Carlos Henriquez After two independent releases ( Eldar , 2001 and Handprints , 2003), Eldar signed with Sony Classical in 2004, releasing another Eldar featuring John Patitucci and Michael Brecker. Next came Live at the Blue Note with Roy Hargrove and Chris Botti, earning four stars from Downbeat and the review, Few musicians on any axe swing like Eldar…his groove is intense and overwhelming. It s not the flash and fire that should stir interest in Eldar.

It s what he does when the razzle-dazzle dies down and we sense substance within and beyond his pyrotechnics. The New York Times also noted his formidable technique wedded to a mature grasp of musical structure. In 2008, his third Sony release, Re-Imagination , received a Grammy nomination for Best Contemporary Jazz Album, topped for the award by Herbie Hancock s River. Here Eldar moves away from strictly acoustic arrangements with electronics and the programming of DJ Logic.

Noted Paula Edelstein ( JazzUSA.com ), With the release of Re-imagination … jazz pianist Eldar documents his transition from youthful prodigy to a creative artist with something to say.

Returning from a Blue Note engagement in Tokyo and west coast appearances at the San Francisco and Earshot Jazz Festivals, Eldar brings an exciting trio to Minneapolis: Bronx native Carlos Henriquez studied classical guitar in junior high, then bass at Juilliard s Music Advancement Program before attending the LaGuardia High School of Music, Art and Performing Arts.