Eldar

When Eldar was signed to Sony Masterworks at the age of 17, the young pianist was already well known for his prodigious pyrotechnics and precocious knowledge of the bebop tradition. Born in the former USSR republic of Kirgizstan, he moved to Kansas City, MO at the age of 10 and was quickly recognized as a child prodigy. At the age of 12 he appeared on Marian McPartland’s NPR program “Piano Jazz” (the youngest in the show’s history) and has continued to garner high praises from musicians and critics alike. Legendary pianist Dave Brubeck praised him as “a genius” and Dr. Billy Taylor said, “Eldar’s playing shows brilliancy, complexity, and discipline”. The New York Times described Eldar as "a blend of musical intelligence, organizational savvy, enthusiasm and prowess” and wrote, “Eldar combines Art Tatum's superhuman velocity with echoes of Oscar Peterson's grandeur”.  Downbeat Magazine wrote “his command of his instrument is beyond staggering" and the Billboard magazine dubbed him as “the fastest hands in jazz”.

 

Still in his twenties, Eldar has worked with such masters as 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. He has appeared at virtually all major concert venues including Hollywood Bowl and Carnegie Hall and has performed on 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 such symphony orchestras such as NHK Symphony Orchestra, Russian National Orchestra, San Diego Symphony Orchestra and others.  Eldar has recorded for Sony and Blue Note labels and was nominated for a Grammy in 2008 for his album "Re-imagination."