In 1930, bandleader Alexander Varlamov organized the "First Modern Variety Vocal Quartet". High professionalism, good taste and musicality marked Alexander Varlamov's jazz. Within the big band a combo was organized. The first Soviet jazz improvisators showed their art there - saxophonist A.Vassil'ev, P.Boriskin and V.Bykov, the trumpet players, and O.Khvedkevich, the drummer. In 1938 the septet made a series of records, where jazz was treated in a virtuous manner similiar to this of Nat Gonella and Joe Donaldson bands in England, or "Hot Club de France" jazzmen groups in pre-war France. However, I chose an earlier recording because it is probably the only time you'll hear a Soviet Russian band with English vocal, and of course as well for its excellent orchestration, up to Varlamov's great skill. This is a refined rendition of a composition by A. Varlamov himself and E. Odarovskaya. It was recorded in 1934. Vocal by Celestine Call.
