Music: Eldar

Jazz pianist Eldar gives the word “fast track” a whole new meaning. Born in the former Soviet Union, he spent the first half of his youth living in Kyrgyzstan before his family moved to the U.S. when he was 10. Now based in New York City, the youthful, gifted pianist ultimately scored a recording contract with Sony Classical after releasing a pair of recordings on his own before he was even out of high school (his Sony deal came when he was just 17). Eldar (who doesn’t use his last name, Djangirov, professionally) is far more than just an ain’t-that-cute-kid novelty act — his Grammy nomination should attest to that — displaying a virtuosic technique that can be flashy in its lightning speed but also shows an exploratory, inventive take on Be Bop and Post Bop. Fans of adventurous keys icons like Monk or Herbie Hancock should be sure to check out the prodigy this Tuesday at the Blue Wisp Jazz Club (a venue that just a few months ago the musician could not even get into because of his under-the-drinking-age status). $20. 7 p.m. at the Blue Wisp.