Tsfasman was a 1906 Ukrainian citizen. He discovered jazz while studying at Moscow’s Music Conservatory in the 20s. He founded the first USSR professional jazz band, the “AMA Jazz Band”, in 1926. The ensemble consisted of a trumpet, trombon, drum, a drum and a clarinet. Tsfasman was the pianist. In 1928, the AMA Jazz Band became the first country orchestra to broadcast live on the radio. The record contained two tracks: “Seminola” by Harry Warren and “Hallelujah!” by Vincent Youmans. Alexander Tsfasman recorded over 140 records during the next 20 years. He recorded popular musics such as foxtrot and waltz as well as pieces for classical orchestra. Tsfasman was not only a musician with his band but also performed solo piano concerts and wrote music for the movie industry. Tsfasman was appointed director of the newly founded All-Union Radio Commitee’s Jazz Orchestra in 1938. He gave many concerts with them during the War for Red Army soldiers. After the war, he continued to perform with the Hermitage Theater’s group. His career fell in the 40’s as jazz became the target of ideological attacks. from http://ceintsdebakelite.wordpress.com
