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Igor was born on July 14, 1965 in Moscow, Russia. Everyone, especially his mother, wanted him to become a musician. Consequently, he took an early interest in music, learning the piano at age four. Throughout his life, he has learned to play many instruments: trombone, french horn, guitar, bass, and drums. His main focus, however, is the piano and other keyed instruments. He recieved formal music training, eventually graduating from three schools with a degree in composition and directing orchestra. Along the way, he was influenced by Rachmaninoff, Stravinsky, Copland, Prokofiev, Gershwin, and many others. He also studied the visual arts and to this day he continues to express himself on canvas and paper. Igor came to the U.S. in the early 1990's where he learned English and started to pay his dues as an aspiring musician. Working as a church musician and dishwasher, he was able to save some money to buy his first keyboard. With that, he moved to Boston and began his career. Even before he was contacted by Yes, he had a chance to play with some very talented musicians, such as Brad Delp (Boston), Benjamin Orr (The Cars), and Charlie Farren (The Joe Perry Project/Farrenheit). Living in Boston and playing every night with different bands, Igor met Carl Jacobson, who at that time worked for Cakewalk. Igor was hired by Carl to do 34 MIDI files and 6 audio files for the music content of the software. At the same time, Carl was working with Jon Anderson of Yes. Carl passed a tape of Igor's Piano Works to Jon (also working with Cakewalk at the time), urging him to give it a listen. Jon was so moved by the skill and emotion of his music that he decided to call Igor for audition. The rehearsal went well, and thus began his relationship with Yes. Along with contributing outstanding keyboard tracks and an explosive organ solo to their album, Open Your Eyes, Igor toured extensively as the keyboard player for Yes. He had a great time playing Yes music- having fun modifying sounds and bringing them to the next level, yet keeping the spirit of classic Yes that we all know and love. Igor describes his first tour as one of the most challenging and extraordinary periods of his life so far. Igor has completed writing and recording a new album with Yes called The Ladder. Again, Igor toured the US and Europe in support of this album. At present, the band is on the road on their Masterworks 2000 US tour, where Igor is getting a chance to perform some early Yes music. Additionally, Igor has completed Piano Works, a collection of solo piano music based on his interpretations of the paintings and lives of some of the greatest artists to have ever lived. Igor describes Piano Works as one of the biggest achievements of his life. This is saying a lot from someone who as already achieved so much. - Bryan Jensen
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