About the artist

Armen Chakmakian · Ceremonies

01  Gypsy Rain / 5.24
02  A Kiss And A Sigh / 5.20
03  Ceremonies / 5.14  
04  A Time To Heal / 6.12
05  Imaginings / 5.38
06  Enchantress / 4.12
07  Distant Land / 5.52
08  Rain, Rain Go Away / 4.56
09  Echoes Of A Prayer / 6.18
10  Moonlight In Your Eyes / 6.52

Prudence 398.6545.2
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     Armen Chakmakian attended Berklee College of Music, UCLA and USC where he studied the "History of Armenian Music". Chakmakian formed his own jazz/fusion ensemble whose members graduated to stellar careers playing for hitmakers Shadowfax, Strunz & Farah, Manu Dibango, Jon Anderson and Kitaro. In 1991, the break of a lifetime occurred when Armen joined the Grammy-Award winning band, Shadowfax as keyboardist.
      Armen‘s debut solo album, Ceremonies blends Armenian, Arabic, contemporary jazz and hypnotic world rhythms with unforgettable melodies into a signature sound that can be ultimatley described as New World Jazz. This album features 10 original compositions which blend Armen's passionate instrumental piano and synthesizer arrangements with exotic percussion performed by a gathering of all-stars. Among the many luminaries joining the project are Alex de Grassi who guests on acoustic guitar and symp-guitar, Djivan Gasparayan on duduk, zurna and vocal, John Bilezikjian on oud, Doug Lunn on bass, and former Shadowfax bandmates, Ramon Yslas on cajon, pandiero and various percussion, Stu Nevitt on drums, Nigerian metal shakers and Ethiopian dance rattles, and Andy Abad on acoustic guitar and tres, just to mention a few.
      Armen adds, "There is a wonderful synergy happening with the musicians playing on Ceremonies. In ancient times, people came together in communities to celebrate their connection to each other and to the world at large. I produced this album to give the listener a experience that would tap into the primordial chord resonating within each of us. No matter where you are on the spiral of life, one of these tunes will speak to you."