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Tigran Hamasyan: Shadow Theater
With musicians that include members of the jazz-rock band Kneebody (drummer Nate Wood and saxophonist Ben Wendel) and others, Hamasyan's distinctive musicality blends jazz, European classical music and an array of influences like progressive-rock and DJ mixing. Yet the common thread is the inventive way the music balances ethnicity with a modernist verve. This propels "Erishta" via traditional melodies interlaced with electronics and beautiful vocals by talented folklorist Areni Agbabian as well as the peculiar "Drip" which mixes Armenian folk music, sampling, and groovy jazz saxophone.
The program is sprinkled with an assortment of hymns, ballads, and moving pieces such as "Lament" which juxtaposes powerful strings and tender vocals and the transcendent "Pagan Lullaby" highlighting Hamasyan on keyboard, piano, and voice. "The Court Jester" and "Road Song" are unwavering examples of writing and improvisation with their vigorous changes and odd time signatures, but equally engaging through catching melodies and Hamasyan's intrepid sense of imagination in one of the year's more memorable recordings.
Track Listing
The Poet; Erishta; Lament; Drip; The Year Is Gone; Seafarer; The Court Jester; Pagan Lullaby; Pt1 Collapse; Pt2 Alternative Universe; Holy; Road Song.
Personnel
Tigran Hamasyan
pianoTigran Hamasyan: piano, keyboards; Areni Agbabian: vocals; Ben Wendel: saxophone; Sam Minaie: bass; Chris Tordini: bass; Nate Wood: drums; Jean-Marc Phillips Varjabedian: violin; Xavier Phillips: cello; Jan Bang: programming; David Kiledjian: programming.
Album information
Title: Shadow Theater | Year Released: 2014 | Record Label: Verve Music Group
About Tigran Hamasyan
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