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Tigran Hamasyan: Shadow Theater

By Mark F. Turner
July 19, 2014
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Pianist Tigran Hamasyan's Shadow Theater is an innovative convergence of composition and folk music from his birthplace in Armenia. Having performed since the age of three, gained acclaimed in Europe and won first place at the 2006 Thelonious Monk International Jazz Piano Competition, there's never been a question of his abilities. He shines in a traditional jazz trio setting in 2007's New Era (Plus Loin Music) with brothers

Francois Moutin

bass

" data-original-title="" title="">Francois Moutin (bass) and

Louis Moutin

drums

" data-original-title="" title="">Louis Moutin (drums) or showcasing virtuoso exploits in his 2011 solo release Fable (Verve).

With musicians that include members of the jazz-rock band

Kneebody

band / ensemble / orchestra

" data-original-title="" title="">Kneebody (drummer

Nate Wood

drums
b.1979

" data-original-title="" title="">Nate Wood and saxophonist

Ben Wendel

saxophone, tenor

" data-original-title="" title="">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

piano

" data-original-title="" title="">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.

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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

piano

Tigran 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

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Tigran Hamasyan Concerts

Oct 21 Tue

Nezahualcóyotl Hall - BOTV [CONCERT VERSION]

Sala Nezahualcoyotl
Ciudad de M��xico, Mexico

Nov 2 Sun

Tigran Hamasyan

Tivoli/vredenburg
Utrecht, Netherlands

Nov 4 Tue

TIGRAN HAMASYAN

La Sirene
La Rochelle, France

Nov 7 Fri

TIGRAN HAMASYAN

Interference
Balma, France

Nov 8 Sat

TIGRAN HAMASYAN

Le Trianon
Paris, France

Nov 13 Thu

Tigran Hamasyan

Bozar
Bruxelles, Belgium

Nov 20 Thu

TIGRAN HAMASYAN

Opera De Limoges
Limoges, France

Nov 22 Sat

Tigran Hamasyan

Fernán Gómez Centro Cultural De La Villa
Madrid, Spain

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