YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 23, NOYAN TAPAN. A concert of jazz quartet of one of the famous performers of Russian jazz, saxophone player Igor Butman will take place on September 26 at Aram Khachatrian concert hall, within the framework of jubilee concerts dedicated to the 70th anniversary of Armenian jazz. Pianist Levon Malkhasian, the Chairman of jubilee steering committee of Armenian Jazz 70, said at the September 22 press conference that Yerevan tour of the Russian jazz quartet will be carried out with the assistance of the VTB-Armenia bank. According to Levon Malkhasian, a traditional jam session will take place after the Yerevan concert and Igor Butman will also hold master class for young people and students at Komitas State Conservatory. Igor Butman's quartet is one of the best jazz bands in Russia, it has performed on tours in European countries, in the United States, in Israel, in Turkey, and in other countries. Chairman of steering committee Levon Malkhasian said that a surprise and exclusive concert meetings with stars of American jazz await Armenian jazz-lovers in October and November: a concert of one of the famous figures of American jazz, Al Jazero will take place on October 21 in Yerevan, and George Benson will arrive with a concert program in Armenia in late November. L. Malkhasian also said that Al Di Meola's tour is expected in the same month, but the exact date is not known yet. Speaking about the jubilee events of Armenian Jazz 70, Levon Malkhasian said that the queen of Armenian jazz, Tatevik Hovhannisian will again perform in Yerevan on September 29. Besides Aram Khachatrian concert hall, the singer will also perform at the Chamber Music House and at jazz clubs. Besides, visits of other jazz bands to Armenia are also expected. Levon Malkhasian also said that a book on Armenian jazz will be published and a documentary on Armenian jazz will be shot by the end of the year. And as a result of the competition held within the framework of the jazz festival two young pianists will leave for the United States to study at Berkley Academy. Speaking about jazz trends, the pianist said that ethnic jazz trend is widely spread all over the world today. Levon Malkhasian gave assurance that it is not compulsory at all "that duduk or kamancha perform next to saxophone or piano for it to be considered Armenian jazz." According to him, even without presentation of instruments, purely by performer's inner feelings and rhythms one can feel and see ethnic jazz.

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