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Vlad West

jazz pianist and jazz saxophonist

About Me

VLAD WEST, known in Russia as Vladimir Sermakashev, is a legend in the world of Russian jazz. Known in Russia and Europe as a tenor saxophonist, he was born in Baku. Vlad began to study piano from the age of three, attending Baku Conservatory from the age of five, composing as well as arranging and playing solo piano concerts alone and alongside his well known professors from thereon out. He started playing tenor saxophone when he was nine and by the age of sixteen, Vlad had made his name as a well-known jazz musician in Moscow. He was featured all over Europe and America: VILLAGE VOICE, JAZZ FORUM, DOWN BEAT… “His rhythmic sense is simply unbelievable, and he is, I would say, swimming in rhythm” – Downbeat. Mr. West and his quartet played extensively throughout the European Jazz festival circuit. He played with Duke Ellington, Gerry Mulligan, Thad Jones, Mel Lewis, Tony Scott and Earle Warren, among many others. “Mr. West has the technique and knowledge of classical and jazz music well beyond that of an ordinary player.” Mr. Starr, president of Oberlin College, Jazz Studies, wrote about Vlad (tenor saxophone) in his book RED and HOT: “In his combination of grittiness and lyricism, blues feeling and sheer drive, he has few equals, in Europe certainly and even in America.” On his first American jazz album, SAY HELLO TO RUSSIA (saxophone), Scott Yanow in JazzTimes magazine wrote: “West comes up with creative and frequently hard-driving solos on six of his originals and three standards, making one wonder why he is not better known.” “Mr. West has the technique and knowledge of classical and jazz music well beyond that of an ordinary player.” Mr. Starr, president of Oberlin College, Jazz Studies, wrote about Vlad (tenor saxophone) in one of his books: “In his combination of grittiness and lyricism, blues feeling and sheer drive, he has few equals, in Europe certainly and even in America.” Vlad West was the inspiration, music and story consultant for the movie MOSCOW ON THE HUDSON (Columbia Pictures). His first album as a pianist, IN MY CORNER, was released in 2012. Frederick Starr writes: “…Hats off to the new Vlad West and to the newer Vlad Wests yet to come!” His latest CD “GREEN LIGHTS” was released in 2015 WORLD JAZZ NEWS wrote about this album “Vlad West is a jazz pianist with a very original style, both in his playing and his writing... Throughout his career, Vlad West has consistently shown that he is a musician well worth paying close attention to.” Passed away on May 1, 2023 Listen to his music on youtube. R.I.P...

My Jazz Story