Search - Night Ark :: In Wonderland

A superb successor to their previous recordings

Matrina Lesko | 08/18/1999

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I first learned about Night Ark through NPR. On a slow news day, they decided they'd tell their listening audience just exactly what the sources were for those little snippets of music that book end their news stories. One of the more haunting, an oud solo, was by Night Ark -- and I was off to the record store. (Yes, *record* store; I don't know that the first two recordings were ever released on CD.) I played the records a thousand times. I even made a tape of them to play in the car. Quite aside from any new age-y virtues they might have (which would be a turn off for me), they treat a very ancient tradition, expressed through very ancient instruments, as something living, something vital. Enormous creativity involved here and some damned good music making. I only gave it 4 stars because I thought the first two recordings had more of an edge to them. There is certainly nothing unsatisfying about this new one (I've already listened to it many times), I just want it (unfair expectation) to be more aggressive, less satisfied with previous accomplishments. jma"

Their 3rd release

Sumatriptan | Fixing a barbecue at the Golden Gate Park, San Fra | 04/17/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"NIGHT ARK's third release and the only one available in the USA so far (except for the compilation album TREASURES)continues the tradition of blending Armenian and middle-eastern rhythms with jazz music. Every new album of Ara, Arto & Co. is a true gem and it is very hard to pick up one of them as the best. I am especially fond of 2 pieces written by Arto Tuncboyaciyan - THEY LOVE ME 15 FEET AWAY and HERU MERTAR. Two of ten compositions from this album (GOING WITH ABANDON and LULLABY FOR THE SUN) are sung by Eleftheria Arvanitaki on one of her albums (I believe that was BODIES AND KNIVES). Overall, another masterpiece was born - if you like Middle-Eastern music you should shake your wallet and get this CD. Also check Ara Dinkjian on albums of the above-mentioned Eleftheria Arvanitaki as well as Omar Faruk Tekbilek."

It's all Ara!

Matrina Lesko | 01/15/1999

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The harmony of life is music that enables humankind to lay down their weapons and pick up their instruments. Four creative musicians have gathered their wordily knowledge and persona to this pleasant album that mixes jazz and strong culture music under the name of NIGHT ARK. But this album belongs to Ara Dinkjian who wrote most of the compositions and whose oud, cumbus & sazbus feature heavily with the assistance of a great bunch of musicians you would love to spend the evening with."