Premiere: Eldar Covers Soundgarden’s ‘Black Hole Sun’

By DownBeat I Feb. 17, 2020

Pianist Eldar is supported by bassist Raviv Markovitz and drummer Jimmy Macbride on *Rhapsodize* (Twelve Tone Resonance), which is due out Feb. 21.
(Photo: David Patino)

Pianist Eldar Djangirov began his recording career in 2005, as an 18 year old, with a self-titled disc on Sony that included versions of “Nature Boy” and “Maiden Voyage.” He later luxuriated in classical strains for a 2013 disc titled Bach/Brahms/Prokofiev.

The New York-based performer’s upcoming Rhapsodize (Twelve Tone Resonance), due out Feb. 21, expands the bandleader’s purview by including a take of Soundgarden’s “Black Hole Sun,” which Eldar calls a “new standard for this generation.” As with any good interpretation, though, he stretches and tugs at the familiar melody, and runs it through various rhythmic gambits. The video debuts below.