Prelude to "Headphone Diaries"

In preparation for my book I am publishing in 2007 entitled "Headphone Diaries", I've had to look into my past logs here on Cilicia to jog the memory a bit. Since the concept of the book is to open each chapter with a song title, and then reflect a bit on what that sonic imprint has meant to me, I thought I would share some of the music I listened to in New Mexico. Most are here, some I've added since being in Boston. In addition to the song title, I will have the type of player pictured as well. (Record player, LP, CD Player, Cassette Tape, iPod, etc) I've been in the cheezy "Song List" mood of late coupled with reading a bunch of angry emails asking me to update the Pomegranate Music radio songlist So, here we will have a new 4 part music list to appear on the Pomegranate Radio portion our website every Thursday or so. The list will grow by 11 songs for 4 weeks and culminate with 44 songs altogether. I would say that less than 40% are Armenian, if that. I will explain the purpose of that as we move forward. For now, please enjoy the first new Pomegranate Radio songlist since last Fall 2005. They are 11 songs, and I will list them here. They were inspired by my trip to New Mexico. Lots of time to think, and soak up how powerful music can be.

www.pomegranatemusic.com, then click on the Pomegranate Music Radio Symbol at the top.

This Photo by Kevork Imirzian. Taos, New Mexico. January 2006. 1 mile from the Rio Grande Gorge.

#1. Iakovos Kolanian- Prelude In D Minor (Agustin Barrios): From the upcoming Pomegranate Music album "Guitar Masterworks of Agustin Barrios". Produced by Kevork Imirzian. This cut is the opening track of our upcoming album and signifies the transformation of Pomegranate Music from a country specific record company to a global music label. In our research, only John Williams can top the new Kolanian recording in terms of playing Barrios. We expect this to be a monster hit in the classical community. Kev and I will be in Athens, Greece starting Feb 24, 2006 for a week doing photo shoots of Iakovos in and around the streets of Athens and then on the island of Milos while coordinating our touring schedule for 2006-2007. We will also be shooting at Dephi. It's all or nothing for Pomegranate on this album. If we hit it big, we have a future, if it is a bust, it will be my last recording.

#2. Afro Celtic Sound System Featuring Peter Gabriel- When You're Falling- From the album: "Further In Time". As we all know, Peter Gabriel is the godfather of the modern world music movement. While the true world music movement on record happened in the 1960's, Gabriel reinvented the genre with his "Last Temptation of Christ" soundtrack to Martin Scorcese's film in 1988. On this particular track, he is lending a helping hand to the Afro Celtic Sound System, a band that happens to be signed to his label. It is a lost Peter Gabriel track not many people have heard, and has a deep rich sound.

#3. Rachid Taha- Rock El Casbah- From the album "Tekitoi". An interesting twist with world music sensation Rachid Taha doing a remake in Arabic of the old The Clash classic "Rock the Casbah".

#4. Vicente Amigo- Tango Del Arco Bajo- From the album "Un Momento En El Sonido". My fascination of flamenco music started about 17 years ago when I got a hold of music from Paco Pena. Along the way, Kevork introduced me to Paco De Lucia and now Vicente Amigo, the natural extension of De Lucia. In fact, we have a group of people going to see Vicente in concert on Sunday Feb 12 at Berklee. Vicente is about 35, and has been annointed by De Lucia as the the current flamenco master.

#5. Zuco 103- Outro Lado (Charles Webster Remix)- From the album "The Now Sounds of Brazil". This is a great world beat song from Brazil, where some of the most musical and sun/fun loving people in the world live. For me, it started with Antonio Carlos Jobim, Gilberto Gil, Caetano Velosa, and Bebel Gilberto in terms of exposure to Brazilian music. Where I used to live in Framingham, MA, there was a large Brazlian community and pulling out one of the names of musicians usually got me a seat a lot quicker at a Brazlian restaurant.

#6. SAko- Kortsrel Em: From the album, "Flawless". If you go to The Armenian Music Review blog site I created, you can read a full review of my surprise pick as one of the best Armenian albums of 2005. Cheezy as hell, but, also very good. You can't always be a music snob and have to let loose sometimes.

#7. John Berberian- Rast Taksim (Oud Solo)- From the Album "Ode to an Oud" published first in 1965 on Mainstream Records. Definately a favorite oud player of mine. Starting on violin myself, I switched to the oud in my early 20's and have dabbling with it ever since. I took 4 lessons from John Berberian and have presented him in concert under the Pomegranate moniker a few times. This recording was made when he was in his early 20's. Astonishing command and understanding for the Rast scale.

#8. Nouvelle Vague- Making Plans for Nigel- From the album "Nouvelle Vague"- I had heard the XTC version of this song while on hold for some utilities company a few years ago. While waiting for a frequent flyer update on Air France, I heard a different version of this song by Nouvelle Vague. I liked the song, but, had never heard of it outside of waiting on hold on the phone. So, I down loaded both versions on itTunes and found this version interesting. Kind of a weirdly sad song of how parents set a path for their kids and that is that. The French singer on this song is fantastic.

#9. Imogen Heap- Have You Got it In You?- From the album "Speak for Yourself". Gor Mkhitarian emailed me a song by Imogen Heap that was a cappella called "Hide and Seek". I am sure you have all heard of it. Anyway, I liked the song because it was so unique so I bought the album. This track seemed to be the other stand out track. Great voice work, bass usage, and overall a driving rhythm. It's a tough trick to pull, but, Imogen does it.

#10. George Dalaras- Unknown Song- From the album "Kalous Tous". I am too lazy to check my CD and get the name of this song. My Dalaras fix was introduced to me when I was about 18 by Kevork and Martin Haroutounian of the Arev Band here in Boston while I was at Camp Haiastan. One of the great natural voices I've ever heard. I have been a fan for 18 years and have seen him live a few times in Boston.

#11. Javier Ruibal- La Flor De Estamboul- From the album "Sahara". Don't get freaked out by the title. Ruibal was my surprise find while in Seville in 2003 for the World Music Exposition. I went there with Raffi Bandazian and we both called the guy an ultimate professional musicians. This song is interesting because it is a melody composed by Eric Satie, with the lyrics written by Ruibal. He is from Andaludia, Spain.

END OF PROGRAM ONE.