Ilya Lushtak Ensemble (NYC)

Ilya Lushtak is a virtuosic American jazz guitarist who has been a prominent figure in the New York jazz community since the mid-1990s. Since establishing himself in the global capital of jazz, Ilya has performed and recorded alongside an illustrious roster of legends, including Hank Jones, Barry Harris, Jimmy Cobb, Cedar Walton, Mel Rhyne, Louis Hayes, Rufus Reid, Mickey Roker, Charles Earland, Dr. Lonnie Smith, Jimmy Heath, Curtis Lundy, Joe Magnarelli, David Hazeltine, Ray Appleton, Wynton Marsalis, Ben Dixon, Roy Hargrove, and Joe Farnsworth.

His career is defined by regular appearances at the world’s most iconic jazz venues, such as the Village Vanguard, Smoke, the Iridium, the Blue Note, Fat Cat, Smalls, and Dizzy’s. He has also collaborated with leading jazz organizations, including Jazz Mobile, and has been featured at major international events like The Charlie Parker Festival.

Although born in Russia, Ilya’s musical identity was forged in Los Angeles and San Francisco, where he grew up under the mentorship of West Coast masters. His formative years were spent studying and performing with esteemed figures such as Bruce Forman, Vince Lateano, Vince Wallace, Ed Kelly, and Bishop Norman Williams. He continues to maintain these deep artistic ties, returning annually to perform with West Coast legends Larry Vuckovich and Noel Jewkes.

Now based in New York, Ilya leads a prolific professional life as both a bandleader and a premier sideman for the ensembles of Bernard Purdie, Ray Appleton, Mike LeDonne, Joe Farnsworth, and Todd Herbert. He is also a long-standing member of the legendary saxophonist Frank Wess’s ensemble.

While deeply rooted in the Bebop tradition, Lushtak’s artistry extends well beyond classical boundaries. He is a respected voice in Gospel and Soul and frequently experiments with contemporary urban jazz movements. A notable illustration of his versatility is his ongoing role in the historic ensemble of the influential Abyssinian Baptist Church of Harlem.

The Ensemble:

• Andrei Zimovets (Piano) – One of St. Petersburg’s most distinguished jazz pianists and a leading authority on Bebop theory in Russia. A student of the legendary Barry Harris, Zimovets is a laureate of the Gnesin-Jazz International Festival and has performed with world-class artists such as Grant Stewart, Phil Stewart, Ari Roland, and Eric Alexander.
• Vladimir Koltsov-Krutov (Double Bass) – Widely regarded as one of Russia’s premier bassists, he is a mainstay of the elite jazz scenes in both Moscow and St. Petersburg. His extensive career includes collaborations with Igor Butman, Billy Taylor, Barry Harris, Johnny Griffin, and Al Foster.
• Egor Kryukovskikh (Drums) – A highly acclaimed drummer and a regular guest at international festivals including Jazz Across Borders and White Night Swing. A multi-award winner in competitions such as the Washington Star and Salzburg Stars, he is also known for his featured appearance on the popular TV project Great Jazz.