Rain Sultanov is one of the leading jazz saxophonists of Azerbaijan and a key figure in the development of jazz culture in the region. Few artists have walked such a rich and turbulent creative path, filled with musical milestones, as Rain.

His music is not only deeply expressive but also invites thoughtful reflection, earning the respect of international critics and connoisseurs of sophisticated music.

Born on April 29, 1965, in Baku, Azerbaijan, Rain Aladdin Sultanov demonstrated early musical promise.

He studied clarinet as a distance student and impressed his teachers with his diligence and natural talent.

In 1985, he was awarded at the Republican Clarinetists Competition.

In 1988, Rain joined the Azerbaijan Song Theatre at the invitation of the legendary vocalist Rashid Behbudov.

Following Behbudov’s death in 1990, Rain became the jazz soloist of the ‘Qaya’ State Jazz Orchestra.

This marked the beginning of his professional career in jazz.

In 1997, Sultanov founded the band Syndicate and released his debut album Last Moment,

which signaled a new direction in modern Azerbaijani jazz.

One of his most significant contributions came in 2003 with the publication of the book Anthology of Jazz in Azerbaijan.

This pioneering work compiled rare archival materials, photographs, and facts about Azerbaijani jazz history,

accompanied by two CDs featuring recordings of both classic and contemporary musicians.

The anthology remains the most comprehensive resource on the subject to date.

In 2004, Rain Sultanov founded the Baku Jazz Festival, which he continues to direct.

Held annually, the festival has become the largest jazz event in the country and a vital platform for cultural exchange between East and West.

Renowned for his unique style of performance, Sultanov has continually pushed creative boundaries with new projects,

albums, and collaborations. Over the decades, he has participated in numerous international concerts and festivals,

working with legendary musicians such as:

Kenny Wheeler, Nils Petter Molvær, Tord Gustavsen, Bobo Stenson, Arild Andersen, Bendik Hofseth, Paco Sery, Linley Marthe, Perry Robinson, Barbara Dennerlein, Helge Iberg, Per Oddvar Johansen, Marva Wright, Yasuhito Mori, Pablo Held, Simin Tander, Sebastian Studnitzky, Curtis Fuller, Grzegorz Karnas, Grzech Piotrowski, Nils Olmedal, James Cammack, Paul Clarvis, Shahin Novrasli, Adam Rogers, Alim Qasimov, Can Cankaya, among others.

A visionary in his field, Rain Sultanov is not only a prominent figure in Azerbaijani music but also a global ambassador of jazz, whose work consistently explores the emotional, cultural, and even philosophical dimensions of sound.