Monday, January 12, 2026

Bijan Taghavi; Cactus Sessions


110 years ago Irving Berlin wrote a song called “I Love A Piano”. And for the record, so do I! Apparently pianist Bijan Taghavi shares that sentiment. On this solo piano performance of acclaimed and beloved songwriting, he offers us eight examples of gentle, pristine, pure piano pleasure. Taghavi is the player you'd hear in a black tie and linen restaurant while wishing that the customers would chill their chatter and listen to the exquisite melodies surrounding them. The artist begins and ends his recital with two Jobim gems, “Wave” and “Desafinado”. In between, his feathery touch lands between such winners as “I Should Care”, “I'll Remember April”, “Have You Met Miss Jones”, “East Of The Sun”, and two favorites from the jazz book, Horace Silver's “Peace” and Thelonious Monk's “Ask Me Now”. Taghavi's melody lines are efficient and respectful, and his improvisations are letter perfect. Solo piano played this way is something special and, in these times, rather unique. Piano lovers, don't let this one escape your attention.

Self produced; probably 2025; appx. 50 min.

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