[Dixielandjazz] The Other Side of Igor

[Robert S. Ringwald]

As I mentioned in a previous post, I wrote the lead article for 
the Sacramento Traditional Jazz Society's monthly newsletter, 
"And All That Jazz," the month that Igor was a guest star.  
 
As a separate, second article, I wrote "The Other Side of Igor."  
It appeared in the same newsletter with a picture of Igor taken 
from the rear--Not a pretty site...  
 
Since Igor and his band are one of the top draws on the 
Traditional Jazz Festival circuit, I am posting the article here.  
 
Bob
Mr.wonderful@ringwald.com
Placerville, CA  USA
See: http://www.ringwald.com
 
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                        THE OTHER SIDE OF
                             I G O R
 
(Includes a pic of Igor from the rear).
 
Yes, our February 10, 2002 guest star does have another side... 
Igor was born and reared in the Deep South where he performed as 
a Gospel singer at the age of five. He went to Arizona in 1961 
for a one-year residency at Taliesin West in Scottsdale. At 
Taliesin, he worked by day as an architectural draftsman for 
several Frank Lloyd Wright projects including Grady Gammage 
Auditorium. By night he was involved in the Phoenix Folk Music 
scene, performing as a vocalist, classical and folk guitarist, 
and string bass player. This early "folk crowd" included Linda 
Ronstadt, Waylon Jennings, John Denver and   Paul Stookey (of 
"Peter, "Paul & Mary" fame.
 
Following his residency at Taliesin West, he was offered a music 
scholarship to Arizona State University. After graduating with 
Honors, and a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree. He enrolled in law 
school for a very brief tenure. After three semesters Igor left 
to join and tour worldwide with the popular Folk singing group, 
The "New Christy Minstrels. They appeared on several network 
television programs, including Johnny Carson's "Tonight Show" and 
Bob Hope TV specials. 
 
For the past 15 years, Igor's Jazz Cowboys have presented an 
Arizona-themed show for events both in and out of state. They 
were appointed "Arizona's Ambassadors of Goodwill" by the 
Governor and were recognized by Parliament in British Columbia 
for their unique, Southwestern entertainment. 
 
In 1994, they made their European debut in festivals in both 
Holland and Germany. The following year they toured Australia, 
appearing on the country's major television networks. In 1996, 
Igor toured Israel as part of an All-Star jazz group. 
 
Igor and his wife, Barbara, reside in the Phoenix suburb of Tempe 
Arizona. They have one daughter, Johanna, who attends Portland 
State University in Oregon. 
 
When not traveling, Igor continues to improve his craft through 
college courses, tutorials, and workshops. He is a member of the 
Arizona Songwriters' Association and the Western Music 
Association. The latter recently named Igor (and a fellow 
musician from the area), "International Duo Yodeling Champions" 
for 2002.
 
end