Tsfasman, Aleksandr Naumovich
(1906–1971)
Tsfasman [Tsfássmuhnn], Aleksandr Naumovich (12–1/14–1906, Aleksandrovsk [now Zaporozhye]; 2–20–1971, M.). Jazz pianist, cond., and comp. Grad. 1930 from the M. Cons., where he studied pf with F. Blumenfel'd . Was the first performer in the USSR of Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue and was a founder of jazz in the Soviet Union. Organized a jazz band in M. in 1926 and, from 1939–46, directed the All-Union Radio Jazz Band. His band was the first to record jazz in the USSR and the first to cond. jam…