Re-Imagination

Eldar | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (June 5, 2007)
• Original Release Date: 2007
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Sony
• ASIN: B000PA9Q6O
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Vinyl
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #132,563 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. I Remember When

2. Out Of Nowhere

3. Interlude

4. Prairie Village

5. Place St. Henri

6. Interlude

7. Back Home

8. Tears

9. South Bixel

10. Dream Song

11. Polaris

Editorial Reviews

Jazz piano phenomenon Eldar's newest project, re-imagination brings him to a new level of artistic confidence, resulting in what will certainly be recognized as his finest release to date. Eldar's rapidly evolving personal style defines every aspect of this project, blending a bold originality with a fascinating, sophisticated new take on classic jazz standards. re-imagination takes Eldar's distinctive sound and moves it in a new direction with the help of famed producer DJ Logic, who incorporates Eldar's virtuosic playing into an expanded sonic context. Eldar also gets assistance from highly prized sidemen Ali Jackson, Jr. (drums) and Carlos Henriquez (acoustic bass), best known for their work in Wynton Marsalis' quintet.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I have no "Yeah, but"s, July 15, 2007

By 

B. Gnojek "Musician" (Minneapolis, MN USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Re-Imagination (Audio CD)

I heard "Prairie Village" on the radio, and loved it, but I didn't love it so much when I bought the CD and heard Remember When, Back Home, and South Bixel, which all seem to have very similar tempos, rhythms and feels. However, that being said, I don't think I've ever heard someone so young so good. He has a very modern sound in his ideas, voicings, and harmonies, yet there is definitely Oscar Peterson in him (he pays tribute to the giant in Place St. Henri). I also really enjoy the mix of electronic elements on this album. It makes me want to check out some more of DJ Logic's material. I loved his "standard" jazz, yet he sounds very much in his element with these more experimental, fusion tunes. So I have to say, here's this guy who's younger most of us, who seems to have much of jazz piano history under his fingers, and his biggest criticism seems to be that he's too technical, not enough soul. First of all, I'd LOVE for my biggest criticism to be that I'm too fast. Secondly, I think the slow tracks on this disc are very touching and beautiful. I don't want to be the type of person who says "Yeah, he's a great PRODIGY"; "He has so much POTENTIAL"; "He'll be one of the greats SOMEDAY." Eldar, you're already there.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A leap forward, July 1, 2010

By 

X man (No Man's Land) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Re-Imagination (Audio CD)

This is probably Eldar's most impressive and innovative album to date, and maybe his best for the simple fact that he had made only two major releases prior to this and, talented as he was, there was little indication that he would go down such a new road and shine at electronic jazz to this degree.

Re-Imagination (Grammy-nominated, 2007, for Best Contemporary Jazz Album) proves that you can't be too sure what Eldar will do next. If you think he's "just another piano prodigy," think again, because this album will likely change your mind. The first piece, I Remember When, is one of Eldar's finest compositions and one of his most innovative as well. He juxtaposes a static vinyl sound with current recording sonics to evoke a feeling of past and present. The song is something of a hit, as Eldar performed it on Jimmy Kimmel Live! It's infectious and charged with Eldar's boundless energy. From there, he goes on some incredible sonic adventures, employing his usual crew as well as DJ Logic on the first and last sections of the album and covering Oscar Peterson's Place St Henri along the way as well as the solo Tears (another Eldar original, I believe). By the end, it's hard not to have become reacquainted with Eldar. He forces you to re-imagine him.

This is a huge leap in the career of this extremely talented artist. For me, certainly, it came, like track 4 says, from "Out of Nowhere," but it's here to stay.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars the next generation of jazz artists, September 14, 2007

By 

Annie "history buff" (Boulder, CO USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Re-Imagination (Audio CD)

I first saw this artist on a late night talk show and rarely do I "sit up and take notice" of such artists but this one caught my ear immediately. the CD was NOT a disappointment...it features beautiful arrangements and a nice selection of material. Everytime my CD player "hits" this CD....I sit up and take notice...it is just a wonderful!!! Nice to see the tradition of fine jazz continues.