Discography
 Kapustnik 2008 |
MNEMOSYNE is a debut release by Ljova's ensemble Ljova and the Kontraband, a group dedicated to original music that washes away distinguishing lines between chamber music, jazz, contemporary global folk music. Mnemosyne is the Greek name for the goddess of memory, and in a way, this is a tribute to our collective experience. In the past few decades, there have been massive revivals in almost every genre and region of music. While a major part of these revivals has been to rediscover the proverbial “Golden Era”, we've concentrated on trying to take these directions further, freeing our musical influences from their historical characteristics and context. [More Info, Buy Here]
VJOLA: WORLD ON FOUR STRINGS -- Ljova's debut solo album. This album is a travelogue of sorts, though most journeys didn't take me much further than the Island of Manhattan. It is a dedication to the ever-changing neighborhoods of New York City, its diverse cultures, and of course its illustrious musicians, from whom I draw much of my inspiration. Everything you hear on this album (with the exception of Michael's accordion on "Garmoshka", and the synth bass on "Breadbasket Blues") was recorded by myself on a viola. Each instrumental part was recorded separately, one after the other, and most arrangements were improvised from rough sketches. The choice of using viola as a multi-track instrument was as much artistic as it was a matter of convenience – the ensemble was cheap, hungry for a new sound, and very much of a similar mind." [More Info, Buy Here] |
 In A Circle Records 2008
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PASSPORT and SILENT CITY ---The acclaimed new string quartet Brooklyn Rider has recorded two of Ljova's compositions, "Plume" and "Crosstown", for their debut CD release, "Passport". At the same time, Brooklyn Rider recorded a new Ljova arrangement of "Parvaz" by Kayhan Kalhor, on their World Village debut release, "Silent City", which also features the title track, co-arranged by Ljova and Kayhan Kalhor. [More Info] |
 Sony Classics 2007
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Yo-Yo Ma and the Silk Road Ensemble -- "New Impossibilities" - The third release from Yo-Yo Ma and the Silk Road Ensemble, featuring music by Rabih Abou-Khalil, Osvaldo Golijov, Sandeep Das, Zhou Long, and others, as well as The Silent City, composed by Kayhan Kalhor and arranged by Ljova. Get your copy today at Amazon.com !
Silk Road Journeys: Beyond The Horizon Yo-Yo Ma and Silk Road Ensemble - recordings of live concerts by the Silk Road Ensemble are available from the Ensemble's 2006 tour. These recordings include Ljova's arrangements of traditional Chinese folk tunes "Blue" and "Green" (with Wu Man), Kayhan Kalhor's "The Silent City", and the Taraf de Haidouks tune "Turceasca" (with O. Golijov). [More info] |
 Sony Classics 2008 |
"Tango!", a Sony Classics release, features the cellist Jan Vogler along with Moritzburg Festival's Soloists Mira Wang and Colin Jacobsen (Violin), Nicholas Cords (Viola) and Vanessa Perez (Piano). You can hear Ljova's arrangement of Astor Piazzolla's "Libertango" on this recording. Get your copy at Amazon.com |
 Matador Records 2006 |
MATMOS: The Rose Has Teeth in the Mouth of a Beast - The latest from hyper-innovative SF-based duo Matmos consists of ten aural and visual portraits of famous people such as Valerie Solanas (shot Andy Warhol), Larry Levan ('80s NYC dance DJ), Darby Crash (singer of punk group The Germs), King Ludwig II (mad, last ruler of Bavaria), James Bidgood ('60s gay porn director), William S. Burroughs (beat author), and many more. Accompanying each musical portrait is a visual one, commissioned by the band, by artists ranging from Dan Clowes to Adam Ansell to Jason Mecier. Various accompanists include Antony of Antony & The Johnsons, The Kronos Quartet, Bjork, Jay Lesser, and more... and featuring Ljova's string arrangement on "Solo Buttons for Joe Meek"! Get your copy today at Amazon.com! |
 Deutsche Grammophon 2005 |
AYRE - featuring original songs and folk music arrangements by Osvaldo Golijov, Gustavo Santaolalla and Luciano Berio. Performed by Dawn Upshaw and the Andalucian Dogs (featuring: Tara O’Connor, flute • David Krakauer, clarinet • Jamie Sommerville, horn • Ljova, viola • Erik Friedlander, violoncello • Mark Dresser, double bass • Bridget Kibbey, harp • Michael Ward-Bergeman, hyper-accordion • Gustavo Santaolalla, guitar/ronroco • Jamie Haddad, percussion • Jeremy Flower, sound design & laptop) Nominated for the 2005 Grammy Awards!Get your copy at Amazon.com ! |
 Tzadik 2007 |
Convivencia - La Mar Enfortuna. La Mar Enfortuna is the Sephardic side project from the masterminds of legendary noir rock group Elysian Fields, Oren Bloedow and Jennifer Charles. La Mar Enfortuna is a modern exploration of lost or forgotten music mostly of the Sephardim from the 11th to the 16th century. Ljova plays viola on several of the tracks, in the ensemble that in addition to Charles and Bloedow includes Doug Wieselman, Ted Reichman, Robert DiPietro, and Brahim Fribgane, Chuscales, Liaqat Khan, and Benjamin Lapidus. [More Info] |
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Presqu'ile - a collection of 12 original songs by Angus Martin and arrangements in French, Spanish, Italian, and Haitian Creole. Featuring (among others) Marta Topferova (vocals & percussion), Ljova (viola), Jenny Scheinman (fiddle), Kenny Kozol (drums), Chris Komer (French horn) and Yulia Musayelyan (flute). Get your copy at CDBaby! |
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You've Stolen My Heart - Songs from R.D. Burman's Bollywood - featuring Asha Bhosle, the Kronos Quartet, Wu Man and Zakir Hussain -- as well as transcriptions from the original Bollywood recordings by Ljova. A very special treat! |
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Fragments - Assif Tsahar and the New York Underground Orchestra. Improvised new music, featuring a terrific ensemble, and several solos by Ljova. Get your copy at Squidco! |
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SOHEIL NASSERI plays Yedidia, Zhurbin and Zyman. This debut recording by dazzling pianist Soheil Nasseri features the premiere recording of Ljova's "Sicilienne" in an arrangement for piano solo. This CD "single" also includes works by Ronn Yedidia and Samuel Zyman. Get your copy for only $5 at Soheil's website! |
| Alexander Zhurbin - An Attempt of Self-Portrait - includes performances by a wide array of artists (among them Ljova on viola, his father, and Ljova's mother singing!) Recorded "Live" in a NYC studio. Currently unavailable |
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Heavenly Lullabies: A collection of peaceful lullabies, perfect for all children. Ljova joins a list of many talented + celebrated musicians, and performs here with the pianist George Davidson. All proceeds from the sale of this CD benefit the Twin Towers Orphan Fund. |
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Collaborations with the pianist George Davidson:
With Love: -- Ljova's third collaboration in the Easy-Listening mode with Cayman Islands-based pianist George Davidson. More tunes you "know and love", and a few others you probably do not. Selections from Clayderman's repetoire, Morricone, and an original by George where Ljova accompanies in his signature multitrack style. "ALLURE" -- with George Davidson (piano) and Ljova (viola). Another CD of beautiful melodies and peaceful arrangements, which includes an original tune by George, and another tune which George and Ljova wrote together. A truly wonderful album. "Twin Strings II" - with George Davidson (piano), Eugenio Leon (Paraguayian Harp) and Ljova (viola) |
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