"Sheer heaven - stirring, passionate and highly entertaining" 

The Three Weeks review *****  Edinburgh Festival 2004

 

"Sarah Harrison and Igor Outkine of the duo Mazaika are real troupers, to use an old-fashioned expression, but they're also real musicians .She extracts fine tone, gypsy passion and snappy swing from her violin while he, a sort of Russian Rick Wakeman of the button accordion, switches from a conventional instrument to a Midi accordion – a veritable Tardis of an instrument, much more than it appears, from which he coaxes everything from guitar tones and saxophone solos to a James Brown back-up band. And he sings, with all the earthy passion of a Russian tenor – but he's not above a quick rendition of I Feel Good.

Despite the "in cabaret" label, they're on stage and the audience are in rows – a real caf table set-up would have been nice for this act, but no-one was feeling short-changed about it and the duo frequently brought the house down.

They are hugely entertaining, she a deadpan English foil to his Russian effusiveness, but musically they couldn't be tighter, and their repertoire ranged engagingly.

 

"My current black dog depression was fired by a concert I went to in London the other night that was guaranteed, according to the poster, to transport me from the fairytale snow-covered Russian steppes to the glow of a gypsy campfire. from opera house to Parisian cafe, an evening of magic and passion. And so it did.... The artistes I went to see at the Conway Hall in Red Lion Square, behind Holborn, were a Russian tenor called Igor Outkine and his English wife Sarah Harrison on violin. They were fantastic. They played Neapolitan love songs and Russian tangos which made you either want to weep or else leap up from your hard metal stacking chair, fling your sensible winter coat to the wind and dance...... ...Sarah, the violinist, looked dazzling in a long white slinky evening gown and a red rose in her dark hair. Bring back glamour someone, quick"

Sue Arnold, The Independent Review

 

"A lovely tenor voice....their violinist Sarah Harrison plays so fast that she gasps like an exhausted sprinter after each dizzy riff.......By the end of the evening, the Purcell Room had become a tavern"

Michael Church, The Independent

 

"Wistful accordion.......the worlds first headbanging accordionist''

The Guardian 

 

“Igor can play anything, a bit of a closet genius. The last time they played two sets of traditional tangos and with Sarah on violin they managed such a full sound for two people.”

Tango Cats Bedford

 

“Seriously there are no tunes/genres he doesn’t know and he makes his instrument sound like a total orchestra.”

Dance Inspired, Brighton

 

"It feels strange to hear the achingly glamorous, sweepingly romantic music made by violinist Sarah Harrison and tenor/ accordion player Igor Outkine during the day. Their divine collection of Russian and gypsy, tangos and cabaret tunes should be played after dark in a smokey late-night dive, where their heady sounds would soundtrack reeling heads and fluttering hearts. Both are classically trained musicians and it shows, also not at the expense of their music's soul. Their technical ability never gets in the way of entertainment. Harrison in her fabulous frocks provides drama and comedy; Outkine adds earthiness, fun and even some headbanging. Rather than evoke wild, stirring passion, Mazaika have a warmly emotional sound, and the connection between the two is apparent. Their music feels like a dazzling escape into a world where people dance on tables with roses between their teeth."

*****

Tina Jackson, Metro

 

"It wouldn't do for a Fringe act whose publicity puff accuses the Tattoo of stuffiness - the very idea, tsk - to take themselves too seriously. Fortunately, Mazaika are only too willing to send themselves up. There they are, just about getting away with Sarah Harrison acting as Igor Outkine's Russian-to-English translator, when Outkine "inadvertently" and briefly reverses the roles. As becomes only too clear, Outkine's English is fine, although after a decade or so in London, he has lost none of his native musical ability on accordion or as a bel canto tenor. The duo's irreverence, including introducing Harrison's virtuoso violin flourishes as if playing at the Queen Vic, and sundry comic turns, help give their musical sketches a real sense of pace. Yet for all their larking around, when the music demands gravitas and expression, it's there in spades. Their programme is as packed as it is varied - with opera commingling with tango, gypsy jazz, bluegrass and impressionistic pieces - and there are almost as many different numbers as there are commercials for their CD. Oops, there goes another one. Run ends today"

****

Rob Adams, The Herald

 

"Mazaika is a sparkling musical mosaic that brightens up even the darkest corner of the C venue. Delighted smiles light up every face as the first chords on the big accordion and the magic of the gypsy violin catch at the throat. The artistry is first class, the virtuosity immense and the presentation flawless. Outkine is Russian, trained in classical accordion and traditional song. He has phenomenal expertise as a player and as a singer his lyric tenor can do full justice to La dona E mobile just as well as cruising though the old Cotton Club favourite Dinah Harrrison, classically trained in London, has become expert in many genres, ranging from classical, through jazz, Latin, Russian and gypsy and together they do it all with style and panache. There is plenty of passion in the tangos, and Dinicu's The lark allows Harrison to show that she can play as fast and furious as the best of gypsies. This is a show rich in wit. Coquetry and flirtation fly between them. but in an action-packed fifty minutes music wins hands down. Unmissable entertainment"

Drams 0

Val Baskott, Edinburgh Guide

 

"Igor Outkine and Sarah Harrison together are 'Mazaika'. Russian Igor could have come directly from the steppes and I had never before thought of Russians as romantic, but am now having to rethink. His singing and accordion playing demonstrate almost every musical genre you can think of. He is beautifully complemented by Sarah, a tall, willowy figure in various sumptuous dresses, playing the violin and balalaika. I have never before heard all the sounds that Sarah seems to coax out of thin air via her violin. Starting with opera, moving through rock, pop, traditional music from several countries, jazz and ending up with a Russian finale. The small audience were witness as a spellbinding performance unfolded and the 50 minutes were over far too soon as we were enjoying ourselves and the performance so much. This was a superb way to start my Fringe viewing and sticking to 'what has jokingly become our nickname', this is definitely another 4 * review. 

I look forward to seeing and hearing more of these two very talented people”

One4Review

 

Testimonials

 

Will M

3 months ago, 

5 out of 5

They were incredible. They learnt new songs to cater for our playlist (and in another language) they both brought amazing energy. Everyone was up on the dance floor.  They also had to travel a long way for us and didn’t make a fuss. We would recommend Mazaika to anyone. They made our day special for us and unique for our guests! 

 

Kevin C

1 year ago, 

5 out of 5

Mazaika played for our Civil Partnership, they are amazing musicians and can play anything.  For us they played Irish jigs and reels which had everyone hopping but their range is phenomenal and on a summer's evening on the terrace with a glass of wine listening to the songs of Edith Piaf it was truly magical.  They can serenade if that's required or they can cut through the hullabaloo.  Very high quality, very professional and nice people very easy to get along with. 

 

Antony N

2 years ago,

5 out of 5

Sarah and Igor were brilliant and quite simply made our wedding.

 

Alicia S

2 years ago,

4.8 out of 5

We booked Mazaika for our joint 70th birthday celebration. It was the best choice for us and they didn’t disappoint, indeed far from it. They were professional, gray musicians and went above and beyond to accommodate all our requests. I would highly recommend them 

 

Laura Brand

3 years ago,

5 out of 5

Sarah and Igor MADE our Christmas dinner. They were absolutely fantastic and way exceeded anything we could have dreamed for the evening. Truly unique performers with enormous talent. Without question would book them again, Laura & Russell Brand x 

 

Justin T

3 years ago,

5 out of 5

Mazaika were fantastic and by the end of the night they felt like family. They read the room and entertained all guests Russian or not. The music was fantastic, energy was high, and can’t wait to book them for our next event. 

Many many many thanks to Mazaika. Our wedding would not have been the same without them! 

 

Alice S

5 years ago, 

5 out of 5

I had the pleasure of having Mazaika band play at my and my sisters wedding. The magical ambience both Sarah and Igor is phenomenal. Not one of the performances are the same and our guests could not get enough of the musical entertainment. We also had guests from different cultural backgrounds and I am  every single time so impressed on how diverse  Mazaika’s music interpretation  stretches. From tango, klesme, classical to Russian and modern. There is something beautiful for everyone. Many of my friends then went on to have Mazaika at their private birthday or dinner parties . I can highly recommend the so professional and harmonic duet.

 

Bobby M

5 years ago, 

5 out of 5

Mazaika are a duo I always love having to perform. They are incredibly talented and have such a fascinating way with composition and interpretation of music. Truly a joy to see perform 

Bobby Mizen 

 

Karina A

5 years ago,

5 out of 5

We absolutely love working with Mazaika over the past few years. The duo really lifts up the spirit within the restaurant - encouraging all our guests to dance and sing along. The ambience created is fantastic. Both Igor and Sarah perform on a beyond professional level, leaving our guests in absolute awe.

 

Maria T

5 years ago,

5 out of 5

We recently booked Sarah Harrison to play the traditional Greek Stolisma for my Sisters wedding. Despite not being Greek and having learned it specially for the occasion she sounded really authentic and our relatives who had flown in specially were very happy with it. Although we are Greek this was our first time planning a traditional style wedding but Sarah showed confidence and professionalism throughout and entered into the spirit of the occasion! 

 

Tony J

5 years ago, 

5 out of 5

To whom it may concern.

I have known Sarah Harrison and Igor Outkine both personally and professionally for a number of years and have never ceased to be amazed by their versatility, professionalism and sheer musicianship.

I have booked MAZAIKA for several of my Festivals Of Hot Jazz, Big Band Swing, Cabaret & Dance and the range of their talent never fails to enthrall audiences.

From Swing to Gypsy Jazz, Russian Folk Music, Edith Piaf and Mario Lanza, Sarah and Igor are just about the best in the business.

I have no hesitation in recommending MAZAIKA for Theatres, Arts Centres, Festivals as well as that very special event.

Tony Jacobs.

 

Jurgen Bischoff

5 years ago, 

5 out of 5

Dear Igor & Viennese Fever Orchestra.   what an amazing evening.  The walzes and polkas were fantastic the danzfloor was full till 2 pm.  thank you so much for entertaining us.

 

Jo T

8 years ago, 

5 out of 5

‘MAZAIKA are an extremely entertaining duo with full-on authentic Russian accordion from Igor and marvellous playing from Sarah on violin and domra. They have an interesting and eclectic set and have been very popular with Broadstairs audiences. We hope to see them back at Folk Week in the future-highly recommended.’ Jo Tuffs Festival Director Broadstairs Folk Week. T. 01843 604080 

 

Kevin Kahn

8 years ago, 

5 out of 5

I came across Mazaika when attending a Russian Ball and immediately knew that the couple were the perfect musical match for my annual party that I organise for my company. The performance of Igor and Sarah was the showstopper of the evening. I cannot recommend this band enough – the two received a well-deserved standing ovation from my 120 guests.

 

Margit M

12 years ago, 

5 out of 5

Mazaika,

My husband and I discovered Mazaika during a live performance in the Ivy House. It was an improvised performance of a soundtrack during the screening of the silent film Phantom of the Opera.

We were both blown away by the creativity, freedom and expertise with which this was done.

Afterwards they played a random repertoire of all sorts of music. From Russian to Italian to fresh hits to old gems you haven’t heard in ages, constantly surprising with great songs that can’t keep you sitting on your chair. It was seriously spectacular.  

And it was then that it sparked the idea to ask them if they would like to play at our wedding.

We explored this option and had a meeting between the four of us and got to know that they can literally play ANYTHING. And if they don’t know it or haven’t played it (which is very unlikely) they are prepared to learn it. This is exactly what happened and what they did for us. They learned The lark Ascending by Vaughan Williams.

Picture this. A beautiful green piece of land with, at the bottom of a grand country house, a flowing stream in Devon. The weather is soft and the sun is shining. “Husband to be” walking down the hill (accompanied by two gorgeous bridesmaids) towards the waterside where all the guests are welcoming him.

Then the bride is rowing up the isle towards her groom. (in a cute little boat with her father) and whilst this very beautiful romantic meeting is happening The Lark Ascending is being performed live at the waterside by Mazaika.

It was absolutely MAGICLE!

And that was only the start of the day.

They played during the ceremony and got everyone off their feet at the evening party. I have never met such virtuous musicians .They breath music (if that makes sense)

I would highly recommend Mazaika as they are able to and open to playing anything and everything you like. So you can customize your special event to make it as YOUnique as you want it to BE!

As the wedding was such a great success I asked them to play at my 50th Birthday party.  Again they warmed everyone’s heart and it was super enjoyable.

Sarah and Igor are very kind, creative people who both love to make music and are willing to add their magic to any sort of party you want to create.

All it takes is a little conversation with them so you can see for yourself how they can make you feel.