The Moscow Sax Quintet: The Jazznost Tour

The Moscow Sax Quintet is considered one of the finest Jazz groups in the world. They launched their Western career with a series of concerts in the U.S., appropriately named the “The Jazznost Tour.” They not only received great critical acclaim from both critics and audiences, but proved that music is the universal language by showcasing the groundbreaking group’s mastery of   the American art form.

 

Founded in 1987 by Vladimir Zaremba, a professor at the Moscow Philharmonic Society, the group consists of five saxophonists along with a rhythm section and plays a variety of reed instruments such as Soprano Sax, Alto Sax, Baritone, Sax, Tenor Sax, & Clarinet, in a style that fans have described as a more refined Jazz, in the spirit of SuperSax.

 

This special DVD features the distinctive group on the last stop of their premiere international tour. The group has perfectly captured the Jazz feeling with their magical sound, particularly of Zaremba’s arrangements of classics by Fat Waller and The Beatles. When they interpret Charlie Parker’s improvised solos, playing them in 5-part harmony at a breakneck speed (as if they were one instrument), you can hear the mastery of their skill in the music.

 

“…astonishing is the breathtaking virtuosity of the ensemble work”

                                                                                      – Joel Klauber, JazzIz Magazine

Long famous for their virtuosity in the classical arena, Russian musicians have not exactly been at the forefront of the Jazz scene. However, if the Moscow Sax Quintet is any indication, there is good reason to believe they will secure their place in the world of Jazz.

 

“…a captivating sound… it’s amazing” - The Washington Post

Song Selection:

● In the Mood

● Yardbird Suite

● Parker’s Mood

● Four Brothers

● Your Eyes

● I Got Rhythm

● Smashing Thirds

● Smooth Sailing

● Donna Lee

● Waltz For Debbie

● Crazy Rhythm

● Michelle

● Flight of the Bumble Bee

 

“I will state flat out: this Moscow Sax Quintet “Jazznost Tour” video is an amazing display of pure musicianship of the highest caliber… I couldn’t pull myself away from the screen …it’s non-stop and sweet, sweet jazz.… If you buy only one video this year you simply must make it this one. “  - David J Gibson, Saxophone Journal