The U.S. debut album by legendary Armenian musician Arto Tuncboyaci yan. Arto sings, accompanying himself on the traditional 6-string sazabo, solos on the traditional double-reed duduk, and plays percussion. He has arra... more »nged 11 original compositions for a dynamic world music experience with his ensemble of ten players. Known most widely for his percussion work with Joe Zawinul, Al DiMeola, Chet Bak er and Oregon, Arto puts forth here for the first time the complete spectrum of his multi-faceted abilities.« less
The U.S. debut album by legendary Armenian musician Arto Tuncboyaci yan. Arto sings, accompanying himself on the traditional 6-string sazabo, solos on the traditional double-reed duduk, and plays percussion. He has arranged 11 original compositions for a dynamic world music experience with his ensemble of ten players. Known most widely for his percussion work with Joe Zawinul, Al DiMeola, Chet Bak er and Oregon, Arto puts forth here for the first time the complete spectrum of his multi-faceted abilities.
CD Reviews
Fantastic, Armenian-influenced music
Guardian of the Zen Sea | Looking after the sun and surf | 02/17/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This release came out about the same time as "Journey with the Sun" the new CD by Paul Winter and the Earth Band. Mr. Tuncboyaciyan contributed what I thought were the better pieces on the Paul Winter CD. Tuncboyaciyan is mostly known as a percussionist, but he also has an aboslutely mesmerizing voice. On this release, you get additional music by Arto and the Earth Band. The other musicians on the CD include: Jim Beard (keyboards), Eugene Friesen (cello), Hanneke Cassel (violin), Franz Hakl (trumpet), Paul Winter (soprano sax), Joannie Madden (Irish whistle), Vardan Crigoryan (duduk), Peter Herbert (bass), and Dixon van Winkle (tuba). With that line up you understand that this is not your traditional, Middle-Eastern percussion, singing with duduk-type music. this is a real nice blend of folk/world music that really works. I especially like cut number 1, "Broken Arm" (which is also on "Journey with the Sun") and the heartsong on cut 4, "I miss You Every Moment my Brother". when I played that latter cut on the radio in Alaska, I got several calls asking about the musician, and how to get ahold of the CD. This is a CD which is well worth the investment, emotionally as well as musically."
"The life is a dream and one day we will wake up to reality"
Armen Jamkotchian | Los Angeles, CA USA | 01/05/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
""The life is a dream and one day we will wake up to reality". Those are the words of author's 7-year-old son. Words, that entirely convey the essence of this spiritually condensed music. I was completely carried away by the music and the voice of Arto Tuncboyaciyan, but when I read his comments to the album I realized that this man is one of those that are born to purify the humanity, to make us cleaner and kinder. An Armenian born in Turkey in an ancient Greek village absorbed the musical traditions of those nations. His deep connection to his roots and extremely fruitful cooperation with Paul Winter created this amazing blend of music. To me the most remarkable works are #1 "Broken Arm" - a unique blend of Armenian, Greek and Turkish intonations and #4 "I Miss You Every Moment My Brother" - a crystal clear Armenian melody."
Awsome
Raffi Kojian | 05/31/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"If there were more stars beside five I'll give this CD 5 more."
Incredible live or recorded
Raffi Kojian | Yerevan/Orange | 03/23/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I heard Arto live last night and was completely blown away by this musician. I had heard his CD's which I just love, but never imagined he could do all those interesting instruments and sounds live. Even the incomprehensible "international" language he often sings in is unmistakably real. The music kept you rivited for 2 full hours, which is about 6 times longer than my normal attention span for live music, even if I like it. I highly recommend you listen to this great, fun, unique sound."
Bravarto
A. Martel | canada | 05/03/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"this is my second arto tuncboyacian purchase and Im as delighted
as ever with it. his musik is refreshing and honest. it takes courage and dedication to produce material like this, and that is a rare thing these days."
Track Listings (11) - Disc #1