Andrei Kondakov, born on September 14, 1962, in Dnepropetrovsk, Ukraine, is a renowned Ukrainian jazz pianist, composer, and bandleader. He began his music education in music theory at the Dnepropetrovsk Music School but shifted his focus to jazz piano at the Petrozavodsk Music College. He further honed his skills in classical composition at the St. Petersburg Conservatory.

Kondakov entered the jazz scene at 16, performing at local festivals and drawing early influence from jazz greats like Errol Garner and Duke Ellington. A pivotal moment in his career was meeting Nick Levinovsky in 1979, which expanded his musical tastes to include Herbie Hancock, Chick Corea, and McCoy Tyner.

Since 1978, Kondakov has been an active figure in the jazz world, performing with numerous bands and touring extensively across the former USSR and internationally. He released his first solo LP, "In The Night City," in 1987. In 1988, he co-founded a critically acclaimed quartet with guitarist Andrey Ryabov, which gained significant recognition in the USSR and toured Europe.

In 1992, Kondakov began his solo career, emphasizing his melodic compositions and classical Russian piano techniques. He collaborated with prominent musicians such as Bobby McFerrin, Lenny White, and David Sanchez. In 1995, he became the art director of the St. Petersburg Jazz Club JFC.

Kondakov has also been involved in various international projects and founded a Brazilian project in 2000. His album "Christmas Concert" was released in 2008 and received an honorable mention from AllAboutJazz. He has performed at prestigious venues like Dizzy's Club Coca-Cola and the North Sea Jazz Festival.

Throughout his career, Kondakov has been a versatile musician, blending jazz with contemporary improvised music and participating in numerous groups and collaborations. His contributions to jazz have made him one of Russia's most inventive and diverse musicians.