''armen nalbandian is a truly great modern musician with an expansive understanding of the jazz tradition and then some. he has a completely open mind and big open ears. his work on prepared fender rhodes is a revelation to someone like me who grew up hearing that instrument in the way it was used in the 70s. armen can massage the jazz and can find the music and beauty in noise.''
"the concept here definitely informs the music with noise, beat, and melody combining to create a soundscape much like the visual work of basquiat. a highly recommended listen for fans of the beat scene."
-Culture REMIXED ("to repel ghosts" review)
“to repel ghosts” transports the listener into a world of bewildering and enchanting soundscapes that are barely perceptible to have originated at the keys. nalbandian works in careful circles, building slowly from understated rhythms into soft symphonies and back again. his array of floating melodies and elementary rhythms blend simplicity and intricacy, forming a unique and understated sound.
-Squeegie SOUNDS ("to repel ghosts" review)
"extemely tuneful and organic music with a real group synergy, plus a wonderful negotiation between accessibility and a true spirit of adventure. highly recommended!"
“after hearing armen nalbandian’s new cd, I can say that armen has found a personal voice in expressing a music that is so clearly a part of his soul. he brings to his improvisations and organization to his arrangements. he has a touch and playfulness reminiscent of thelonious monk , and a feeling of swing that is natural and easy.”
“armen nalbandian's new trio release is a testament to what is happening in contemporary jazz today. a beautiful combination of hard bop, free improvisation, and experimentation, Nalbandian's new compositions (and the band that he has put together to realize them) are at once provocative, referential, and curiously "out" without leaving the lay listener a way in.”
-Derek KELLER
tzadik recording artist
"young kings get their heads cut off, is an abstract and experimental improvisation for prepared fender rhodes, full of distorted reverb, controlled delays, noisy feedback and altered hammers for a unique percussion, all recorded live with no post-production - john cage would have been proud."
-Headphone COMMUTE
A FEW HIGHLIGHTS
APRIL 2001
performed with billy higgins
OCTOBER 2004-MAY 2008
artist-in-residence (fresno art museum)
SEPTEMBER 2004
premiere of "music of mexico" w. fresno philhamonic
APRIL 2005
premiere of witness
SEPTEMBER 8th, 2005 benefit for the victims of hurricane katrina
JANUARY 2006 founded blacksmith brother music
APRIL 2006 premiere of one flew over the cuckoo's nest score
OCTOBER 2007: music director for poetry in motion w. sunni patterson
JUNE 2008
finalist in the gilles peterson worldwide talent search
JANUARY 31st 2008 armen nalbandian & han bennink duet concert
MAY 29th 2008: armen nalbandian performs john zorn's masada
JANUARY 20th 2009: day one: barack obama inauguration celebration (music director)
FEBRUARY 10th 2009: celebration of the life & music j dilla w/ fashawn
APRIL 2009: music director of poetry in motion II
MAY 24th 2009: armen nalbandian & little dragon
JULY/AUGUST 2009: armen nalbandian/nino moschella & the park/chin chin: live on the west coast
SEPTEMBER 2009: premiere of semblance
JUNE 2010: to repel ghosts is released
AUGUST 14th 2011: impromptu performance with dave chappelle at yoshi's oakland
AUGUST 23rd 2011: release of quiet, as it's kept & coup de grace
