Biography
Emerging as one of New York’s foremost jazz pianists, the Russia-born Misha Tsiganov commands attention through daring improvisation rooted in post-bop language. Wider notice arrived during the 2000s as he collaborated with Hendrik Meurkens, Myron Walden, and Joe Chambers. His own releases—The Artistry of the Standard in 2014, Playing with the Wind in 2018, and Misha’s Wishes in 2022—highlight a nimble small ensemble anchored by trumpeter Alex Sipiagin and saxophonist Seamus Blake. The 2024 album Painter of Dreams again paired him with Sipiagin while adding saxophonist Chris Potter among its guests.
Tsiganov entered the world in 1966 in St. Petersburg, Russia, into a household of artists; his father worked as a sculptor while his mother taught music. Piano studies began at age six, leading to graduation from Mussorgsky College of Music. In 1990 he earned the Prize-winner-diploma at the All-Russia Jazz Competition, then immigrated to the United States the following year to train with vibraphonist Gary Burton at Boston’s Berklee College of Music. Relocating afterward to New York City, he performed with jazz and Latin figures such as Norman Hedman, Johnny Colon, Chico Freeman, and Hendrik Meurkens. Leading his own projects, he introduced Always Heading West in 2007 and followed with Dedications in 2012. Additional associations encompass Clark Terry, Michael Brecker, Wynton Marsalis, Joe Chambers, Gary Bartz, Myron Walden, and numerous others.
Starting with The Artistry of the Standard in 2014, Tsiganov has issued a series of bold, refined recordings for Criss Cross. Spring Feelings from 2016 joined the earlier title, Playing with the Wind, and Misha’s Wishes in spotlighting longtime associate Alex Sipiagin alongside Seamus Blake and additional sidemen. On 2024’s Painter of Dreams he employed Fender Rhodes and Minimoog synthesizer, once more with Sipiagin, bassist Matt Brewer, and drummer Johnathan Blake. Guests included saxophonists Chris Potter and Miguel Zenon plus vocalist Hiske Oosterwijk.
Tsiganov entered the world in 1966 in St. Petersburg, Russia, into a household of artists; his father worked as a sculptor while his mother taught music. Piano studies began at age six, leading to graduation from Mussorgsky College of Music. In 1990 he earned the Prize-winner-diploma at the All-Russia Jazz Competition, then immigrated to the United States the following year to train with vibraphonist Gary Burton at Boston’s Berklee College of Music. Relocating afterward to New York City, he performed with jazz and Latin figures such as Norman Hedman, Johnny Colon, Chico Freeman, and Hendrik Meurkens. Leading his own projects, he introduced Always Heading West in 2007 and followed with Dedications in 2012. Additional associations encompass Clark Terry, Michael Brecker, Wynton Marsalis, Joe Chambers, Gary Bartz, Myron Walden, and numerous others.
Starting with The Artistry of the Standard in 2014, Tsiganov has issued a series of bold, refined recordings for Criss Cross. Spring Feelings from 2016 joined the earlier title, Playing with the Wind, and Misha’s Wishes in spotlighting longtime associate Alex Sipiagin alongside Seamus Blake and additional sidemen. On 2024’s Painter of Dreams he employed Fender Rhodes and Minimoog synthesizer, once more with Sipiagin, bassist Matt Brewer, and drummer Johnathan Blake. Guests included saxophonists Chris Potter and Miguel Zenon plus vocalist Hiske Oosterwijk.
Albums
