On my recent trip working at the Moscow NAMM Show I had a chance to play with local jazz and bluegrass musicians. Here's 'Sweet Georgia Brown' played in a Moscow street:
You, Brendan, are of course, as always, superb. I'm truly impressed with the young sax and keys players. They can't be more than early 20's(?), and they both clearly have some instinctual connection to jazz phrasing and feel. Some interesting playing, and with time, one can only expect that they will be even much better.
The streets of Moscow are pretty busy with passers by too, on a beautiful Spring day. ---------- Matthew
Correct me if I'm wrong, but I've been under the impression after making several Russian friends (who have since moved to America) have all been pretty consummate musicians. I didn't make these friends though any musical pretense either.
I've had two of these friends relate to me that music is still very much valued in Russia (don't mean to generalize, but I don't have specific areas to recite) and that they personally went through pretty rigorous musical training as just part of their schooling.
That being said, I'm not surprised that there are young players in Moscow who have a good feel for jazz; this would appear to not be an anomaly.
Brendan - this is an awesome on the spot video. You are a scary good player, in that I honestly never have any idea of where you are going to go next when you play. To my ears, it sounds like you're composing whereas when I play it's still recitation. Bravo!
Hey Brendan - do you recall which street this was at? I'm going to Moscow this August(visa applied for, expect to receive next week) so would be interested in checking out any areas where bands may be playing.
