Vadim Vyadro

1946 - 2014
A brilliant free-jazz innovator from Riga, Latvia, Vadim Vyadro was born into a well-known artistic family. His mother, Inna, was a coloratura soprano. His father, Michael, was an actor, who later became a successful concert tour promoter, as well as a writer.

In 1964, Vadim was accepted into the High School of Music, where he became interested in swing jazz, showing an extraordinary talent in improvisation. In 1968, he continued his music education at the State Conservatory of Music, taking advanced classes in clarinet, music theory and composition. In 1972, he graduated as a solo performer, the highest degree given by the Conservatory to its most accomplished alumni. The same year he recorded his first album, "Concerto for Saxophone and Chamber Music Orchestra".

In 1972, Vadim formed his first jazz ensemble. The group participated in major jazz festivals around the country, performing many of his own compositions. The music observer wrote that "the compositions offered by Mr. Vyadro were expertly arranged, demonstrated an enviable understanding of jazz music, admirable taste and wide possibilities for improvisation." He also recorded extensively, and was "unanimously recognized by the jazz experts as the leading Soviet jazz musician." His dazzling technique and artistry earned him many of the highest awards, including top prize in the tenor sax category at the International Jazz Festival in Prague.

In his book, "Red and Hot", S. Frederick Starr wrote "...the Riga Conservatory-trained saxophonist Vadim Vyadro was experimenting with twelve-tone jazz, astonishing the Muscovites with his boldness. In his combination of inventiveness, technical sophistication, and sheer intensity Vyadro was years ahead of his colleagues; he bewildered and challenged them."

In 1974, Vadim moved to Vienna, Austria. He performed at the European jazz festivals, along with Art Farmer and Pony Poindexter, and made recordings with the ORF orchestra. The music press wrote: "how unlikely it was that the country, which was relatively isolated from the world of jazz, could produce a jazz musician, with such a mature and distinctive personal style that ranges from swing to abstract sonorities of the avant-garde genre."

In 1975, Vadim came to New York, where he played in the Broadway production of "Jesus Christ Superstar". In 1976, he was invited to collaborate on the album "Szobel" (Arista Records), playing saxophone, clarinet and flute. In 1983, John S. Wilson of the New York Times wrote about his performance: "…Mr. Vyadro, assisted by the American bassist Cecil McBee and the drummer Billy Hart …produced a beautifully sustained saxophone solo and piano solo that carried echoes of Thelonious Monk..."

His brilliant and thriving musical career was tragically interrupted by a terminal illness. The world of music lost an exceptional musician and a remarkable man. Vadim was gracious, compassionate and generous to everyone who knew him. His inspiring performances will always be remembered by those who were fortunate to hear him play.

Vadim is survived by his wife, Svetlana, and son, Michael, both of New York, who will miss his love, gentle soul, and noble heart.