The Leningrad Dixieland Jazz Band

The Leningrad Dixieland Jazz Band was formed in the late 1950's and has played extensively since 1962. They have toured throughout Russia, the Baltic States, Europe, India, as well as the U.S and Canada. Their repertoire is made up primarily of jazz classics, including the tunes of Louis Armstrong, Jelly Roll Morton, King Oliver, fats Waller and Bix Biederbecke - arranged by band leader and alto sax player, Oleg Kuvaitsev. Tunes from the swing era as well as Russian and ethnic folk melodies from surrounding regions, infused with syncopation and improvisation may also be heard.

The Leningrad Dixieland Jazz Band established their reputation in the west with their debut U.S. tour in 1987, and drew standing ovations in each of the 14 cities they vivted. At the Sacramento Jazz Jubilee which features bands from around the world, the Leningrad Dixieland Jazz band was called "The Year's Hottest Jubilee Act" by the San Francisco Examiner. This universally popular group has followed with several equally successful tours including repeat performances on "The Tonight Show" and at the Sacramento Jazz Jubilee, and continues to spread goodwill with numerous first time appearances worldwide. Their music has brought many friends and new fans everywhere to their feet.

The band has recorded 9 albums and is a regular participant on Russian radio and T.V. programs and is recognized as one of the leaders of traditional jazz in Europe. Many foreigner traveling to Russia go out of their way to hear the band play at their own "Jazz Philharmonic hall" in the heart of Saint-Petersburg.

Current jazzmen are:

• Oleg Kuvaitsev - leader, alto saxophone
• Fedor Kuvaitsev - clarinet
• Anatoli Alexandrov - trombone
• Boris Erschov - banjo
• Alexander Skrypnik - drums, vocal
• Juli Sour - trumpet, vocal
• Youri Snegurov - bass
• Juri Kapitanaki (Vladislav Pankevich) - piano