Vladimir Shabaltas: guitarist, composer, arranger, teacher, music producer. 1999 - graduated from Kharkiv Conservatory (as a jazz guitarist, and orchestra director). 1995 - co-founder of the SkhidSide band - arguably the most legendary jazz band in Ukraine. 1998 - Vladimir was pronounced the hottest guitarist in Ukraine by many jazz critics. In a couple of years there were numerous articles about him in newspapers and magazines. 2003 - a teacher in Glier institute of music. 2005 - a gig with Randy Brecker and SkchidSide - one of the most resonant concerts of the year in Kyiv thet year. This time they first performed with mr. Brecker and TNMKongo (the best hip-hop band in Ukraine, later the same hit song was released by TNMK on their album). 2006 - starts to perform with Z-band of Igor Zakus's, and beign recruited to VIA gra (New Virgos) as a guitarist. The New Virgos appeared to be one of the best and successful projects in Ukraine and Russia.
information from: http://www.myspace.com/vladimirshabaltas
photo from: http://uajazz.com/2011/01/shabaltas/