Igor Butman Quintet Brings a Taste of Moscow to 54 Below

FEINSTEIN'S/54 BELOW, Broadway's Supper Club, presents The Igor Butman Quintet straight out of Moscow for the beginning of their US summer tour. Igor Butman leads the Igor Butman Quintet, with five of Russia's top jazz soloists. Since 1999, the band has become Russia's hottest jazz unit. The rhythm section of the quartet consists of pianist Oleg Akkuratov, guitarist Evgeny Pobozhiy, bass player Sergey Korchagin and drummer Eduard Zizak, and featured dynamic vocalist the young Russian/Dominican singer Fantine. A top advocate of Russian art in the world, Igor Butman is a founder of Igor Butman Orchestra (now - Moscow Jazz Orchestra) and Igor Butman Quintet, described by DownBeat Magazine as "an outfit of virtuosos". Their intensive schedule includes frequent tours and performances at the biggest international jazz festivals all over the world. Igor Butman released 17 albums both as a leader and co-leader, including Magic Land (Sony Classical) with Chick Corea, Jack DeJohnette, John Patitucci, Stefon Harris and Randy Brecker. Igor is the President of Igor Butman Music Group which consists of Igor Butman Jazz Club in Moscow, Butman Music Records and the biggest Russian jazz Production Company, running 11 jazz festivals in Russia and abroad and representing the finest Russian Artists.

Pianist and vocalist Oleg Akkuratov is a unique jazz and classic virtuoso pianist and vocalist, participant of International Choir of UNESCO, winner of countless international contests, awarded by the World Health Organization with "Health" award entitled "For the will to live." In 2014 his performance became the highlight of the Closing Ceremony of the Paraolympic Games. As part of Igor Butman Quintet and Moscow Jazz Orchestra Oleg toured India, USA, Canada, China, Israel, Thailand, Latvia. In April 2016 Butman Music Records released Akkuratov's debut album Golden Sunray recorded with Igor Butman Quartet at Avatar Studios in New York.

At the time when Eduard Zizak joined Igor, he was already an experienced and reliable player who has worked for one of the Russia's most popular big bands, the MKS Big Band led by Anatoly Kroll. The work for the Igor Butman Quartet allowed Zizak to find new expressive means and to reach new steps of jazz drumming mastery. Eduard took part in recording of all albums by Quintet and Moscow Jazz Orchestra.

Bassist Sergey Korchagin is an alumnus of the finest Russian jazz school - Gnesin Academy of Music and one the brightest musicians of young generation. Before joining the quartet Sergey collaborated with the best Russian jazz groups and was performing with Billy Cobham, Mark Whitfield, Chick Corea, Alex Sipiagin, Bobby Watson, and Seamus Blake during their Russian tours.

An extraordinary virtuoso guitarist Evgeny Pobozhiy is a new member of the quartet. Despite he's only 27, Evgeny is known for his fusion and jazz rock projects. Evgeny's guitar adds a special touch of rock spirit to the sound of the quartet. Jazz classics, post bop masterpieces, Russian music and even soul jazz - Igor Butman Quintet shines with all colors of straight ahead jazz and mastery of the major league of today's jazz mainstream.

The Igor Butman Quintet plays Feinstein's/54 Below (254 West 54th Street) on July 11, 2018 at 9:30pm. There is a $35 - $45 cover charge and $25 food and beverage minimum. Tickets and information are available at www.54Below.com. Tickets on the day of performance after 4:00 are only available by calling (646) 476-3551.

MORE ABOUT FEINSTEIN'S/54 BELOW

Feinstein's/54 Below, Broadway's Supper Club & Private Event Destination, is a performance venue in the grand tradition of New York City nightlife. A few blocks from the heart of Times Square and just below the legendary Studio 54, Feinstein's/54 Below is a classically designed state-of-the art nightclub in the theatre district that hosts audiences with warmth and style. Feinstein's/54 Below presents iconic and rising stars from the worlds of Broadway and popular music and has set a new standard for culinary excellence worthy of the world-class entertainment on the stage.

In their description of the venue, The New York Times writes, "Feinstein's/54 Below has the intimacy of a large living room with unimpeded views and impeccable sound; there is not a bad seat in the house. Its sultry after-hours ambience is enhanced by brocade-patterned wall panels planted with orange- shaded lanterns. And the atmosphere is warmer and sexier than in Manhattan's other major supper clubs."

Located at 254 West 54th Street, Feinstein's/54 Below features up to three shows nightly with cover charges ranging from $5-$105. 54Below.com/Feinsteins

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