Daylight at Midnight

Audio Mixer: James Farber.
Recording information: Flux Studios, New York, NY; Sear Sound, New York, NY.
Photographer: Bill Douthart.
Taylor Eigsti's third recording for Concord emphasizes a pop vocal component as well as his excellent keyboard work. With Becca Stevens singing on five tracks, Eigsti seems to be targeting the youth market rather than emphasizing his formidable and proven talent to play contemporary instrumental jazz. Covers of tunes by Coldplay, Rufus Wainwright, Feist, Nick Drake, Imogen Heap, MuteMath, and Elliott Smith center the sound of this disc, all done with only a subtle flair for the dramatic. Stevens has a supple, understated voice that lends itself well to late-night excursions, suggesting gypsy tales told in trip-hop trim. The recording gets more delicate and somber as it goes along, but Eigsti does take a broader view in funky modal, spiritual, soulful, electronic, and folk-like styles early on. Coldplay's "Daylight" is delightful and fun, while a version of Drake's "Pink Moon" -- accented by the acoustic guitar of Julian Lage -- is sweet, while Stevens singing Heap's "Little Bird" could easily be deemed an adult contemporary radio hit. Eigsti's playing itself is both interesting and intriguing, while the exceptional drummer Eric Harland keeps the beat flowing and expanding through each track. It's not his best work -- that is to come for such a young player -- but Eigsti felt compelled to do this project based on his broad level of musical experience, and a taste beyond jazz. ~ Michael G. Nastos