Moscow Ragtime Band is the highest caliber example of a traditional jazz ensemble specializing in that one and only, hot and energetic music born in New Orleans at the dawn of the 20th century. The band, which originated in the capital of Russia, is dedicated to the music that was so perfectly described on the very first jazz recording as “a sufficient power and penetration to inject new life into a mummy, and keep ordinary human dancers on their feet till breakfast time.” The Moscow Ragtime Band not only plays the sounds and rhythms which were the world’s craze in the “roaring twenties”, they live the music that continues to make people happy for over 100 years. They don’t just perform - they rock, they interact, they have fun, they make the audience fall in love with what and how they do! ...
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Moscow Ragtime Band is the highest caliber example of a traditional jazz ensemble specializing in that one and only, hot and energetic music born in New Orleans at the dawn of the 20th century. The band, which originated in the capital of Russia, is dedicated to the music that was so perfectly described on the very first jazz recording as “a sufficient power and penetration to inject new life into a mummy, and keep ordinary human dancers on their feet till breakfast time.” The Moscow Ragtime Band not only plays the sounds and rhythms which were the world’s craze in the “roaring twenties”, they live the music that continues to make people happy for over 100 years. They don’t just perform - they rock, they interact, they have fun, they make the audience fall in love with what and how they do!
Moscow Ragtime Band was formed in 1996 by its all-time leader Konstantin Gevondyan, along with a few of his like-minded classmates from the world-renowned Gnessin Academy of Music. Although they were all students of the classical music department upon meeting, fate brought them together for a different reason, to start their own jazz band. This gave them the opportunity to play the music that immensely thrilled them, inspired by the greatest pioneers of jazz from the good old days. Since forming, the band has taken part in a great number of cultural events, jazz festivals, TV shows, and stage performances. Not only have they become one of the most well-known and reputable traditional jazz ensemble in Moscow, their name and music is recognized and enjoyed all across Russia.
To bring to their audiences the impressive art of Hot Jazz with the most authentic feel and flair, Moscow Ragtime Band prefers to use mainly acoustic instruments, and avoids using unnecessary amplification effects whenever possible. This unplugged approach commands attention to the fact that every element of their music is top-notch, which is essential in the setting of an intimate jazz club. You get the feeling as if having a conversation with a close friend - the band is your confidant, speaking directly to you in an exquisite voice and sonorous tone. Their numerous large stage performances in open-air festival and concert hall settings are a testament to the ease in which they bring this feeling to any audience size, making the band suitable for performing in a variety of venues. The interactive and joyful performances always have people clapping their hands and stomping their feet, singing along with the musicians and rushing to the dance floor…or bar counter!
With recent interest in swing dancing on the up-swing, Moscow Ragtime Band has become increasingly popular among dancers. They appreciate this ensemble while enjoying everything from the Lindy-hop to the Charleston to the Balboa. Moscow Ragtime Band takes part in top-level jazz happenings with other local jazz stars, as well as collaborates with a number of great artists playing hot jazz music at its best nowadays. To date, the band has presented special concert events featuring amazing musicians such as Antti Sarpila (clarinet/sax – Finland), Meschiya Lake (vocal – USA), Tom Fischer (clarinet/sax – USA), Charlie Fardella (trumpet/vocal – USA), Aurora Nealand (sax/clarinet/vocal – USA), Richard ‘Piano’ Scott (piano/vocal – USA), Eldar Tsalikov (clarinet/sax – Germany), Carlos Santana (piano/trombone/vocal – Spain), Lee ‘Plink’ Floyd (banjo/vocal – USA), Charlie Fardella (trumpet – USA), Paul Thibodeaux (drums – USA), Mara Kaye (vocal – USA).
Moscow Ragtime Band are:
Konstantin Gevondyan – leader, trumpet, vocals
Igor Tertychny – clarinet, soprano sax, alto sax
Alexey Pankratov – trombone
Andrey Agafonov – banjo, guitar
Stas Cheremushkin – tuba
Igor Yampolsky – drums
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