At 33 years of age, pianist/composer Eldar Djangirov is no longer the 13 year old prodigy that took the jazz world by the storm at the turn of the century. Fortunately, he has focused on composition as well as honing is always impressive chops, and teams up with bassist Raviv Markovitz and drummer Jimmy MacBride for a strong trio album.
He’s able to use his formidable chops in amazingly clear solos during pieces like the rapid fire “A Night In Tunisia” and gets volcanic on the dramatic “Black Hole Sun”, holding is own and more on the mercurial “Anthematic” and nimble “Burn” with Markovitz”. What’s impressive is how he can change musical dynamics and gears as on “Blackjack” and the gospel grooved “In July” while flowing with a myriad of ideas on the joyful “Variations On A Back Prelude”. Everything here exudes class and creativity. He’s risen above being a novelty and has embraced musical manhood well.