Alex Kofman

Alex Kofman (born 1949 in Kiev ; † July 26, 1999 in New York City ) was a Ukrainian-American klezmer and jazz trombonist .

Kofman became interested in jazz at the age of 13 after seeing a concert by Benny Goodman's big band . As a teenager he gained his first musical experience in Soviet military bands; at the age of 16 he toured the USSR with Eddie Rosner's big band . In the early 1970s he studied classical trombone at the Gnessin Institute in Moscow ; in addition, he played in jazz clubs and appeared at various Soviet jazz festivals and on national radio. He also played with gas animal forming big bands such as the Duke Ellington Orchestra and the Thad Jones / Mel Lewis Orchestra at jam sessions . In 1973 he emigrated to the United States and worked there in the big bands of Buddy Rich , Thad Jones / Mel Lewis , Toshiko Akiyoshi / Lew Tabackin , the Lee Konitz Nonet and in Slide Hampton's Trombone Ensemble , as well as with Dexter Gordon , Woody Shaw , Junior Cook , Bob Berg , Tom Harrell and Red Rodney . In the early 1980s he played in the Lev Zabeginsky quintet and in the Andy Statman Klezmer Orchestra, with whom he recorded in 1996. Recordings with him and this group were also released on two albums by Geduldig un Thimann .

The trombonist is not to be confused with the electronic musician of the same name.

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personal data
SURNAME	Kofman, Alex
ALTERNATIVE NAMES	Kofman, Alexander
BRIEF DESCRIPTION	Ukrainian-American jazz musician
DATE OF BIRTH	1949
PLACE OF BIRTH	Kiev
DATE OF DEATH	July 26, 1999
Place of death	New York City