California, Part 2
The Armenian Music Awards experience is somewhat surreal. I had attended my first one in 2002 and this was my first time back after almost three years. The venue was bigger (Hollywood Palladium), there were more acts on stage, etc. My wife and I decided to make a trip of it by attending the music awards, putting on a few Iakovos Kolanian guitar recitals, and then taking a week and enjoying the Bay Area and Fresno for vacation. I have relatives in Fresno and some friends in the Bay Area.
At the Armenian Music Awards, congratulations go out to Arsineh Khachikian who continues to dominate the "Best Album Cover/Design" award year after year. She is always nominated and has won the award two of the last three years. This time, she won for our Karabagh CD, "Fortress City". Also, Iakovos Kolanian won the "Michael Ganian Best Instrumental Album" award and also performed two pieces at the show. Other highlights included Manuel receiving a lifetime achievement award and a tribute to Adiss Harmandian. I did not realize how revered Adiss was in the Armenian community as about 7 singers from Andy to Joseph sang his songs with Adiss in the audience getting a little teary eyed. Pure LA, pure fun. There were some technical glitches throughout the night, but, most people came away happy.
I purchased SOAD's "Mezmerize" and really have some strong feelings about it. Much to my surprise, it is a great album and is a great followup album to "Toxicity/Steal This Disc". I didn't think they could keep up the intensity and creativity after their masterpiece "Toxicity". However, they really sound confident and vibrant. Lot's of color on this album and some very wacky stuff. For those keeping up, BYOB, Cigaro, Question, Sad Statue, Old School Hollywood, and Lost in Hollywood are really excellent. I've heard a lot of people complain about Daron's vocal. I think just the opposite as it is a neccessary compliment to Serj's voice and adds even more quirkiness. Plus, I think he has a great rock/metal voice.
Here is a picture of Iakovos Kolanian being interviewed by two Armenian TV personalities. I am just hanging out watching them trying to look important. Photo by Kevork Imirzian.
At the Armenian Music Awards, congratulations go out to Arsineh Khachikian who continues to dominate the "Best Album Cover/Design" award year after year. She is always nominated and has won the award two of the last three years. This time, she won for our Karabagh CD, "Fortress City". Also, Iakovos Kolanian won the "Michael Ganian Best Instrumental Album" award and also performed two pieces at the show. Other highlights included Manuel receiving a lifetime achievement award and a tribute to Adiss Harmandian. I did not realize how revered Adiss was in the Armenian community as about 7 singers from Andy to Joseph sang his songs with Adiss in the audience getting a little teary eyed. Pure LA, pure fun. There were some technical glitches throughout the night, but, most people came away happy.
I purchased SOAD's "Mezmerize" and really have some strong feelings about it. Much to my surprise, it is a great album and is a great followup album to "Toxicity/Steal This Disc". I didn't think they could keep up the intensity and creativity after their masterpiece "Toxicity". However, they really sound confident and vibrant. Lot's of color on this album and some very wacky stuff. For those keeping up, BYOB, Cigaro, Question, Sad Statue, Old School Hollywood, and Lost in Hollywood are really excellent. I've heard a lot of people complain about Daron's vocal. I think just the opposite as it is a neccessary compliment to Serj's voice and adds even more quirkiness. Plus, I think he has a great rock/metal voice.
Here is a picture of Iakovos Kolanian being interviewed by two Armenian TV personalities. I am just hanging out watching them trying to look important. Photo by Kevork Imirzian.
posted by Raffi at 8:07 PM
1 Comments:
“Look important”? Brother Meneshian you “Are Important”. Without your energy and time investment there would not be a Pomegranate Record Label and hence the Armenian music community would be missing-out on some serious talent. You know that goes for all Armenians trying to keep their own local community culturally colorful.
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