“Ilya really is a talented trumpeter and a great singer. This guy has got the goods. Ilya Serov- remember that name.”—Dave Koz

Russian-born Ilya Serov is a young jazz musician with an old soul. Classically trained at the prestigious St. Petersburg Conservatory, trumpet player and vocalist Serov decided to follow his love of jazz, cultivated as a teenager in the Russian city of Saratov, by pursuing his dreams in the U.S. With celebrated players like Dave Koz, Poncho Sanchez and Roger Kellaway acknowledging his talent, he is building a following as one of the jazz scene’s budding new talents. He has performed with various groups including combos, Big Bands, and symphony orchestras.

Following his 2013 LP September in the Rain, Serov’s second album, Back in Time (September 2018) is an homage to the Big Band era and features classic tunes that showcase both his musical chops and vocal interpretive skills. The album’s highlights include “Swing 42” and “L-O-V-E,” featuring duets with Grammy-winner and Oscar-nominated pianist Kellaway. “Tangerine,” is a collaboration with Grammy-winning percussionist Sanchez. “C’est Si Bon,” is a reimagining of the French popular song. “Old Devil Moon” is highlighted by a solo from Eric Marienthal, Grammy-winning sax player. The album is loaded with other classics that Serov has lovingly interpreted. It reflects his diverse influences, including Arturo Sandoval, Nat “King” Cole, Frank Sinatra, Chet Baker, and Miles Davis.

“Ilya is a great, great trumpet player and I love his voice,” Sanchez said. “Ilya’s project is commercial enough for the mainstream to enjoy but it’s hip enough for the jazz folks too because he’s a great trumpet player. He can sing the tunes and play them. That’s the edge he’s got.”

In 2018 and beyond, Ilya is pushing his career in new directions. He performed on the Dave Koz and Friends at Sea Jazz Cruise, playing with stellar musicians Dave, Michael Lington, David Benoit, Larry Graham, Peter White, and Jonathan Butler. He also played solo shows and a Young Rising Stars concert. Ilya will appear as a special guest on the 2019 cruise alongside musical giants Tower of Power, Bebe Winans, and Gerald Albright, among others. He has additional tour dates planned and other exciting projects.

With Back in Time, upcoming tour dates and a slew of collaborations in the offing, Ilya is certainly poised to make an impact on the music scene.