Artist description Armen Chakmakian, keyboardist from the Grammy-Award winning band Shadowfax, creates a tapestry of captivating and vibrant sounds on his debut solo release, Ceremonies. His signature sound, a masterful weave of passionate piano, with Middle-Eastern flavors, exotic world rhythms and jazz textures, can ultimately be described as New World Jazz. The celebratory nature of the music crosses genres and cultural boundaries striking a common chord within each of us. To create this rich and rhythmic synergy, he has assembled an array of stellar instrumentalists.

Music Style New World Music

Musical Influences Djivan Gasparyan, Shadowfax, Armenian, Arabic, Eclectic World Music, Loreena McKennitt, Peter Gabriel Passion, U2, Chick Corea, Elton John

Similar Artists Shadowfax, Djivan Gasparyan, Eclectic World Music, Loreena McKennitt, Peter Gabriel Passion, New Age,

Artist History In 1991, Armen joined the Grammy-Award winning band, Shadowfax as keyboardist. The following year, the album "Esperanto" co-written by Chakmakian was nominated for a Grammy as Best New Age Album of 1992. Following "Esperanto" was "Magic Theater," "Shadowfax Live," and a 90-minute concert video of the "Live" album. Recording, co-writing and touring with Shadowfax over the next five years helped shape his signature keyboard stylings.In 1998, Armen founded TruArt Records. Soon after, he released his debut solo album "Ceremonies" to rave reviews along with topping the radio charts by debuting at #1 on New Age/World radio (NAV Top 50). Aside from being a solo artist, Armen enjoys playing in other groups and is currently performing with the 35-year old Aman Folk Ensemble.

Group Members Armen Chakmakian - piano, synths, percussionAlex de Grassi - acoustic guitars, symp-guitarDjivan Gasparyan - duduk, zurna, vocalJohn Bilezikjian - oudDoug Lunn - electric bassStu Nevitt - drums set, percussionAndy Abad - acoustic guitar, tresRamon Yslas - percussionMartin Flores - drum set, percussionAndre Harutyunyan - percussionGreg Ellis - percussionSusan Chakmakian - hand claps

Instruments Piano, oud, acoustic guitar, fretless bass, exotic percussion (dumbek, finger cymbals, udu drum, Moroccan clay drums, Nigerian shakers, bushman dance rattles, djembe, drum set)

Albums Ceremonies

Press Reviews "For his first solo effort, the former Shadowfax keyboardist assembled some of world music's most brilliant musicians, including Alex De Grassi and Djivan Gasparayan. The result is a perfect mixture of world, jazz, Armenian, and Arabic music. Despite his prestigious musical resume and experience, Chakmakian remains a performer dedicated to his art, in his case, making music for music's sake. Ceremonies is eclectic in the best sense of the word, so everyone should find something to identify with here -- or at least something transporting." CDnow.com - David McGurgan"Armen's use of worldly rhythms and instrumentation is absolutely transporting!" David Arkenstone - Windham Hill Recording Artist"Chakmakian's effortless syncopations mesh seamlessly with the sounds of his Armenian heritage, and with Arabic, African and South American flavors. Rich percussion and unusual instrumentation (duduk, zurna, tres) keep CEREMONIES well away from the New Age cheese barrel; this smooth blend of ethnic sounds and jazz is a fine bit of contemporary world fusion." Stacy Meyn - Rhythm Magazine (Formerly Rhythm Music Magazine)"... a lovingly crafted album that will appeal to mainstream music fans as well as the adventurous world music listener." Stephen Hill - Music from the Hearts of Space"A dazzling debut from the keyboardist of Shadowfax. CEREMONIES boasts a stirring blend of mesmerizing Middle Eastern rhythms and snazzy jazz textures woven together to form a kaleidoscopic tapestry as rich and beautiful as any Kilim carpet. You can listen to this outing for hours and it still sounds fresh!" PJ Birosick - PJ's Picks (Nationally syndicated reviewer)"... He is a talented and passionate pianist, something you can't miss ..." "...If you like exotic rhythms, this is for you. Fans of Shadowfax should be pleased with this recording, as will jazz hounds. The cross-pollination will probably teach both groups some new tricks -- and some new licks, too, I bet. Bill Binkelman - Wind and Wire

Location Glendale, CA - USA

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