), which is his first solo recording. The title of this recording refers not only to one of the tracks which is a three-movement composition but also that the recordings consist of his “interpretations and arrangements of predominantly three musical facets: standards, originals and classical.” So we have some original compositions, performances of Gershwin and Bach and interpretations of Sammy Cahn, Jimmy Van Heusen, Thelonious Monk, Chick Corea, and Charlie Parker, all displaying his amazing technique.

Comparisons to Art Tatum might be suggested by the marvelous playing on “I Should Care,” but even that display is exceeded by the astonishing rendition of Johann Sebastian Bach’s “Prelude in C# Major.” It is not simply the dazzling speed, but the preciseness of his playing and his touch that astonishes. On “Darn That Dream,” he uses a sparser piano attack, along with an impressionistic approach in deconstructing the melody of the standard, and followed by a rendition of Chick Corea’s “Windows” that again displays his facility as well as restraint. His background in the classical tradition is not always a positive. His rendition of “In Walked Bud” is a fascinating breakdown of the Monk classic but, to these ears, it lacks the warmth and playfulness that Monk, among others, brought to this composition.

After the title composition, he interprets Dave Matthews’ “So Damn Lucky,” with a light, skittering approach that suggests Chick Corea to this listener. His rendition of Gershwin’s “Embraceable You,” is an intriguing mix of virtuosity and wistfulness that is fascinating to listen to while his “Russian Lullaby,” builds, in an understated manner, upon folkloric elements and is quite charming. Another original, “Impromptu,” is followed by “Rhapsody on Blue” in which he has added original cadenzas for a virtuosic performance of this Gershwin classic. It is the lengthiest performance here (just under 15 minutes) and one is dazzled by the preciseness of his touch and dynamics, not simply how cleanly he executes his playing and the original elements he has incorporated here. The album concludes with a dazzling rendition of Charlie Parker’s “Donna Lee.”

Eldar’s virtuosity and command of the classical and jazz traditions is astonishing, although I suspect I am not alone in finding some his solo jazz performances to be more interesting as technical exercises, and occasionally missing the heart. Still, this is most impressive.

I received a review copy from a publicist. This review originally appeared in the May 1- June 15, 2011 Jazz & Blues Report (Issue 335). Here is a trio performance of "Donna Lee."