THE DEVELOPMENT OF JAZZ IN UKRAINIAN MUSICAL ART

15.05.2025, 21:50 grinchenko-inform.kubg.edu.ua

Jazz is a musical genre that originated in the early 20th century in the United States, but its influence quickly spread worldwide, including to Ukraine. Ukrainian musical art was able to adapt jazz by blending it with national traditions, creating a unique sound. The development of jazz in Ukraine is a vivid example of international cultural dialogue, which has contributed to shaping the modern musical identity of our country.

The emergence of jazz in Ukraine dates back to the 1920s–1930s, when the first orchestras began performing dance music with jazz elements. One of the pioneers was Leonid Utyosov, who, from Odesa, formed an orchestra that played jazz compositions infused with elements of Ukrainian song traditions. During Soviet times, jazz was perceived ambiguously — the authorities considered it a manifestation of “bourgeois culture”, which led to censorship and restrictions.

In the 1960s–1970s, during the so-called ‘Thaw,’ jazz began to revive in the USSR, including in Ukraine. Jazz clubs, ensembles, and festivals started to appear. One of the most prominent centers of the jazz movement became the Lviv Conservatory, where performers of jazz music began to receive formal training. In Kyiv, Kharkiv, Odesa, and other cities, strong jazz communities began to form.

The State of Jazz After IndependenceSince 1991, the development of jazz in Ukraine has become more dynamic. Numerous jazz clubs and festivals have opened, including international-level events — such as the Alfa Jazz Fest (now Leopolis Jazz Fest) in Lviv, which has brought together top performers from around the world. Ukrainian musicians began to actively collaborate with foreign colleagues, study abroad, and bring back new ideas and techniques.

Today, Ukrainian jazz is a fusion of tradition and innovation. Artists such as Enver Izmaylov, Nataliya Lebedeva, Yuliya Roma, Dmytro Radzevskyi, and others experiment with form, incorporating folk elements, electronic music, and classical influences. This contributes to the formation of an authentic Ukrainian jazz style that is gaining recognition far beyond the country’s borders.