New Era

This album is very interesting in the new and refreshing near eastern (Armenian) instruments and style of playing brought into otherwise an american developed jazz sound. There is virtuoso playing from Tigran, who is very specially talented at improvising in very interesting ways. His style is exact, and incorporates both traditional jazz and a heavy influence of a strong cultural identity. He does this in his own technique and style of playing but also in the instruments he has incorporated into the music (traditional near eastern Armenian instruments). This combination is so refreshing to hear and Hamasyan has done a fine job to bring the two together in a very interesting and authentic way!