Monday, September 05, 2005

Mal Barsamian- One Take: (Self Produced)


** (Two Stars)

Even before I put this CD into my sound system, I could hear and predict exactly what was going to be on this disc. Mal Barsamian is one of the hardest working men in Armenian-American show business here on the East Coast. He is probably one of the more talented as well. Barsamian’s legend has grown as a gifted clarinet player, guitarist (Masters Degree in Guitar from New England Conservatory), and underrated oudist. If you have been to a “Kef” function in the last 10 years, you have seen and heard Mal Barsamian. Ah, but what to do with that talent on record is indeed another question. One Take is a great showcase for Barsamian’s wide ranging musical talents on different instruments. For example, on the curiously named “Hovivin Aghchigun Medley”, Mal plays the clarinet, oud, dumbeg, and guitar simultaneously overdubbed in the studio. During his solo, Barsamian reminds the listener of a young Khatchig Kazarian of Detroit snake charming his way though “the ride”. Other songs named “Aramite Medley” and “Aramite Special” has guest musicians join Barsamian through the same-old-same-old in terms of songs. (I think Armenian-American musicians have to start inventing new terms to counter the overused “Medley” and “Special” syndrome when naming songs.) The good news and bad news at once regarding One Take is that once you put it on you feel like you are at a picnic or “Kef” dance. You can smell the losh kebab at campgrounds or feel the burn of a vodka tonic with a slight twist of lime going down your throat at an overly crowded portable bar at a hotel with the music in the background. But, that’s a problem for Mal Barsamian because his talent should rise above the mediocre Armo/Turko/Arabo mish-mash of songs on this album and at the functions he performs at. But, alas, he does not. And thus, One Take only frustrates given Barsamian’s immense talent and is comfortably destined for the CD players of folks who have heard these songs one too many times. As the liner notes boast, “Mal has respect for the old traditions while pursuing new musical endeavors.” Here’s hoping we can hear those new musical endeavors on record at some point.

4 Comments:

Anonymous Anonymous 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 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 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

7:02 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

I agree that Mal has unlimited talent in his profession. His style and versatility are evident at every level of each song presented. The cd highlights melodies of the past in his own style and with his own flare. This music enlivens the Armenian Spirit. Mal deserves great recognition for preserving our culture which is slowly being torn apart. Wonderful renditions, Mal. It is wonderful to finally hear the REAL ARMENIAN MUSIC because it is through this music that we, a great people, have kept united for so long. Let us not forget who WE are and where WE came from. Natasha K.Atoragalian

9:38 PM  

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