Prog Folk
Armenia
Composer, guitarist and vocalist Vahan Artsruni is leader of this impressive Armenian folk prog outfit that came to life with the new millennium. They are a group of six highly accomplished musicians whose sound could be described as smooth, easy-jazz fusion with middle-eastern accents. Far from simply imitating their American and English counterparts, they draw on their own cultural background to give their music a genuine local flavour. The 'nervous' flute play will inevitably remind some of JETHRO TULL, but the pervading acoustic guitar also gives their material an early-CAMEL feel. Lacking a keyboard player, their music comes across as somewhat jazzy, being devoid of that 'filler' effect usually brought on by keyboards.
Their only studio album to date, "Cruzaid", features some energetic interaction between the flutist and the guitarist, who alternately play together or off each other. The incredible bass playing is nothing short of spellbinding, infusing each piece with cutting-edge rhythmic sections. Indeed, each track allows all instruments plenty of room to shine individually. Apart from "Cruzaid", the band have also released two live albums: "The Lost and Found, Live Album" in 2001 and "The Live Cuts 2002/2001". As their sound quality is rather weak, they come off as slightly unpolished but they are still a treat - especially in the case of the latter, where the Armenian Philharmonic Orchestra gives the music a magnificent, rich, full-bodied sound.
Folk prog aficionados will undoubtedly enjoy this music, but JETHRO TULL and early CAMEL fans will also feel at home with ARTSRUNI.
Lise (HIBOU), CANADA
ALBUMS:
2002 - CRUZAID
Musicians
- Vahan Artsruni / guitars, vocals
- Vahagn Amirkhanyan / electric guitar
- Arman Manukyan / flute
- Artur Molitivin / bass
- Levon Hakhverdyan / drums
- Lilianna Hakhverdyan / percussion
1. Aditon (5:51)
2. Barev (4:51)
3. The Lost Symbol (6:10)
4. Cruzaid (Part One) (6:30)
5. Cruzaid (Part Two) (6:06)
6. Im Ser (6:18)
7. Anush Garun (6:37)
8. Call of the Wind (5:01)
Total Time: 47:24
