Jazzical Komitas: Passion of Fire!

JAZZICAL KOMITAS – PASSION OF FIRE presents to world audiences the beauty and music of Armenia, their folk songs and the music of iconic Armenian legend Komitas Vartapet and other well-known Armenian composers re-imagined in the signature Jazzical® style of pianist/composer Joel A. Martin.

JAZZICAL KOMITAS is an experience like no other. The music of Komitas recreated in Joel A. Martin’s trademarked Jazzical® style for the twenty-first century. Like fire, there are many layers to this music: red, hot, and painfully beautiful. JAZZICAL KOMITAS celebrates the heritage and art of the Armenian people - past, present and future - through music. JAZZICAL KOMITAS – PASSION OF FIRE astonished audiences at its world premiere in NYC at St Vartan Armenian Cathedral on December 6, 2019.

Through Martin’s sensitive interpretations, JAZZICAL KOMITAS channels the sublime beauty of Komitas’ music and other ethnic folk songs, fostering a new love, respect and appreciation for Armenian art and culture. The album features Armenian mezzo soprano Solange Merdinian, violinist Nune Melik, and 13-year-old Dhol percussionist Hamlet Exoyan from Yerevan, on several tracks along with American symphony players and jazz musicians including flutist Pamela Sklar, drummer Jon Berger, and the Andrew Smith Strings Orchestra.

TRACK LIST:
1. Dance of Echmiadzin - Komitas
2. Chinar es (Solo Piano) - Komitas
3. Hoy Nazan - Komitas
4. Oror - Lullaby - Ganachian
5. Garun a (Solo Piano) - Komitas
6. At Ailoughs - Komitas
7. Ari Im Sokhak (Solo Piano) - Armenian Folk Song
8. Tsakhkaz Baleni - Khachatur Avetisyan
9. Sareri hovin mernem - Armenian Folk Song
10. Shoushigi (Solo Piano) - Komitas
11. Mother of God - Konstantin Petrossian
12. Processional in A minor - Armenian Folk Song
13. Tsakhkaz Baleni (Solo Piano) - Khachatur Avetisyan
14. Soldier’s Song (Dual Pianos) - Ashot Satian
15. Chinar es (Orchestra) - Komitas