Get your seats early. Well-known American Jazz vocalist Denise Perrier will perform on January 27 together with Russia's equally well known Andrei Kondakov's jazz trio from St.Petersburg (Andrei Kondakov — piano, Grigory Voskoboynik — double-bass, Alexander Mashin — percussion).

Perrier follows in the traditions of Bessie Smith, Dianah Washington and many other famous African-American vocalists. She first performed in Russia in 1997 in Cheliabinsk and Moscow and has returned, three years later, to record as well as perform.

Before heading over to Eastern Europe she toured the South Pacific last year - Australia, Japan, Philippines, Vietnam, European countries and participated in a jazz festival in Mexico. Her recently released CD, "I Wanna Be Loved," which is co-produced with tenor saxophonist Houston Person, promotes her as a romantic balladeer, a gutsy blues chanteuse and a classic jazz stylist.

One of the best known Russian jazz pianists, Kondakov's resume is no less impressive. He began to play jazz in the late 1970s in his native town of Petrozavodsk. In 1980s he played in a quartet which also featured the guitarist Andrei Ryabov and was considered one of the best small jazz bands in the former USSR. He regularly plays with saxophone player Igor Butman, and occasionally with other visiting Americans. His jazz rock band, Without Address, also has recorded a duo with American singer Napua DeVoy.

The concert will be held at the Central House of Artists (Krymsky val, 10) Tickets can be reserved by calling 238-1955.