Music Mondays: because life’s better with a soundtrack.

In the last year, I’ve had to adjust priorities to make room for growth at A Fine Press. One of the things that got cut was gigging. I’m a jazz bassist and, while I’ve never made a substantial portion of my living playing out, once played a night a two a week pretty regularly. With two kids and this wonderful business to balance, the bass has been gathering plenty of dust.

So, what an unfortunate coincidence that the very first gig I’ve played in almost a year landed squarely on the night that one of the great piano prodigies of my generation showed up in town. I didn’t get to see Eldar Djanigrov and earned a few blisters, but had my own great night of music.

And there’s always Eldar’s incredible discography to enjoy. I’m particularly fond of his eponymous 2005 album of standards. There’s an incredible vibrance and maturity that belies the then 18-year-old’s view of the world. And even though I’ve always prefered a little bit of horn thrown in the mix, I think this trio album is captivating through every second.

So pop your favorite pair of headphones in and soak in this incredible recording of a very young man approaching some very old songs.