That smooth talking Russian

After his performance in Cyprus two years ago, the famous Russian singer-songwriter Grigory Leps of Georgian origin, is back again at the Dolce Club in Limassol on Thursday.

Although Leps started his career following the Russian chanson genre, concentrating on themes of the urban underclass and the criminal underworld, he now performs his unique style of rock and pop music.

Leps is a trained percussionist and after he finished his army service, he started singing in restaurants in Moscow. It didn’t take long for him to get a record deal and in 1995 he released his first album called May God Keep You, including the hit song Natali. He has released 11 albums since then, the last one in 2012.

The singer, who also plays the piano, guitar and drums, is not just a pretty face with a silky voice, he is also a collector of old books, icons and sunglasses – which is probably why he never leaves home without a pair. Or maybe there is more to the sunglasses, as in October of 2013, the US Department of Treasury blacklisted Leps over links with an international criminal group.

Whatever the case, his wide vocal range and low, strong baritone voice is sure to get some lighters in the air.

Grigory Leps
Live performance by the Russian singer. June 30. Dolce Club, Limassol. 8pm. €60. Tel: 25-314900

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