Whether you’re a jazzhead or simply looking to enjoy something a little soulful this season, the capital should leave you feeling spoilt for choice with its superb collection of concerts. From homegrown talent to international stars and an Oscar-winning composer and pianist, here’s our round-up of the best jazz in the city this autumn.
Eilenkrig Crew
Several stars for the price of one
Trumpeter Vadim Eilenkrig follows the late Yevgeny Savin in his musical style, meaning he plays the instrument powerfully and with seemingly effortless ease. Undoubtedly the most famous contemporary Russian trumpeter on the jazz scene, Eilenkrig is loved even outside the jazz community. His celebrity status has solidified even more since he appeared as a guest on Russia’s “Dancing with the Stars” last year. This concert marks the second time Eilenkrig will collaborate with singer Lucy Campeti, a vocalist from the former group Gabin. This is a rare change to catch the Russian and Italian together. Percussionist Kirill Ipatov will accompany the ensemble.
Moscow International House of Music. Svetlanovsky Hall.
52 Kosmodamianskaya Naberezhnaya, Bldg. 8,
Metro Paveletskaya.
Oct. 26 at 7 p.m.
Tickets 500-3500 rubles. mmdm.ru
LRK Trio
Lively, creative jazz
With Yevgeny Lebedev on piano, Anton Revnyuk on bass and Ignat Kravtsov on drums, LRK Trio are the talk of the Russian jazz scene for the second year in a row. The dynamic and creative group are known for creating innovative new programs such as Open Strings and their tribute to Joni Mitchell, making them rather unique on the Russian jazz circuit. Yevgeny Lebedev is perhaps the best known of the group. Considered to be one of the leading young jazz pianists in Russia, Lebedev already has four albums under his belt and has toured extensively abroad. As a band, LRK Trio is fluid in its style, playing everything from fusion to smooth jazz and jazz-rock to lounge.
Igor Butman Club on Taganka. 21 Verhnyaya Radischevskaya Ulitsa,
Metro Taganskaya.
Oct 8. at 8.30 p.m.
Tickets from 1000 rubles. butmanclub.ru/taganka
De Phazz
A new album from an old favorite
De Phazz incorporate downtempo jazz with other musical genres, such as soul, Latin and trip-hop. The group is composed of vocalist Pat Appleton, Pit Baumgartner on ukulele, Marcus Bartelt on saxophone, Ulf Kleiner on piano, Markus Bodenseh on bass and Oli Rubow on drums. De-Phazz are coming to Moscow to present their new album “Prankster Bride,” planned for release this month. De Phazz is much-loved in Russia having brought its lounge-style music here in the mid ‘90s. This concert sees a return to traditional jazz, although you can bet the group will add their own personal spin to everything they play.
Yotaspace.
11 Ordzhonikidze Ulitsa,
Metro Leninsky Prospekt.
Nov. 4 at 8 p.m.
Tickets 2000-10000 rubles. yotaspace.ru
Dariya & Jazz Masters
Full of soul
Dariya is a young and ambitious vocalist with a strong, powerful voice. She is perhaps best known in the international community for her collaboration with Anatoly Ice on the single “Whatcha Trying To Do To Me.” At this concert she will be joined by special guests including Yevgeny Lebedev on piano and Yury Novgorodsky on guitar — which makes it one not to miss if you’re looking to see some of Russia’s brightest jazz stars in action.
Central House of Artists. 10 Krymsky Val
Metro Oktyabrskaya
Oct. 12 at 8 p.m.
Tickets from 1000 rubles. cha.ru
Michel Legrand
Jubilee world tour from a jazz legend
Michel Legrand is a brilliant jazz pianist, but he is perhaps best known for composing the spine-tingling jazz-inspired music scores for films such as “The Umbrellas of Cherbourg” and “The Thomas Crown Affair.” His own genre of cinematic jazz has earned him three Oscars, five Grammys and an Emmy nomination as well as the love of jazz fans old and young in Russia. The virtuoso is a real pleasure to watch in concert, and this could be the last time he comes to Russia so don’t miss out.
Crocus City Hall.
65-66km MKAD, Metro Myakinino.
Nov. 30 at 8 p.m.
Tickets from 3000 rubles. crocus-hall.ru
