Emeril Gunduzian said... Mal Barsamian is one of the most gifted Armenian-American musicians working today. His wealth of musical knowledge extends to classical as well as Middle Eastern music. I have seen Barsamian perform on bouzouki, oud, clarinet, guitar, violin, and dumbeg. He has the same vitality on the instruments as he does on his most well-known instrument, the clarinet. This is an excellent tribute of songs to a generation of musicians that performed decades back, including his father. The titles of the songs were original titles from the Aramite recordings, which is part of Barsamian's tribute. The reviewer of this CD doesnt understand that history needs to be preserved and this CD represents a portion of history which our young Armenian population often forgets and throws to the side like a used towel. Pick on something else will you? This is historical - love it or not. 10:57 AM Anonymous said... Mal's CD is essential to preserving traditional Armenian folk/dances, period. I admire his commitment to preventing these numbers from dying out completely. I've heard him play these songs countless times, and he does it with more energy, accuracy, and enthusiasm than any other musician out there today. Like Emeril said, Mal plays classical and fusion styles also, which is where his true music genious shows. Nevertheless, I think its pathetic to criticize the "Armo/Turko/Arabo mish mash" that we all love. I'll take your perspective into consideration when you release your first alblum or post some recordings that affirm self proclaimed musical authority. Abris. 2:37 AM Anonymous said... It has been some time since I have heard Mal. Without a doubt, he is a legend. He has done so much to keep the true Armenian spirit alive in his music. Unfortunately, he has not received the coverage that he deserves in this country. All Armenians should buy his music. They should also buy John Berberian's music. It is hard to believe that I can walk into an Armenian household and find a cd by some "gangsta rapper" yet no Mal Barsamian! Stop the demise of Armenian music and support Armenian artists! David Demurjian