Inspired by Dave Koz and tutored by renowned music teacher Artem Mendelenko, saxophonist Andrey Chmut was born in the small town of Medzhybizh in Western Ukraine. His young life was filled with music (his mother plays the balalaika, his father plays the accordion, one of his sisters is a violinist while another is a singer) and since the age of five his mission to become a globally recognized sax-player has continued unabated.
By the age of nine he had commenced music school in Medzhybizh and was playing sax in his local church, something that he still very much loves to do. Three years later he moved to Kiev where he studied classical saxophone, first at the Glinka School Of Music and then later at the historic Glière Music College.
Glière dates back to the late 19th century when it was established as the first Ukrainian music conservatory. Over the past century many world famous musicians have passed through its doors including both Vladimir Horowitz and Militza Corius.
Andrey graduated from Glière in 2015 but even before then, driven by a love of jazz that had been with him since arriving in Kiev, he was invited to join the touring band of highly rated Ukrainian bass player Artem Lebedev. In that same year Andrey joined up with Eurovision Song Contest winner Jamala with whom he honed his stage skills while performing in venues across Europe and beyond.
It is worth noting, in this joined up musical world that is so often characterized by effective use of social media, it was Andrey’s work with Artem Lebedev which provided him with a YouTube presence that he subsequently built on through appearances with fellow Skytown label mate Valeriy Stepanov.
In fact Andrey contributes to four of the tracks from Stepanov’s debut CD ‘New Beginnings’ and now, with his own album ‘Smoothability’, he is at last stepping center stage. With featured performances from the consistently excellent U-Nam, plus the timeless Bob James, it promises to be one of the smooth jazz events of the year.
Not surprisingly Andrey cites Fourplay founder member Bob James as one of his major smooth jazz influences along with Kirk Whalum, Charlie Parker, Nelson Rangell, Eric Marienthal, Candy Dulfer, Bob Berg, Stevie Wonder, Kirk Franklin and Jamiroquai.
On hearing of Andrey’s deal with Skytown Records it was Bob James who was first with a message of support.
Congratulations on finding a new home for your music with Skytown records. I hope it will lead to lots of success. You have my permission to use the track on which I participated and I hope it becomes a big #1 hit for you! Even though we haven’t met in person, I believe we would be simpatico. Please keep me up to date with the progress of your new project and my warmest regards to you & your family.
