Director David Goloshchokin in the new Ellington room,
rapt in the sounds coming from Igor Timofeyev (r) and his sax
Director David Goloshchokin in the new Ellington room,
rapt in the sounds coming from Igor Timofeyev (r) and his sax
The opening of the Ellington Hall is seen as a radical move for the club on Zagorodny Prospect, famed for its strict, almost puritanical regime.
The dimly lit room, where food is served throughout the evening, is aimed at providing a more intimate venue for jazz connoisseurs.
Seating a mere 60, as opposed to the 200 capacity of the larger hall, the new venue doesn't feature a single amplifier in an effort to reproduce "the same sounds as you'd get at home."
It is hoped that the venue can duplicate the same degree of comfort and contact between players and musicians that you might find in a sitting-room jam session.
In the past, jazz audiences were forced to stop off at some accommodating restaurant on Zagorodny at the close of the Philharmonic concerts. Now they can enjoy a "European Clan Service" for dinner -- and prices are extremely reasonable.
A range of rather bizarre dishes is available -- an order for "Mood Indigo" will bring you bananas with ham, while "Cotton Club" turns out to be pork served with pineapple.
Friday night's grand opening saw a short concert featuring mainstream classics such as "Bye Bye Blackbird" and "Days of Wine and Roses" performed by a constantly changing group of professional ensemble players.
Jazz Philharmonic Hall director David Goloshchokin, said he was very proud of two new members, Igor Timofeyev (sax) and Sergei Grigonev, whose light touch on the piano bore testimony to the talent that recently won him top prize in an international competition.
Aficionados take note -- the A train to the Philharmonic leaves this Saturday -- don't be late. (SPP)