Andreas Varady

Managed by the legendary Quincy Jones (who spent years as a jazz player before switching to pop producer), this Hungarian guitar prodigy lays it all out there on his self-titled debut. History is covered in a nice traditional take on Django Reinhardt’s “Swing 42” and a smooth and new agey version of “Nuages,” as well as a suitably big and warm take on Louis Jordan’s R&B classic “Let the Good Times Roll.” Material of more recent vintage are the Wes Montgomery–like remakes of Steely Dan’s “Do It Again” and The Mamas & The Papas' “California Dreamin’,” as well as a smooth version of Michael Jackson’s “Human Nature.” Varady includes the well-crafted and modern “A Day in New York” and the more acoustic “After Seven in Beijing,” which are both originals that feature his deepest playing. While the teen handles much of this, the postmodern swing original “Don’t Stop the Music” is a misfire where the production trumps his playing. Nonetheless, this is a promising start for someone who certainly has the right people in his corner.