Makar Novikov is a jazz bassist and composer based in Berlin

New album “Long Journey” available now!

“An all-round successful debut
that combines intelligence with intuition and precision with creativity.”

— Jazz thing, Reinhard Köchl

Makar Novikov is one of the best known jazz double bassists hailing from Russia. He is an experienced accompanist and virtuoso soloist who has performed with artists like Jimmy Cobb, Clark Terry, Jimmy Heath, Lew Tabackin at venues and festivals like the Montreux Jazz Festival, Ronnie Scott’s in London, Duc des Lombards in Paris, Apollo Jazz Theater and Smalls Jazz Club in New York.

For political reasons, Makar Novikov decided to emigrate to Europe in February 2022. He moved to Italy and started to perform extensively with Italian musicians (Rosario Giuliani, Antonio Faraò, Maurizio Giammarco) and to work as a Jazz Bass and Ensemble teacher for Master students at the Siena Jazz University in 2023.

Since 2024, Makar Novikov is based in Berlin. He regularly appears as a band member of projects of Alex Sipiagin, Isfar Sarabski, Carl Winther and Olivia Trummer and is active as a bandleader of an international quintet. He currently is preparing the release of his album “Long Journey” (to be released on November 21st, 2025).

CD Release Tour “Long Journey”

Nov 21

Jazz6000
Kolding, DK

Get Tickets

Nov 23

Musig im Pflegidach
Muri, CH

Get Tickets

Nov 25

A-Trane
Berlin, DE

Get Tickets

New Album Out Now

MAKAR NOVIKOV “Long Journey” (Rainy Days Records)

Official release date: Nov 21, 2025 (CD/Vinyl)

ORDER NOW

On his new album “Long Journey”, Makar Novikov draws inspiration from and reflects on his decision to relocate and start a new life in the heart of Europe. The album features a stellar international quintet playing his original music.

Makar’s songs carry titles that seem to tell his own story: „Emergency Exit“, „Free Fall“, „Desert Island“. Nevertheless, you can always hear a sense of hope and optimism in his music, an honest and touching longing for beauty…