On October 26, the annual Yerevan Jazz Fest started with the concert of well-known American bass guitarist Marcus Miller. A two-time Grammy Award winner Miller has worked with Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock, Eric Clapton and others.
During the pre-concert press conference Miller said he has heard of Yerevan Jazz Fest long time ago and was happy to use the opportunity to come. As the jazzman shared his desire to learn more about and listen to Armenian jazz, pianist Levon Malkhasyan gifted him “ArmJazz 75”, a set of CDs and a book containing all about the local tradition of jazz.
This year the festival is dedicated to Avetis Zildjian, an Armenian from Constantinople who founded the famous cymbal manufacturing company. Speaking of him, Miller said: “I know musicians who drove two days just to get Zildjian instruments”.
2017 Fest will also welcome musicians from Cuba, Russia, France, Senegal, as well as many local artists.
Every year, Yerevan Jazz Fest attracts musicians from all over the world to the capital of Armenia and gives jazz lovers an opportunity to enjoy live concerts headlined by leading performers. It also gives an excellent chance for the guests of the capital to get acquainted with works of local jazzmen, many of whom, like pianist Tigran Hamasyan, may become tomorrow’s legends.