Three Stories by Eldar Djangirov

Background

As being a successful pianist even in his early years, Djangirov has gained undoubted fame as young jazz pianist, as earning 2008 Grammy Nomination for Best Contemporary Jazz Album. Unlike many other musicians who gain the fame in their youth and disappears as they grow, Djangirov has maintained his career and technique, and released his seventh album Three Stories in 2011. The 14 compositions enlisted in the album, each talking about three different stories, classical, standards, and originals, as the album title Three Stories suggests. The title also has another meaning, as "three-movement composition which consists of three musical 'narratives,' each telling a distinct story".

By this album, Eldar has demonstrated his definite talent in rearranging those standards in his own melodic way with few essential jazz techniques such as ragtime. When playing classical, Eldar demonstrates his exceptionally speedy and flawless playing with sterility. These ability of Eldar in both jazz and classical brings the comparison of Eldar with Keith Jarrett for creating a work with both classical and jazz influences. These talents are put together to form the originals of Eldar, to distinguish him from other jazz or classical musicians.

This album received many compliments from various media and sources. One reviewer noted that "Three Stories showcases a sense of touch and feel, and a thorough comprehension of the original compositions." Another reviewer asserted that "Three Storiesis certainly jazz piano, but it's the kind that belongs in a recital hall… Djangirov gets to the heart of every song." Also many has credited him not only with extraordinary talent for young musician, but also with the ability to cross the frontier between jazz and classical.

Content

There are 3 different facets of the musics in this album: originals, classical, and standards.

1. Window by Chick Corea
2. I Should Care by Sammy Cahn
3. Darn That Dream by James Van Heusen
4. In Walked Bud by Thelonious Monk
5. So Damn Lucky by Dave Matthews
6. Embraceable You by George Gershwin
7. Rhapsody in Blue by George Gershwin
8. Donna Lee by Charlie Parker.

1. Prelude in C # Major by Johann Sebastian Bach
2. Etude Op. 2 No.1 by Alexander Scriabin
3. Air on a G String by Johann Sebastian Bach.

1. Three Stories by Eldar Djangirov
2. Russian Lullaby by Eldar Djangirov
3. Impromptu by Eldar Djangirov.