Hailed by Billboard Magazine as "one of New York's fastest-rising composers and instrumentalists", LJOVA (Lev Zhurbin) stands at the forefront of his generation as the premiere bridge between the world's musical cultures. Ljova was born in 1978 in Moscow, Russia, and moved to New York with his parents, composer Alexander Zhurbin and writer Irena Ginzburg, in 1990. He divides his time between performing as a violist in diverse groups ranging from his own LJOVA AND THE KONTRABAND, to string quartets, jazz combos and gypsy bands; studying and arranging music for the likes of Yo-Yo Ma, the Kronos Quartet, Matmos and Jay-Z; and composing original music for film, TV, theatre and the concert stage.For more information, upcoming shows and free downloads, visit his website at www.Ljova.com
VJOLA: WORLD ON FOUR STRINGS This debut release of maverick composer, arranger, and violist Ljova
(Lev Zhurbin) draws on a multitude of cross-cultural influences, and is performed almost exclusively on multi-tracked viola. In addition to a busy career as a performer and film composer, Ljova is a frequent collaborator with Yo-Yo Ma and the Silk Road Project, the Kronos Quartet, Osvaldo Golijov, as well as many other independent artists.
From blues to Bjork, to Latin and Gypsy dances, to a nostalgic Russian street-waltz (featuring Michael Ward-Bergeman on accordion), Ljova pushes the boundaries of his instrument. Using inventive improvisation and arranging techniques, his compositions dazzle with intricate textures, odd rhythms and lilting melodies, creating music that is both fresh and timeless.
Just to day that I really love the 'folky' feel to your music. I am currently writing some european folk-inspired music for a theatre show so it is great to hear your stuff!
Thank you so mush Ljova Its a pleasure to meet you and even more so to hear such a magical sound, I will be visiting you often dear friend Kindest regards Dorothy x
