Oleg Kieryev
Mandala
Jazzheads
By George W. Harris

Oleg Kireyev made a name for himself as the leader of a popular Russian band back in the 80s, mixing jazz and Russian folk music. Adept at the sax, keyboards and writing, he’s put together a group of Russians (and one African percussionist, Ndiaga Samba) that creates music that crosses more barriers than an international spy. On soprano and tenor, his tone is full bodied, rich and golden. The music that he and his band puts together comes across like a mixture of Weather Report, The Sensational Alex Harvey Band, and your local Armenian wedding band, with a Tibetan monk as guest vocalist. How could I be making this stuff up?!? “Ai ya Haiya” and “Lullaby” could be dead ringers for something from Mysterious Traveler, while the chucking guitar chords from Valery Panfilov deliver a mix of caberet/glam rock reminiscent of the eclectic 70s. These guys must be a kick live, as the music just sounds so visual.