Alexey Lapin
Alexey Lapin, born on December 17, 1966, is a prominent Russian jazz pianist and composer known for his work in the realms of free jazz and improvised music. Based in Saint Petersburg, Lapin has been an influential figure in the jazz community, collaborating with a diverse array of musicians, including Sebastian Gramss, Frank Gratkowski, Melvyn Poore, Matthias Schubert, and François Carrier, among others. His discography includes several albums released under his name, with notable works such as "Inner Spire," a trio album recorded in 2011 with Canadian musicians Michel Lambert and François Carrier.
Lapin's music is characterized by its exploration of free improvisation, blending elements of academic music with the spontaneity of free jazz. His contributions to the genre have been recognized by the free-jazz community, earning him a spot as one of the Musicians of the Year in 2010 according to the Free-Jazz Stef blog. Throughout his career, Lapin has released music on various labels, including Leo Records, Red Toucan Records, and SoLyd Records, solidifying his reputation as a key figure in contemporary jazz and improvised music.