" A hard-bop foray for the quintet, full of intriguing detail, pulsing with life."
-Howard Mandel, President, Jazz Journalists Association
At a time of great political and social uncertainty, the dynamic post-cold war partnership of the Russian Federation's Oleg Kireyev (tenor saxophone) and U.S.’s Keith Javors (piano) continues to inspire jazz audiences around the globe. The co-leaders recently welcomed jazz trumpet luminary Tom Harrell, the heralded bassist Ben Williams (Pat Metheny), and the creative drummer E.J. Strickland (Ravi Coltrane) to the studio for their dynamic release, entitled The Meeting, which is now available. The new record bridges the influences of two continents, featuring new original compositions by Kireyev and Javors, interspersed with standard material. The deluxe physical-only version of the album includes two additional alternate tracks and liner notes by Howard Mandel.
Kireyev and Javors' association began in 2007 when Kireyev's manager reached out to Javors through the Internet with the possibility of a gig at the Union of Composers Club in Russia, where Kireyev is Artistic Director. An instant chemistry was noticed and a friendship forged, one that would inevitably result in numerous American and European Tours. In addition to performances at world class clubs such as Smalls, the Iridium, Blues Alley, Chris' Jazz Cafe, and many others, Kireyev and Javors were together featured at the prestigious International House of Music in Moscow, one of the premiere concert venues in all of Europe.
Now on the advent of their this, their sophomore project together, Oleg Kireyev & Keith Javors, now more than ever, know the significance of that chance internet meeting, and it shows in the faces of enthusiastic audience members. While each day performing together is a meeting of sorts, Kireyev and Javors now see these as a blessing. Privileged here to draw from the deep talents of an All-Star NYC rhythm section and a lauded trumpet icon, the tandem continue to push the jazz envelope and promote unity wherever they play.
Street/Release Date: May 31, 2016 (Inarhyme 1009)
Personnel: Tom Harrell, trumpet/flugelhorn, Oleg Kireyev, tenor saxophone and vocals, Keith Javors, piano, Ben Williams, acoustic bass, E.J. Strickland, drums
Label Contact: Inarhyme Records, PO Box 22126, Philadelphia, PA 19136, 800-453-3034, info@inarhyme.com, www.inarhyme.com
Available 5/31/16 through ITunes, Amazon and wherever music is sold.