Jazz Articles about Alexey Nikolaev

Alexey Nikolaev: From Russia with Chops

by Jason West
May 13, 2003

The first time I heard Alexey Nikolaev perform (last year at the Hopvine Pub with Kareem Kandi) I was knocked out by his big tenor sound and his willingness to take chances with the music. Employing a huge note range and complete control of his instrument, Nikolaev's solos were show-stoppers; they never failed to get a rise out of the audience. And, while some may consider the constant display of musical pyrotechnics too flashy, such solos are fun to listen ...