Alexander Rozenbaum

Alexander Yakovlevich Rosenbaum, born on September 13, 1951, is a prominent Russian bard hailing from Saint Petersburg. Graduating from the First Pavlov State Medical University of St. Petersburg in 1974, he initially pursued a career in the medical field before transitioning to become a singer-songwriter in 1983. Rosenbaum is renowned for his compositions on various themes including Leningrad, the Soviet-Afghan War, Cossacks, and Odessa. Notable songs such as "Gop-Stop" and "Vals-boston" have resonated widely across different Russian social demographics and generations.

Rosenbaum, an accomplished guitarist, often accompanies himself on either a six- or twelve-string acoustic guitar, utilizing the Open G tuning inspired by the Russian seven-string guitar tradition. Known for his unique perspective on the criminal song genre, Rosenbaum emphasizes the artistic merit and depth within these compositions, highlighting themes of faithfulness and love despite their criminal context. He reflects on the evolution of this genre over time, expressing a shift away from what he perceives as "cheap blatota" towards a more nuanced and respectful approach to his craft.