Valery Ponomarev

Source: The List (Issue 584)
Date: 23 August 2007

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On the flip side of sound

Trumpeter Valery Ponomarev has been making regular visits to Scotland since the early 90s, usually at the behest of drummer and Jazz Bar owner Bill Kyle. I am among the many journalists and thousands of fans who have pinned him back and demanded to hear the story of how he managed to escape the former Soviet Union with false documents and flee to New York to join Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers.

Indeed, as he says himself, if he had only one cent for every time he has answered these questions, he would be a billionaire by now. With no sign of curiosity over this contemporary fairy-tale abating, Ponomarev opted to set the record straight once and for all by writing a book about his life, On the Flip Side of Sound. The hard-hitting bop trumpeter is back for his usual Fringe residence at The Jazz Bar, and will also guest with the Jazz Bar Big Band. (Kenny Mathieson)

The Jazz Bar, until 26 Aug, 11pm, £6; 27 Aug, 8.30pm, £5.

More: Edinburgh Festivals, Festival Fringe, Valery Ponomarev, Jazz & Blues (Music)