Vijay Iyer – Solo

Pianist Vijay Iyer brings his solo chops to a variety of compositions ranging from Thelonious Monk, Duke Ellington, Michael Jackson as well as his own. Solo kicks off with an elegant rendition of the King of Pop’s “Human Nature.” By taking an opposite direction Monk’s spacious approach, Iyer completely reworks “Epistrophe” with his blazing harmonization. With “Black & Tan Fantasy,” he stays close Ellington’s left-hand stride, but creates some soulful blues melodies with his right hand. “Patterns,” which starts off gentle then progresses into swells of notes, reveals Iyer’s very own compelling style. Solo, as a result, showcases both Iyer’s versatility and personality.