Great news for everyone who maxed out every credit card over
the long and indulgent holidays. Moscow's jazz clubs come to the rescue. The newly opened Jam Club is offering some serious discounts. And the Essé Jazz Club has some seriously great events. Come in, relax - or get up and dance - and slide into the new year.
Midnight Jazz at Essé Jazz Club
Sax player Sergei Golovnya’s band “Swing Machine” is one of the jazz projects which pop up unexpectedly and then may suddenly disappear for no reason. Most Moscow jazz musicians play sessions, and so we see the same faces in different bands — playing with other musicians of their caliber and sound. Sergei Golovnya is very high caliber, best performing swing, cool and bebop. This Friday night his new band will be joined by Irina Rodiles, a jazz singer who can handle any style and improvise skillfully. Saturday’s band has yet to be announced, but you can expect something good.
Fri. and Sat. Jan. 13 and 14 at midnight
Rock ’n’ roll Party with Richard Hume at Essé Jazz Club
British Richard Hume has been living in Moscow since 2004, promoting British rock ’n’ roll bands and teaching Muscovites how to move to the beat. Need to work off some of those New Year’s celebration calories? Bring a partner and take an hour lesson and then spend the next two hours jiving to the beat.
Sat. Jan. 14 at 3 p.m.
Sunday Brunch with the Peter Vostokov Big Jazz Orchestra at Essé Jazz Club
On Sunday, take in the Peter Vostokov Big Jazz Orchestra over brunch. Vostokov, known as Peter the Great among jazz fans, plays the kind of jazz that calls to mind the big bands of Duke Ellington,Count Basie and Benny Goodman. He even has the same classic musician count: five on sax, three on trumpet, three on trombone and five in the rhythm section. He’s got the baton and his wife, Darya Antonova, does the vocals. Chill.
Sun. Jan. 15 at 3 p.m.
Silent Films with Georgy Sergeyev and Daniel Maslov at Essé Jazz Club
On Monday, come to watch some silent films with some great jazz accompanying it. Jazz pianists add more to the imagination and relaxation of the audience than the original music played way back in the day. Georgy Sergeyev keeps up a running commentary while Daniel Maslov tickles the ivories.
Mon. Jan. 16 at 8:30 p.m.
Jam with
Markarevich
Andrei Makarevich is not only a good a musician and poet — he’s also a good businessman. He was able to attract the best Moscow sidemen, like Sergey Hutas on bass and David Tkebuchava on drums, supposedly by offering them great fees. On Monday they are playing with their boss at free jam sessions. Makarevich is usually around on Monday nights. Come and listen — but don’t bug him with questions about politics or requests for a selfie. Just let him enjoy his club and play.
Mon. Jan. 16 at 8 p.m.
