BIJAN TAGHAVI

CACTUS SESSIONS

Independent Release

Bijan Taghavi, solo piano.

As a band leader, Bijan Taghavi has entertained audiences in the United States, Japan and Europe. A passionate educator, Bijan Taghavi is the Adjunct Professor of Jazz Piano at Hillsdale College. He hosts an innovative Video Exchange Lessons program for students he mentors all over the globe.

“One of the most special aspects of this album is the piano itself, Dan Delaney’s Yamaha C3. This piano truly brings out the best in my playing and inspires me to explore all the possibilities of sound: loud vs soft, high vs low, dense vs sparse.  This piano also holds sentimental value for me as it was the first piano I attempted to play jazz on ten years ago, during a prodigy concert series Dan featured me in. That pivotal moment changed the trajectory of my life, and now, a decade later, it feels like a full-circle moment. This album is a testament to the importance of resilience, the power of mentorship and the magic of a special piano in a special place.  I hope you enjoy listening to it as much as I enjoyed creating it,” says Taghavi in his liner notes.

I enjoyed every amazing interpretation of standard jazz songs I know and love, like Antonio Carlos Jobim’s “Wave.” Taghavi shines on the speedy-tempo’d “I’ll Remember April” and on Horace Silvers famous “Peace” composition.  Bijan Taghavi’s hands seem to each be a singular master with their own mind and magic. Together, they create magic. The bass hand keeps the tempo steady and lays the bass foundation, while his right hand tinkles the melody and improvisations in the upper register. His chords are rich and warm. The speed of his solo performance on the “I’ll Remember April” presentation is formidable.

Playing solo piano is technically challenging. It leaves no room or excuse for inadequacies or mistakes.  Bijan Taghavi is obviously a master of his instrument. This is emotionally charged music that Bijan tackles like the professional pianist that he is.  You will hear range, rhythm, technique, harmony, and masterful improvisation.  On “Have You Met Miss Jones” he offers a taste of blues, a thick groove, some swing and perfect timing.  Taghavi must have a metronome in his brain, his timing is so perfect and natural.  During “Ask Me Now” he changes meters, like the blink of an eye. I believe Thelonious Monk would be proud to hear this unique tribute to his composition mastery.

Bijan has studied with both Fred Hersch and Phil Markowitz.  He admits that both of these creative geniuses have deeply influenced his piano style.

“Their mentorship equipped me with the tools to embrace the unknown each time I sit down at the piano and let the music lead where it may,” Taghavi shares in his press package.

Here is a wonderful solo jazz piano album by an amazing musician. Every one of Bijan Taghavi’s creative decisions and impromptu improvisations is masterfully executed. He makes my ears smile!

Reviewed by Dee Dee McNeil

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