You looking for a new source of music for inspirations? How about The Great Armenian Songbook! Pianist Armen Donelian releases a 2 cd set of songs from 18th Century melodies from his native culture, and bringing them up to the 21st Century, bridging cultures and traditions and worlds in a fascinating way.
The first disc has Donelian in a solo format, and he combines sounds from an earlier generation on “Where Do You Come From…” with folksy gentility. Sepia tones permeate through “I’ll Never Know Your True Worth” while an Eastern European patience is felt on the reflective “Without You, What Will I Do?”. You feel like you’re stepping into a series of old photographs from long lost relatives, trying to figure out what world they lived in. Fascinating.
The second disc has Donelin with David Clark/b and George Schuller/dr giving a more jazz feel to the tradition. A “Take Five”-ish “My Sweet Harp” make you realize the origins of the Desmond classic, whle a lovely and joyous “King of Cathay” has some lovely sparkles to enjoy. Rich and liturgical tones are felt on a “Your Headdress Is Silver and Silk” that suddenly transforms into a fun bopper, while “As Long As I Draw Breath” exudes drama. Fervent feelings that are needed in this day of cynicism.
Sunnyside Records