Album: Eleven

Introduction
Eleven is the debut studio album by American jazz artist, vocalist, and composer Harry Connick, Jr., launched in 1979. Produced by Concord Jazz, the album includes a mix of jazz standards and original compositions, showcasing the then 11-year-old prodigy's unbelievable skill as a pianist, vocalist, and composer. The album is called after the age he was when he recorded it, highlighting Connick Jr.'s extraordinary musical capabilities at such a young age.

Album Background
After winning a local piano competition in his hometown of New Orleans, a then 10-year-old Connick Jr. was found by famous jazz pianist Ellis Marsalis, who became his mentor and contributed in crafting this launching album. Marsalis helped schedule the recording sessions and produced the album, which was taped in a small studio in New Orleans. In Addition, Connick Jr.'s dad, likewise called Harry, played a significant role in the production of the album, working as its executive manufacturer and co-writing numerous of the initial songs with his kid.

Track Listing and Musical Style
The album is nearly equally divided between jazz requirements, consisting of works by Duke Ellington and Thelonious Monk, and original structures by Connick Jr. and his father. The album features an overall of nine tracks, and its runtime is around 45 minutes.

The track listing for "Eleven" is as follows:

1. "Take the 'A' Train" (Billy Strayhorn).
2. "Eleven" (Harry Connick, Sr. and Harry Connick, Jr.).
3. "Perdido" (Ervin Drake, H.J. Lengsfelder, and Juan Tizol).
4. "Little Mary Ann" (Harry Connick, Jr.).
5. "Moonlight" (Harry Connick, Sr. and Harry Connick, Jr.).
6. "This is the Ant" (Harry Connick, Jr.).
7. "Sweet Georgia Brown" (Ben Bernie, Maceo Pinkard, and Kenneth Casey).
8. "Nature Boy" (eden ahbez).
9. "Night in Tunisia" (Dizzy Gillespie and Frank Paparelli).

Eleven displays Connick Jr.'s exceptional piano skills and vocals, which evoke the classic style of jazz legends like Frank Sinatra and Nat King Cole. The album consists mainly of piano trio arrangements, with Connick Jr. accompanied by bassist James Singleton and drummer Johnny Vidacovich, both well-respected local musicians from New Orleans. The recording showcases an unusual type of virtuosity, emotional depth, and maturity in young Connick Jr., therefore setting a solid structure for his renowned profession.

Crucial Reception
Although "Eleven" did not get considerable industrial success and public attention upon its release in 1979, it was applauded by jazz critics for showcasing the prodigious skills of the young Connick Jr. The rendition of jazz requirements in the album is skillful and creative, with Connick Jr.'s individual touch and creativity, while the original compositions are engaging and show excellent possible.

Tradition
" Eleven" marked the start of a long and successful career for Harry Connick, Jr., who has gone on to launch over 20 albums, earn multiple Grammy Awards, and sell countless records worldwide. Beyond his work as a recording artist, Connick Jr. has actually ventured into acting, making up for film and tv, and hosting his own television show. The album stays a fascinating and remarkable picture of a young prodigy rising, preparing for a remarkable profession on the planet of jazz and beyond.