George Garanian

Georgi Aramowitsch Garanjan (Russian Георгий Арамович Гаранян; born August 15, 1934 in Moscow, † January 11, 2010 in Krasnodar ) was a Russian jazz alto saxophonist, bandleader and composer of Armenian descent, who was honored in 1993 as a People's Artist of Russia.

Life and work

Garanjan was among the first Russian musicians on the music scene of the last USSR attracted attention in the Western world. His career began in the post-war years; in the 1970s he became known as a leader of big bands, such as the formation Melodia ( 1970 to 1980 ) and the Moscow Big Band (1992-1995 ); He also directed the urban big band in Krasnodar, which occurred nationwide. Garanian participated in numerous recordings and performed at international festivals. With a guest appearance in Prague, he caught the attention of the critic John Hammond; Willis Conover, who moderated the Voice of America jazz program, invited him at international jazz festivals in Hungary and Yugoslavia. Garanian played in 2000 with the band Oregon and as head of the Tchaikovsky Orchestra Album Oregon in Moscow one; for which he was nominated for a Grammy Award. In March 2010 Garanians album Jazz was published posthumously in tuxedos, which he had recorded with the Moscow Chamber Orchestra virtuosi and pianist Denis Mazujew.

Disco Graphical Notes

• Georgi Garanian and Ensemble Melodia: With Old Rhythms ( Melodia )