Review / Description
Datevik’s live recordings collected over the years, featuring Armenian pieces and jazz standards.
Listen to the Heart of Armenia, Listen to Datevik…
Michael Legrand.
“Although I am a jazz singer, I have not forgotten or become detached from my Armenian roots for one minute. The Armenian folk song has always been a major influence on me. I might describe the group of songs presented on this CD as an eruption of my soul, caused by my cup filling up drop by drop and finally running over.
Furthermore, my coming into contact with the talented American-Armenian pianist and composer Armen Donelian had a great impact on the subsequent activities of us both. As an expert jazz musician, composer, and arranger, Armen demonstrated a mastery of Armenian song, displaying in particular a marvelous grasp of its nuances. It was an absolutely incredible journey for both of us. Our idea was to build a very delicate bridge, linking together two beautiful worlds –twentieth century jazz and timeless Armenian folk song–through total improvisation. Thank you, Armen, from the bottom of my heart.
My special thanks to the Brazilian drummer Portinho and David Finck for their unique effort; together, they elevated all our ideas and made the arrangements sound even better.
A million thanks to the talented and sensitive Arto Tuncboyaciyan for the song Gakavik. I will always feel that there was an element of magic at work enabling Alex Foster to feel the Armenian embellishments so well.
And then there was the burning energy of Paquito D’Rivera, which was just right for Yarimo. My deep appreciation to Ben Riley, the sensitive guest drummer for the beautiful ballad Hov Arek. And, of course many thanks to Steve Berrios, who introduced such a fresh wave of colors into Shalakho.
Most of all, I wish to acknowledge the inimitable contribution of the producer, the legendary George Avakian. It is difficult for me to find words to express my deep gratitude to him. It is owing to him–and him only–that my dream, having ripened over the years, came to fruition.” – Datevik Hovanesian