Vladimir Tarasov

by Chris KelseyTarasov attained prominence as a member of the Ganelin Trio (also known as the Ganelin-Tarasov-Checkasin Trio), an extraordinary group that played free jazz in Soviet-era Russia and Lithuania. Tarasov is an energetic and resourceful player with a fine ear for tonal color. He was raised in northern Russia. He began playing drums in 1961, studying music in Arkhangelsk and Leningrad before emigrating to Vilnius, Lithuania, in 1968. In 1969, he formed a duo with pianist Vyacheslav Ganelin; the duo became a trio when saxophonist Vladimir Checkasin joined in 1971. Besides his work with the trio, Tarasov has recorded his solo music and performed with such American musicians as Andrew Cyrille and the ROVA Saxophone Quartet. He is also the head of the Lithuanian Art Orchestra. Tarasov has composed for film and theater, and is an accomplished visual artist.