About Eldar
The New York Times described the Grammy-nominated artist Eldar Djangirov as “a blend of musical intelligence, organizational savvy, enthusiasm and prowess that was all the more impressive for seeming so casual… an ebullient impressionist.” Dr. Billy Taylor said, “Eldar Djangirov’s playing shows brilliancy, complexity, and discipline… he’s serious about his music, he’s thoughtful about what he does.” Jazz Times said, “Maybe he made a pact with Lucifer to be the greatest pianist ever.” Praised as “a genius beyond most young people I’ve heard” by Dave Brubeck. Downbeat magazine stated that “his command of his instrument is beyond staggering.”
When Eldar Djangirov (pronounced john-‘gear-ov) signed with Sony at 17, the young pianist was already well known for his prodigious pyrotechnics and precocious knowledge of the bebop tradition. He recorded his first major-label self-titled debut in 2004 featuring the great bassist, John Patitucci, and Michael Brecker on tenor sax. He followed up with the critically acclaimed “Live at the Blue Note” with guest appearances by Roy Hargrove and Chris Botti in 2006. In 2008, Eldar was nominated for a Grammy for his album “Re-imagination.”
Born on January 28, 1987, Eldar came to the U.S. from the former Soviet Union when he was ten. Shortly after, he began performing in his hometown of Kansas City, as well at The Interlochen Center for the Arts in Michigan. He quickly moved up the ranks and was featured on the NPR Marian McPartland’s Piano Jazz show at the age of twelve. He released two albums independently before attending the University of Southern California on a full scholarship.
Eldar released” Virtue” in 2010 featuring Armando Gola (bass) and Ludwig Afonso (drums) as well as guest appearances by Joshua Redman and Nicholas Payton. “With the release of Virtue, Eldar may have sealed his role in future jazz history” (Bill Meredith, Jazziz). Elder also released his 5th album is his first solo piano album entitled “Three Stories” in 2010 which garnered rave reviews. “This is certainly jazz piano, but it’s the kind that belongs in a recital hall… Djangirov gets to the heart of every song” (Dan Bilawsky, All About Jazz); “Something special goes on here… In Djangirov’s hands, the piano is a dramatic personage” (Karl Stark, Philadelphia Inquirer); “Djangirov’s playing is, simply, flawless” (Jeff Tamarkin, All Music Guide).
Eldar released two projects simultaneously in 2013; his album “Breakthrough,” a dynamic trio outing featuring longtime bandmates Armando Gola (bass) and Ludwig Afonso (drums). The album displays Eldar’s singular sonic imprint on an infectious array of standards and originals, with guest appearances by jazz greats Joe Locke and Chris Potter. In tandem with his trio record, Eldar released” Bach/Brahms/Prokofiev,” a classical solo piano album that showcases his unique interpretations.
In 2015, Eldar released the live album “World Tour Vol. 1.” A compilation of takes from his touring, the record covers a wide range of performances from across the globe. Clips from Tokyo, Philadelphia, Windham, Montreal, Atlanta, Washington DC, Tongyeong, San Diego and Oakland all captured in front of live audiences.
Elder’s next project, “Rhapsodize,” is set for release in early October 2019. Another batch of great trio recordings, featuring Jimmy Macbride on drums and Raviv Markovitz on bass.
Along the way, he’s had the good fortune to meet and work with the masters including Dr. Billy Taylor, Michael Brecker, Marian McPartland, Dave Brubeck, Wynton Marsalis, Joshua Redman, Chris Potter, Nicholas Payton, Harvey Mason, Chris Botti, Joe Locke, Ron Carter, Pat Martino, Roy Hargrove and many others. Through these opportunities and other wonderful musical experiences, Eldar continues to explore new frontiers through composing and performing, enabling him to realize his unique musical vision.
Eldar has appeared at numerous major jazz festivals including Tokyo Jazz Festival, Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival, Java Jazz Festival, Vienna Jazz Festival, Monterey Jazz Festival, North Sea Jazz Festival, and San Francisco Jazz Festival and has toured extensively throughout North America, Europe, and Asia. He has performed at venues ranging from Hollywood Bowl to Carnegie Hall and has played at the most notable jazz venues across the world. Eldar has performed on national TV including the 2000 and 2008 Grammy Awards, Late Night with Conan O’Brien, CBS Saturday Early Show, and Jimmy Kimmel Live. He has also performed with world-renowned symphony orchestras such as NHK Symphony Orchestra, Russian National Orchestra, and San Diego Symphony Orchestra.
Eldar currently resides at his home in New York City.
