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Welp, considering there is a grotesque shortage of quality music out there, I recently decided to turn the internet upside down in search of something palatable. Being that most contemporary Armenian musicians don't have anything to contribute to the art with their dying cow-like sounding vocals, and less than inspired melodies that have been reincarnated 100 times over, I went into this search expecting even less from the Armenian side than I was from the others. As suspected, very few artists painted with anything other than a stroke of crap. I figured I'd start posting about some of those few unknown, or obscure talented artists I find along the way since I'm sure there are many others looking for that needle in a haystack. Of course, not everything I'm going to present is going to be to everyone's taste. But understand that there is a difference between a musician's style not being to your liking, and a musician flat out lacking talent. I'm sure a lot of these won't be new to some of you, but I'm willing to bet they're new to most. Let us begin...
Armen Chakmakian
Usually, when Armenian artist's try for a cross between traditional Armenian music, and contemporary sounds, it's a disastrous train wreck. But then I came across Armen Chakmakian, and was pleasently surprised. Granted, his music isn't 100% Armenian, it draws its heaviest influences from his ethnic background. I was quite impressed by his successful attempt at blending many different styles of music, and still making it work. He's done a masterful job of combing elements of Armenian, Middle Eastern, South American, African etc. sounds with jazz, progressive, rock, etc. styles into cohesive, wonderfully written instrumental pieces.
Armen is also the founder of his label, TruArt Records, which he started after his 6-year stint with the GRAMMY® Award-winning band, Shadowfax. He's been involved with numerous other projects, and continues to do so. He's definitely worth checking out.
Sample Clips:
MySpace Page (features a couple videos, as well):
To Purchase:
Buy.com - This is the best price I've seen, and if you buy both, you'll get free shipping for going over $25.
Armen Chakmakian
Usually, when Armenian artist's try for a cross between traditional Armenian music, and contemporary sounds, it's a disastrous train wreck. But then I came across Armen Chakmakian, and was pleasently surprised. Granted, his music isn't 100% Armenian, it draws its heaviest influences from his ethnic background. I was quite impressed by his successful attempt at blending many different styles of music, and still making it work. He's done a masterful job of combing elements of Armenian, Middle Eastern, South American, African etc. sounds with jazz, progressive, rock, etc. styles into cohesive, wonderfully written instrumental pieces.
Armen is also the founder of his label, TruArt Records, which he started after his 6-year stint with the GRAMMY® Award-winning band, Shadowfax. He's been involved with numerous other projects, and continues to do so. He's definitely worth checking out.
Sample Clips:
MySpace Page (features a couple videos, as well):
To Purchase:
Buy.com - This is the best price I've seen, and if you buy both, you'll get free shipping for going over $25.