Jazz saxophonist Igor Butman has spoken about his international plans in recent interviews. The musician has set a course for the United States, aiming to bring his distinctive sound to audiences in several major cities. In addition to touring, he will be recording in New York, where the studio schedule will see him balance performance with creative sessions as he continues to build a diverse catalog of original work.
A notable stop on the calendar is Portland, where a September appearance is projected. The show in this Pacific Northwest city will showcase the vibrancy of his quintet and its ability to fuse traditional jazz with contemporary sensibilities. Alongside live appearances, preparations are underway for a new round of studio work in New York City, highlighting ongoing collaboration with seasoned musicians and fresh improvisational ideas.
Beyond North America, plans call for a multi-city tour in China with a quintet, a project that has seen delays. The postponement from the original May 17 date stemmed from a quarantine period, but the team is actively working to confirm updated dates within the year. This tour represents a bridge between European and Asian audiences, reflecting the artist’s interest in cross-cultural exchange through jazz.
Additional touring activity is on the agenda for Türkiye, with performances slated for early October. The itinerary demonstrates a commitment to presenting his repertoire to diverse audiences across the globe and engaging with local jazz communities along the way.
Butman’s passion for music began in childhood, growing into a lifelong pursuit. After completing school, he enrolled at the Moscow Conservatory-affiliated M. Mussorgsky College of Music, where early training laid a foundation for his later innovations. In 1978, jazz pioneer David Goloshchekin invited him into a working ensemble, marking the first major professional milestone. That same year he formed his first jazz quartet, signaling the emergence of a leadership role in the scene. By 1981, the saxophonist joined Sergei Kuryokhin’s quintet, performing at the New Jazz Spring Concerts and gaining exposure to experimental formats that would influence his future direction.
In the years that followed, Butman accumulated recognitions that reflected his impact on Russian and international jazz. In 2011, he received the title of People’s Artist of Russia, a prestigious honor acknowledging his artistic contributions. He was also awarded the Order of Merit for the Fatherland, IV degree, underscoring his cultural significance and contributions to the arts on a national level.
In November 2022, Butman achieved a notable milestone documented in the Russian book of records. He performed an unprecedented number of concerts under his own leadership, a testament to his stamina, leadership, and ongoing demand as a driving force in the jazz community. These achievements capture a career that blends virtuosic performance with executive leadership of projects that span continents and audiences.