ZHENYA STRIGALEV (saxophones, electronics)

Since graduating from London’s prestigious Royal Academy of Music, where he was invited on the full scholarship, Zhenya has cut a dynamic path between the London and New York jazz scenes.

He’s worked with some of today’s most forward thinking musicians (including Eric Harland, Ambrose Akinmusire, Tim Lefebvre, Chris "Daddy" Dave, Alex Sipiagin, William Parker, Aaron Parks, Joseph "Foley" McCreary from Miles Davis fame, Larry Grenadier) and has appeared at many prestigious jazz festivals and concert venues, performing extensively in Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Sweden, Russia, Czech Republic, Austria, Britain, Switzerland, Chile, Argentina, Peru.

He has recorded 4 albums with his groups Smiling Organizm and Never Group and his music is regularly played on BBC radio as well as national radio stations in Austria, Germany, Finland, Switzerland, Australia, France. You can also see his concerts around the world on the French music TV station, Mezzo Live HD.

He enjoys the challenge of shining a light on the undiscovered, and describes the desired on-the-edge thrill that unfolds: “The whole point of what I do is that I need to surprise myself". Hi latest project is JZ Replacement and their latest album "Disrespectful" came out on St Petersburg label, Rainy Days in 2020.

"A maverick at the heart of modern jazz."

★★★★ The Telegraph

"This could be the kind of jazz album that has something for everyone... Universally appealing."

★★★★½ DownBeat Magazine