Moscow Concert Hammond Butman

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Most of the day I stayed in the room practicing my instrument and looking out at Red Square. Jennifer and I wanted to get to the club early so that we could get a sound check and settle in. Faina picked us up and we stuffed my organ and all our equipment in her compact car and off we went to Le Club in the Taganka Theatre Building.When we arrived the big friendly doormen picked up my heavy cases like they were toothpicks and brought them up the stairs for me! Vladimir the sound engineer for the club was very smooth and professional, and a very nice guy. We got a good sound on the organ and then came Eduard Zizak the great drummer! I had already met Eduard in New York the week before when he was there performing with Igor's quartet at Birdland. Eduard is an incredible drummer and also a very nice guy. We made a little soundcheck and right away I could tell that he had listened to my music and we would lock up with some very tight grooves...no problem!But where was Igor?...Click above Link to find out!

Blues In The Moscow White Nights - Jon Hammond Trio Russia Concerts with Igor Butman Story

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The story of my first concerts in Russia with Igor Butman (sax), Eduard Zizak (drums) by organist Jon Hammond (USA) for Jazz Quad

Coming to Russia to play in concert together with Igor Butman and Eduard Zizak recently, was one of the greatest experiences in my life/career! I was highly anticipating this journey for many reasons. First of all since my family originally came from Russia and Latvia many years ago, I had heard so many stories as a young child about the land and people I was about to visit. My grandparents were never able to return to Russia but when I arrived it felt like I was coming home.

From the beginning of my preparations I could see that this was not going to be any ordinary music tour! From obtaining visas it was apparent that the procedure was slightly different. I traveled with my girlfriend Jennifer on British Airways departing JFK to London and then from there we changed planes to Moscow. Upon arriving at Moscow SVO airport we quickly found ourselves among 20 persons who arrived with no baggage. There was nobody there to speak in English with from BA, so we had an interesting conversation and procedure with the official Lost and Found desk there and filled out the Baggage Irregularity Report papers. Leaving the customs area without our baggage we were very happy when we stepped out and saw a nice man holding a big Jon Hammond poster. We knew this was our man!
Luckily we came 2 days before the concerts and our bags were finally found and delivered to our hotel the next day. *continued from Link...

Full Size Photos Jon Hammond & Igor Butman Jazz Moscow Concerts

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BUTMAN ZIZAK HAMMOND
Jon Hammond & Eduard Zizak discussing music backstage.
Igor Butman, Eduard Zizak, Jon Hammond onstage trio formation.
Jon Hammond at the organ.
Jon's girlfriend Jennifer and Oksana Butman, Igor's wife at Le Club, Moscow Russia.
Jon Hammond links and Moscow Story with Igor & Eduard:
http://community.webtv.net/GoldenPenMan/BLUESINTHEMOSCOW
Igor Butman & Gary Walker at door of WBGO
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