Larisa Dolina: In terms of complexity, jazz can be compared with classical music

Larisa Dolina, who will headline the third day of the Koktebel Jazz Party — 2015 with Igor Butman's big band, believes that in terms of complexity, jazz can be compared with classical music and its popularity is growing because people want more serious, live music.

"Everyone has always treated jazz differently. This is a difficult genre comparable only with classical music. It has never been number one, as the top spot is held by pop music. To play and sing jazz, you have to work hard, know a lot and you have to be born with it. It is impossible to acquire the swing feel. If you have it, then you can develop it through exercises and improvisations. This is why there are few jazz singers in the world. I was lucky to be born with it and I developed myself. Nevertheless, the gold fund of jazz is huge and there are lots of names in it," she said.

Dolina already gave concerts in the Crimea in late June as part of an anniversary program in which a symphonic orchestra took part.

"The orchestra was wonderful. There were musicians from different theaters in Crimea. We had great concerts. The audiences met our performances with standing ovations, and at each concert we played an encore. This is great, people started desiring live, real, pure music. They are tired of phonograms," the singer told.

Dolina also shared her experiences cooperating with Igor Butman. "Igor and I played our first program, The Jazz Carnival, in 2000. We had a lot of tours and played at sold-out venues in all cities. People came and everyone was happy. Butman's big band is the best not only in Russia, but in Europe, and it as good as big bands from the United States," she said.

The singer stressed that Butman is both gifted and experienced. "It is easy and pleasant to work with him. We made our second program several years later and went to Israel, the United States with it. We played for Americans and they were really surprised that there is a singer in Russia able to sing improvisations. We are on the same page with Igor," Dolina said.