He studied at the Moscow Conservatory and graduated in 1961. He worked actively as a pianist in big bands and jazz ensembles. His Concerto for Piano and Jazz Orchestra was premiered at the Moscow International Youth Music Festival. After that, devoted himself more to composition, establishing his original style, which fuses jazz with classical music. His works also integrate elements of rock and music from outside the Western sphere. He shows a tendency toward the so-called “Third Stream” and gained much popularity.