Artists Eldar's star on the rise at May 162002 NJO concert By Tom Ineck If you are a longtime, loyal reader of this newsletter, you know about Eldar Djangirov, even though he's just 15 years old. The teen pianist's early and rapid development as a jazz player and composer has been well documented here over the last four years, since he performed at the inaugural edition of the Topeka Jazz Festival in 1998, at age 11. He has made appearances at every Topeka fest since, and all have been reported here. When we last heard Djangirov, he was confidently leading a trio in performance at a Jazz in June concert last summer in Lincoln. His playing drew cheers and multiple standing ovations from a crowd estimated at 4,000. He returns to Lincoln May 16 as guest soloist with the Nebraska Jazz Orchestra in a program entitled "Catch a Rising Star," sponsored by the Berman Music Foundation. Djangirov's performance promises to be another revelatory experience for casual listeners and his musical peers alike. His firm grasp of piano keyboard technique and improvisation are sure to raise eyebrows and gasps of astonishment from all within hearing.     At last summer's Lincoln appearance, Djangirov showcased the amazing breadth of his abilities with a playlist that included Clifford Brown's "Daahoud," Ornette Coleman's "Turnaround," the old standard "Slow Boat to China," Marian McPartland's "Afterglow," the frantically paced "Lester Leaps In," and bop standards "All the Things You Are," Tadd Dameron's "Ladybird," Charlie Parker's "Confirmation" and Thelonious Monk's "Well You Needn't." Despite his elfish physical stature and tender age, he had a commanding presence on familiar tunes like "Body and Soul," "Sweet Georgia Brown," Scrapple from the Apple" and "Take the A Train." He also indicated his growth as a composer with the originals "Recollection," "Rhododendron" and "In the Haze." His May 16 appearance with the NJO should be interesting, as it is our first exposure to Djangirov in a big band setting. He will, no doubt, also perform a few tunes in a small group format.

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