Lucky to Be Me

Taylor Eigsti | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (March 28, 2006)
• Original Release Date: 2006
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Concord Records
• ASIN: B000E6EIRQ
• In-Print Editions: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #83,470 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Full of surprises!, February 3, 2007

By 

Olukayode Balogun (Leeds, England) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Lucky to Be Me (Audio CD)

I learned about Eigsti late last year from the November 2006 issue of "Jazziz" magazine. Not only was he on the cover but the sampler CD that came with the magazine also featured his song "Get Your Hopes Up" with its brilliant interplay between Eigsti and Julian Lage. I only had to hear the first few bars to know that this was a dude whose music I had to know more about. I was surprised (surprise #1) to learn that he already had several CDs under his belt before this one. I was also surprised (surprise #2) to learn that this particular CD had been out almost a year!

According to the article in the magazine "former child prodigy" Eigsti doesn't like a fuss being made about his age. He especially wants this album "to be seen as a musical statement and not in terms of 'good for [his] age'". At 21, he says he'd rather not see the word "youth" mentioned in any reviews of his work at all. Lucky for me then that he probably won't be reading this one but I was truly staggered (surprise #3) to learn he was so young. But then I considered the fact that Herbie Hancock was only 22 when he released "Takin' Off" and that I had never once made an issue of that fact; it was, and always ever has been, all about the music. So I see his point and will thus never mention his age again, not even among my friends.

Previous reviewers have said all that needs to be said, really. The man and this CD are simply awesome. I was shocked though, (surprise #4) to learn that "I've Seen It All", probably my favourite song on the whole album, is not just a cover but a Bjork song. An e-correspondent of mine has been urging me for some time now to get into Bjork but I've always resisted. I think I might check her out now though if she writes songs this good.

Other covers like "Giant Steps", "Love For Sale" and "Woke Up This Morning" (or the "Sopranos" song) are all handled well and Eigsti is surrounded by top-notch talent like Christian McBride (bass), James Genus (bass) Lewis Nash (drums) and Julian Lage (guitar). Even so, this album really is all about him and his piano playing. His own compositions, "Get Your Hopes Up", "Argument", "True Colors" (written with Julian Lage) and "Adventure One" are all just as brilliant. It's the ballads that I usually love the most and rarely like fast-paced playing but I was surprised (surprise #5!) to realise that even on the fast-moving cuts on this CD, (like "Freedom Jazz Dance" for instance), I was thoroughly enjoying myself.

Surprises all round then, and a thoroughly enjoyable CD. The album is produced, recorded and mixed by Al Schmitt. I remember him doing excellent work recording and mixing alongside producer Tommy LiPuma on albums by people like George Benson, Joe Sample, Natalie Cole and even Diana Krall. He's done a great job here; the music is crystal clear.

14 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars jazz journey, March 30, 2006

By 

Sir Valbot (Cupertino, CA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Lucky to Be Me (Audio CD)

Was having an intense day at work and my boss went to lunch and came back with this CD saying, "This will take you to another place so kick back and enjoy"! Jazz therapy? Nah. But wait a second... My mind cleared and during the first track I found myself drifting away and into a place I can't describe. I don't know the jazz lingo world or how to review properly. However, each song told a story without words. I literally felt removed from the crazed office environment. When the fifth track "Argument" came on, it brought me back but it wasn't a bad thing. It made sense to me why I was given this gift. This guy (with other artists) made me feel energy and emotion. It's amazing, for real and I am going to order his other CD's. How old is this kid??? Looks young on the cover but his soul must be ancient.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Ancient Soul (gifted with genius) Indeed, April 11, 2006

By 

Preferred Customer (NYC) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Lucky to Be Me (Audio CD)

To answer the previous writer's question: when this CD was recorded, Taylor was the ripe old age of 22. He started playing and composing when he was 3 and opened for his (soon-to-be) mentor, the great David Benoit, when he was 5. Check out RESONANCE, particularly UNCLE SMITH and INTROSPECTION, for further emotional transport.