The emergence of
Gor Mkhitarian reflects the very best of the burgeoning music
scene now taking foot in the independent former Soviet Republic
of Armenia. Widely known throughout Armenia as the lead guitarist
for one of country's best rock bands, Lav
Eli, Mkhitarian launched his solo career in 2001 and has
released three albums since. Being nominated for a total of
eight industry music awards, he makes fresh and compelling
music that successfully fuses traditional Armenian music with
both rock and folk idioms.
In his music, Mkhitarian makes a case for writing the next
chapter in Armenia's rich musical history by updating the
sound and feel of the classic Armenian folk song. But what
has made Mkhitarian a favorite in Armenia is his uncanny ability
to combine unique songwriting ability with stunning modern
arrangements of Armenian folk music.
Gor Mkhitarian gets down
to basics by giving the listener meaningful lyrics, colorful
arrangements, and melodic hooks that create warm and inspiring
songs. In 2003 he moved to Los Angeles with his bass player
Vahe Terteryan, where drummer Jirair Habeshian and accordionist
Ara Dabandjian joined the band. Stepping away from his previous
acoustic-driven "signature", with the new band he
features remarkable musicianship and showcases a different
approach to his songwriting. It's Armenian music, as it has
never been heard before.
Gor Mkhitarian cites Simon & Garfunkel, Elliot Smith,
and The Dave Matthews Band, to name a few, as strongly influencing
his music. Traces of Armenian folk troubadours Rouben Hakhverdian
and Harout Bezjian as well as Bob Dylan can at times be heard
in Mkhitarian's solo material. But what has made Mkhitarian
a favorite in Armenia is his uncanny ability to combine unique
songwriting ability with stunning modern arrangements of Armenian
folk music.
Yeraz, Mkhitarian's first album, has been nominated for a
total of five music industry awards. Produced by Raffi Meneshian,
recorded in Armenia by Mika Margarian, and released by Pomegranate
Music, Yeraz is a contemporary Armenian folk masterpiece consisting
of 11 songs featuring two acoustic guitars, percussion, and
a banjo. Mkhitarian penned nine songs on the album, while
re-arranging two traditional Armenian folk songs, one by the
esteemed Armenian composer Komitas. Yeraz recently became
the second-best selling CD of all time on the world music
website CD Baby.
Gor Mkhitarian's second album, Godfather
Tom, clearly proves that he is an artist to watch. Stepping
away from the more austere and acoustic-driven Yeraz, Godfather
Tom, due out in November of 2003, showcases Mkhitarian's prowess
not only as a songwriter but also as a bandleader. This album
features remarkable musicianship, and showcases numerous new
instruments, creative arrangements, and interesting tempo
changes. Godfather Tom finds Gor Mkhitarian on a new sonic
journey while continuing to unabashedly tackle new and relevant
subjects with strong lyrics and songwriting.
From www.gormusic.com
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© 2003-2005 Hetq
