Customer Reviews

Lucky to Be Me

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

What a find for me when I ordered this album. I had not heard of Taylor Eigsti before, but knew I would like his music by the samples I was able to hear first. His ability to play the piano far surpasses anything I had hoped for. He is amazing. But it is more than just his incredible talent. He has an astonishing way of communicating a language of music, a voice from many brilliant artists from the past, yet a very distinct style of his own that is captivating and exciting. I love his work. And the other players on this album compliment it so well, as they are wonderful artists too. It is a superb album, and I look forward to getting more of his work.

This is the freshest musical recording I have heard in any genre in the past two years. I have had this CD in my player for two weeks and I am still finding new things.

Eigsti's playing is crisp, authoritative and melodic, and the compositions and arrangements are fresh and interesting. Each piece stands musically on its own and the quality of the music is consistently excellent from start to finish. The recording values are very high as well, making this CD a delight to listen to. Congrats to the recording engineer!

This young cat reminds me a little of the great Bill Evans. Evans always said that it was important to "take care of the music," and that is what Eigsti has done on this date. Especially on the re-do's of the standards, it is obvious how much thought went into the compositions and the playing. The result is musical integrity and a compositional power and depth that is reflected in Eigsti's playing.

If you are looking for a fresh new voice on the instrument, Eigsti is IT!

Listening to this brilliant 20 year old, I kept asking myself what this guy needs to grow into as a pianist. Much of what I thought might be missing I suddenly heard. So the question is, where does he go from here? What a delicious thought to contemplate.

I've got hundreds of jazz cd:s most of them are jazz piano trios - this Is one of the best. Excellent taste, very distinct touch and great harmonic sense. Maybe not as original as, say Frank Kimbrough, Pilc or Kevin Hays, but Eigsti adds something new to every "cover" song on this record and shows great musical breadth. The title track is played with exquisite unassuming lyricism, in the spirit of Bill Evans. Mussorski's Promenade sounds in certain passages like Scandinavian classical music. Giant Steps is a real showcase and Eigsti's version of Love for Sale really swings. There's also some great playing from guitarist Julian Lage on some tracks. Especially on Eigsti's own Get Your Hopes Up, a beautiful song which shows a good composer potential . Let's hope these two guys will go on working together.

Seems to be now emulating Joe Sample somewhat in his style on this CD. I had watched him develop a unique style over the past decade during his schooling at the Stanford Jazz workshops and also here in the San Jose area. He seems to be wandering from his early years IMHO. Great talent though and one of the better pianists.