New Pomegranate Music Program Up for July 2005

Hi Everyone- I have been in a sort of hibernation lately focusing on a variety of stuff. Whenever I want to take a break from the usual bullsh*t in life, I just head over to my PowerBook and start creating a radio program for www.pomegranateradio.com . So, I have a fresh new batch of vintage and new music to present on the internet radio feature of our site at www.pomegranatemusic.com. This month will be a true mix of genres. 20 songs- mostly Armenian with a few twists here and there. I will post the playlist later tonight for everyone to see. Instead of the usual upload and shuffle (no particular order of songs), I have created a distinct order of music for this month. I am going back to my DJ roots. In fact, I am thinking of doing a few DJ shows here in Boston called "75". I will put together a mix of world music focusing on Armenia for a 75 minute strech of time. "Toast Lounge" has already offered me a spot whenever I want it. I am thinking Fall 2005.

Also, I have put the final touches on the Pomegranate Armenian Music Series of Boston.

Gor Mkhitarian In Concert: Alternative Armenian Folk Music- August 27, 2005 at Toast Lounge in Somerville, MA

Iakovos Kolanian: Armenian Folk Music for Guitar- October 8, 2005 at the Longy School of Music in Cambridge, MA

John Berberian In Concert (accompanied by Ara Dinkjian): Oud Masters Series- Nov 5, 2005 at ALMA in Watertown, MA

All tickets can be purchased at www.virtuous.com. Click on Massachusetts and then the venue stated above.

The theme of this concert series is "Concerts Armenian Organizations Can't Pull Off"

Pomegranate Radio Music List July 2005

1. Tikran Solo by Arto Tuncboyaciyan- This is a 13 second clip of Arto flipping through radio stations. I like the effect and it is a perfect gimmick song to start of the July 2005 Pomegranate Radio program.

2. Accion Reaccion Repercusion by Ojos De Brujo- When I was in Sevilla, Spain for Womex 2003, I saw this group live and they blew me away.

3. Flying Hye by John Berberian- This master oud player is actually an Armenian American born in NYC who happened to be one of the most influencial oud players in the late 1960's and 1970's. The album which this track was taken from was a big hit in 1969 and on the Verve Forecast label. I will be presenting Mr. Berberian in concert in Boston in November 2005.

4. One Song by Gor Mkhitarian- Loggers on cilicia.com know the story of Gor and Pomegranate by now. However, this song was taken from his latest CD, "Episode" on Gor's own label. It was his first recording made completely in the USA.

5. Bad Days by Cascade Folk Trio- This album was produced by a friend of mine, Raffi Bandazian. The album is very strong and the female vocalist is sensational. This is an album that was kind of overlooked. One of the better folk - pop Armenian CD's out there.

6. Prayer Against Drought by Bambir- This cut is taken from their underrated and almost unheard album "J&G". It's another concept album that was self-produced by Bambir- the folk rockers from Gyumri.

7. I Love You D by Arto Tuncboyaciyan- This song is dedicated to Arto's wife, Delia. From the new Arto Tuncboyaciyan album "Artostan" on the German Heaven and Earth label. Again, obscure and impossible to get in North America.

8. Patio Custodia by Paco De Lucia- Track taken from the great Flamenco masters latest album "Cositas Buenas".

9. Dancing Maria by J. Armen (Armen Mechjian)- A very fun song by a really nice guy. Artur Mechjian's son Armen has been playing music for a while. He lives in NYC married to Yeraz. Great couple, great music.

10. Through the Shadows (Part 1) by Axiom of Choice- A prelude or taxim made on a special guitar that is fretless. As with a lot of my eclectic musical taste, I owe this selection to my long time friend and current Pomegranate Music colleague (producer of Iakovos Kolanian's Shoror) Kevork Imirzian.

11. Khosh Yar by Lilit Pipoyan- I remember this piece she performed live when I presented her in Boston in January 2004. Amazing talent, still lives in Armenia, we will be working together soon...

12. Dinata by Eleftheria Arvanitaki (and Ara Dinkjian)- Rachous live piece by Greece's first lady of folk-pop. She had a career boost when she started using pieces by Night Ark's Ara Dinkjian and adding then unknown Arto Tuncboyaciyan as her percussionist. You can hear Arto in the beginning of this song babbling as always. To say this song was an international hit is an understatement.

13. Rise Up, Lord by Hover Chamber Choir of Armenia- No choir here, just a soloist from Hover's new self-produced CD, "The Way" on Vem Recordings. Haunting stuff.

14. Old School Hollywood by System of a Down- There are our homegrown Armenian-American heroes. "Tony Danza Cuts in Line!"

15. Shogher Jan by Mariam Matossian- Folk song sung in a contemporary fashion. I wish more people would buy this album. A very sincere effort by the Canadian Armenian schoolteacher.

16. Kele Tsoler by Zulal- I know Yeraz and Teni personally, and they put out a great debut album. Produced by J. Armen, whose wife is Yeraz. All in the family.

17. Osanna by Iakovos Kolanian- No need to tell you that I think this guy is a genius. Coming to a concert hall near you presented by Pomegranate Music. And, if you don't go, you are going to be in big trouble.

18. Soleda by Astor Piazolla- I reviewed this historic CD in Global Rhythm Magazine sometime in 2003 calling it one of my favorite reissues of alltime. This is a 1967 live recording of composer and bandeneon genius Astor Piazolla. If you haven't heard of him, get some culture and check this CD out. It is called "Adios Nonino". Brilliant.

19. Journey's End by Armen Chakmakian- Nice little melancholy song by artist keyboardist/composer Armen Chakmakian. Former Shadowfax keyboardist. It's OK if you don't know who Shadowfax was- New Age was a cheezy genre anyway. Check out JOhn Bilezijian's oud playing. Very smooth music.

20. Across the Universe by Rufus Wainwright- A Beatles cover song sung by the progressive and very offbeat Baroque-pop Diva Rufus. What pipes?

This radio program is to be heard in one listen as one song is tied to the other. About 75 minutes. Enjoy the summer. Photo by Kevork Imirzian