Iosif Kobzon has been dubbed the Russian Frank Sinatra, which is a useful primer but underplays both his career and persona. A proud patriot of the USSR, an immensely gifted baritone and a long-term fighter against anti-semitism at home and abroad, Kobzon had many passions. In his music, agitated strings and flittery brass underscore the growling gravitas of his voice, while the wheedling guitar and morose piano of more traditional Russian folk complement a forlorn croon, and when supported by a cavernous-sounding big band he sounds mischievously imperious.