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String Harmonies {trinity} with Bassist Vik Momjian

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String Harmonies {trinity} with Bassist Vik MomjianString Harmonies {trinity} with Bassist Vik Momjian… This musical adventure started when Vik Momjian contacted me and told me that our good friend and prior staff writer Damian Erskine (now over at “No Treble”) had suggested he send us his latest CD for possible review. I suspected I would be in for a real treat knowing that Damian had reviewed Vik’s previous CD  “Excursion” very favorably, and this was exactly the case!

Recommended Listening With Damian Erskine: Peter Deneff & Vik Momnjian | “Excursion”

Those of you that have read some of my reviews know that I really enjoy the great variety of music that comes from all over the world. I am greatly impressed with the differences in scale choices, tempos, time signatures and instruments that are used around the globe. In spite of the differences, there is so much that world music has in common with my “local” music that it confirms to me that it is all part of a “Universal Language”.

Here is a sample from the CD release party for String Harmonies {trinity}:

Let’s meet the players:

Vik Momjian                 6 string Contrabass guitar

Yervand Kalajian         Violin, string orchestra sections

Antranig Kzirian           Ouds

As soon as I started to listen, I was totally hooked on “Trinity” within 30 seconds of the first track; the Armenian flavor of this CD is exquisite. The three string instruments intertwine together flawlessly and in my opinion the bass brings the music to life; you really have to hear how it fits in this project to fully appreciate how tight the arrangements are and how amazingly the musicians interact.

The music itself is superb and the more I listened, I found that I really don’t have anything to compare it to (Mid-eastern or Greek music at best) so I turned to Vik for some help.

First, I wanted to know the details about the time signatures and here is the low-down from Vik himself. (I have included links to video of these tunes where I could find them.)

1) YERAZ/HOVIVNER/BIJO medley:

Slow 6/8. / slow 5/4. / fast 6/8. 

2) I WONDER IF IT IS YOU: slow 10/8

3) FOR MY FIRST LOVE: 4/4 (original composition by our Violinist Yervand Kalajian

4) TONIGHT AS THE SUN SETS: medium 9/8

5) ASUM EN TE/ BINGEOL medley: slow 6/8

6) MARILYN’s DANCE: 2/4 (my original composition)

7) ANOUSH KAROON/ADANAYI VOGHPUH: 4/4

8) VARIATION ON A TAMZARA: 9/8 (original composition by our Oud player Antranig Kzirian)

9) SARI SIROON YAR/AL AYLOOGHUS GORAV: medium 6/8 – fast 6/8

10) KHNJOOYKI YERK/HARS OO PESA: medium 10/8

11) PAROV YEGAR/ SIROON AGHCHIG medley: 2/4

I asked Vik to break down some of the details of the music on “Trinity”…

“So, as far as the specific style, it is ALL Armenian but, from VERY different regions and eras. 

Aside from the three original compositions on the album written by me, Yervand and Antranig (the three of us are also Armenian), the eight other compositions are written by Armenian composers between the late 1800s to the early 1970s.

Your mention of “Mid-eastern and Greek” is a good generalization, but again, all 11 tracks are written by Armenian composers ranging in specific styles of Ottoman/Anatolian to traditional folk Armenian to classical Soviet-era (post Armenian Genocide).

We wanted to “resurrect” some of the really old pieces and present them via “hi-fi” recording, and the hardest part of this, especially for me (besides the odd-meters and the microtonal scales) was to incorporate a six-string bass playing actual bass grooves AND upper register/extension modern western harmonies AND make it SOUND and FEEL natural, as if it belongs there!!! That of course is easier said than done since there is/was no precedent for me to follow or get ideas from previous to this recording.

Remember, the Oud and Violin are fretless instruments, and in the world of Armenian Folk/Ethnic/traditional music, they are using microtonal scales with multiple notes within a scale which are + or – 40% to 50%, so as the harmonic fretted instrument player, I’m having to stay clear/avoid the microtonal notes and/ or, use alternate/substitute chords and harmonies that do NOT contain the microtonal sharped or flatted notes and all the while keeping the “flavor” of the original tune! By doing this, I hope to have left some small iota of hope for these old pieces to be played WITH the participation of electric bass in the future.

Furthermore, this unique recording/instrumentation with the combination of six string fretted electric bass, Oud and Violin playing odd time signatures and microtonal scales of old compositions, as well as brand new originals written by the three members of  String Harmonies should hopefully encourage and entice younger musicians to expand their musical horizons both compositionally as well as instrumentation-wise!!”

When I asked Vik about his fellow musicians this is what he shared…

“As far as my Trinity CD “String Harmonies“ musical collaborators, Oud player Antranig Kzirian and violinist Yervand Kalajian are both stellar musicians and composers, and I’m quite fortunate to have had the opportunity to record this album with them.

Antranig IS from the younger generation of musicians and is very much in line with me as a forward thinker (which is not easy when you consider his instrument, the Oud), he’s been able to introduce the Oud and make it a permanent member of a Rock band/project. Also, he has recorded and toured with Serj Tankian, vocalist and front man of the band System of a Down.

Yervand is a consummate professional and quite a rare animal (for his instrument, the Violin) since he is capable of nailing a piece by Brahms and then turn on a dime and play one of the microtonal pieces from the recording AND improvise freely for days!!!!

He was recently featured on the soundtrack of the motion picture “Sex and the City” composed by Aaron Zigman, as well as “The Stoning of Soraya M” composed by John Debney.”

Finally, when I asked Vik about his set up he gave me these details…

“Since the revue is for a bass magazine, perhaps I should mention some gear related info.

My main instrument and the one I played on the CD is an MTD American made 635-24 “Marilyn” model (52 built so far per Michael Tobias), which has a hollow sound chamber and a piezo ghost system pickup built into the bridge, which I ran thru a vintage late 70s Walter Woods single Chanel with FETs as a Preamp and right into the sound interface going to Digital Performer.

The full range and huge bottom (which can be attributed to the Piezo) can be appreciated when listening to the tracks on a high quality audio system with a GOOD subwoofer, or, a good pair of studio quality (flat) headphones.

The Walter Woods amp is the magical piece of gear that gave warmth to my sound and made it cohesive and “acoustic” so that it blended seamlessly with the two actual acoustic instruments on the recording.

I use Mogami and Tara labs cables, and La Bella stainless steel and Fodera nickel strings.”

Well, there you have it! “Trinity” is a true treat of musical wonder. I am in awe of this beautiful, complex music, much of witch dates well before my time. By the same token, I am motivated to continue to listen closely to what the world has to offer as I have obviously just scratched the surface of this gem of humanities creation.

I would like to thank Vik Momjian and his fellow musicians for sharing their music with us all and especially to Vik for shedding some light on all the details behind this masterpiece.

String Harmonies {trinity} with Bassist Vik MomjianIf you enjoy World Music, then “Trinity” is a must listen for you!

String Harmonies {trinity} with Bassist Vik Momjian available at Amazon.com in MP3

 

And visit Bassist Vik Momjian online at:

www.viksbassplace.com
www.stringharmonies.com
www.facebook.com/StringHarmonies

 

Bass CDs

New Album: Christian de Mesones, You Only Live Twice

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New Album: Christian de Mesones, You Only Live Twice

Christian de Mesones, You Only Live Twice…

Reborn, Reimagined and Remixed: Jazz funk bassist Christian de Mesones returns with “You Only Live Twice,” a new album dropping April 12 that contains the Billboard No. 1 hit “Hispanica” featuring keyboard legend Bob James.

A lifetime ago, Christian de Mesones was a New York City cabbie and heavy metal bassist who had a voracious appetite for the seedy decadence the Big Apple’s music scene was known for in the 1980s. Determined to change his life, de Mesones did a complete one-eighty, got clean and changed his musical muse to jazz funk. Dedicating his “second life” to pursuing his newfound passion for contemporary jazz and deep soul grooves spiced with Latin rhythms, de Mesones will release his second album, “You Only Live Twice,” on April 12 on the That 555 Lyfe label. Christopher Valentine produced nine of the album’s ten tracks, all but one of which are original songs written or cowritten by de Mesones.

de Mesones’s turnaround began decades ago, but it wasn’t until March of 2020 that he finally assembled his solo debut album, “They Call Me Big New York,” just as Covid-19 put the world on lockdown. Three singles from the set, “Big Tall Wish,” “Spirit” and “Latin Jive Redux,” landed on three national charts. However, pandemic restrictions limited de Mesones’s opportunities to promote the project and grow his brand.

A year later, de Mesones released a sultry Latin-tinged cut titled “Hispanica.” A British DJ sent the song to two-time Grammy-winning keyboardist Bob James, who agreed to play piano on the track. The single went to No. 1 on the Billboard chart, de Mesones’s first.

“I have always believed in the power of composition. One song can change the world. In my case, one of my own compositions forever changed mine. Before releasing ‘Hispanica’ as a single, I felt it was my strongest composition to date. It was featured on my previous album as a vocal track, and on the advice of my radio promoter, it was reimagined as an instrumental. I immediately knew I wanted a piano for the melody. Having the legendary Bob James play on it was a fairytale come true. It has become one of the most meaningful experiences of my career,” said de Mesones.

de Mesones dropped the follow-up single, “In His Vision,” in 2022. He wrote the rousing tune on which his bass takes on lyrically expressive qualities and gets a boost from saxophonist Eddie Baccus Jr.’s impassioned play.

“This song written for and inspired by my father-in-law was a challenge for me. I wanted to play the melody and do it justice. It had to have that Wayman Tisdale vibe, so last minute before the recording, I changed to piccolo gauge strings, giving me the sound I envisioned. Eddie Baccus Jr.’s sax put the song over the top, giving it exactly what I thought it needed,” explained de Mesones.

A movie buff, de Mesones is a big James Bond fan and the secret agent’s presence is felt twice on the album, including on the title track, which was released as a single last year. The production and arrangements are sprawling on the track “You Only Live Twice,” layered with majestic horn section parts and a dreamy vocal chorus.

“The album’s title track holds multiple meanings for me. Putting aside my love for the classic James Bond film with this title, it perfectly represents my second album release as a solo artist as well as the album artwork featuring my custom double neck bass. This song was composed many years ago and has come to fruition at a time when I have found true love and real purpose in my life. I believe in second chances, and love is definitely sweeter the second time around,” said de Mesones who is married to his producer’s sister, Jennifer Valentine.

A fourth single prefaced the album with the release of “Don Pedro” last year. Written in memory of his late father, the contemplative ballad is as beautiful as it is emotional. Two-time Grammy-winning vocalist David Blamires provides a haunting wordless caress throughout the track led by Jaared Arosemena’s soprano sax.

“My personal favorite track on the album captures the essence of my father who was a larger-than-life figure to me when I was a child. As I grew older, we had our difficulties, as many sons and fathers do, but I was blessed to be able to mend our relationship in his later years. Through the completion and release of this song, which I toiled over for years, I found a way to keep his spirit alive and with me everywhere I go,” de Mesones shared.

For the other Bond-connected song on the album, de Mesones reinterprets five-time Academy Award winner John Barry’s “Capsule In Space,” setting it to a funky Latin modern-day groove. Michael “Arch” Thompson’s spiraling flute work adds a floating sensation.

“I love the orchestration and composing skills of John Barry and loved using this music to accompany the visuals for my live shows. This song is a bit sentimental, too, as it conjures memories of growing up in Brooklyn and my father and grandmother taking me to see James Bond movies. Creating an urban take on this masterpiece was a lot of fun,” de Mesones shared.

Other tracks on the album are the seductive jazz funk prowl of “Sexy Beast”; the mighty five-bass attack “Throb!” on which de Mesones formed a brotherhood of bassists with Bill DickensBrendan RothwellAndrew Gouche and Vail Johnson on this revamped track that originally appeared on his debut disc; “Arrival,” an exciting, exuberant and explosive space jam that de Mesones plans to use to open his concerts; the sensual “Stay,” an R&B single illumined by Nes Powers’s distinctive voice; and “Sweetnight,” which de Mesones converted from a vocal tune into an instrumental.

“‘Sweetnight’ went through more changes than any other song in my entire repertoire. This instrumental version represents what I hear when I close my eyes and imagine a world where love rules all things,” de Mesones described.

Brooklyn-born and bred, de Mesones relocated to a sleepy town in Virginia as he rebuilt his life. He made his concert debut at the Capital Jazz Festival near Washington, DC in 2006 and has persevered ever since to get to the next level. “You Only Live Twice” is a big album on multiple levels. Valentine’s elaborate production and crafty arrangements give the project a grand sound design. de Mesones’s rubbery basslines, dynamic rhythms and equanimity when it comes to sharing the spotlight with an accomplished collective of first-call musicians in service to the song has equipped him with a next-level album meriting a major breakthrough.

“After my days of living a lifestyle of excess, now being surrounded by such loving, supportive friends, family, and fans feels like a rebirth. And my life is so much sweeter the second time around. From sex, drugs, and rock and roll to smooth grooves and funky Latin soul, my feet are now on solid ground. And I’m here to tell you, it’s true: your best life is not in the rear-view mirror.”

de Mesones’s “You Only Live Twice” album contains the following songs:

“You Only Live Twice”
“Sexy Beast” with Bill McGee and Rob Maletick
“Throb!” (Bass Godz Remix) featuring Bill Dickens, Brendan Rothwell, Andrew Gouche and Vail Johnson
“Arrival”
“Stay” (Big New York Remix) featuring Nes Powers
“Sweetnight”
“Capsule In Space”
“In His Vision” featuring Eddie Baccus Jr.
“Hispanica” featuring Bob James
“Don Pedro” featuring Jaared Arosemena

For more information, please visit bignybassworld.com.

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Album Review: Brian Bromberg, LaFaro

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Album Review: Brian Bromberg, LaFaro

Brian Bromberg, LaFaro…

Scott LaFaro was an extraordinary upright bass player who we lost in 1961 at the age of 25. Even though he was a young bassist he worked with the Bill Evans Trio from 1959 to 1961; he was an exceptional musician and his bass work was lightyears ahead of his time.

Brian Bromberg has teamed up with pianist Tom Zink and drummer Charles Ruggiero to produce a tribute album to this legendary player. We are treated to a dozen tracks (with three bonus tracks on the digital platforms) that were Bill Evans Trio standards. While the original band’s work inspired Brian, this tribute album is not an attempt by the musicians to replicate the music but to organically express themselves on these tunes. When you listen, you may note that it doesn’t sound like LaFaro and it isn’t supposed to.

As I have noted on many of Brian’s previous albums, the bass work (all upright here) is extraordinary and he knows how to get a crystal-clear sound. Every note is pristine and balanced perfectly with the piano and drums. Brian’s approach to recording upright bass should be the golden standard for all upright players. He also handpicked the other members of this trio and they are excellent musicians who really deliver the goods.

If you would like more insight into this album, I can share that in my cover interview with Brian, coming soon.

The projected album release date is April 5, 2024, and will be available at www.brianbromberg.net

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New Album: Iron Axxis, 2286

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New Album: Iron Axxis, 2286

Iron Axxis, 2286…

New York’s metal scene is growing and mighty, and bringing the genre to new heights is instrumental metal band Iron Axxis.

Iron Axxis is gearing up for the release of their forthcoming album 2286. Due out March 29, 2024, the album highlights the band’s unique progressive, guitar-driven songwriting. “The sound is closer to Dream Theater than Van Halen, but there are some neat tips of the hat to Eddie, with some playful bends and whammy bar horse whinnies, while the track also crosses into Vai-esque meditative phrases and Holdsworthian scalic runs.” (GuitarWorld)

The band states, “‘‘2286’ is our first full-length album release. The album blends the high-risk Influences of the ‘guitar & bass guitar virtuosos’ of yesteryear and looks into the future by incorporating modern metal.. for a futuristic take on ‘guitar music. The listener will hear that ‘2286’ runs deep with their favorite metal influences with badass heavy riffage, thundering bass lines, and monstrous drum grooves, all while exploring metal through a wide cinematic lens, which ultimately takes it up a notch to an untamed guitar universe. “

Iron Axxis was forged from a friendship between Anupam Shobhakar and Phil Duke, two metal heads. They have worked together on previous recording studio projects and were in Book of Harmony, which was signed to Sony affiliates. Hailing from Brooklyn, they began to develop Iron Axxis at their studio in 2022.

Visit online at ironaxxis.live

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New Solo Album: Derek Frank, Origin Story

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New Solo Album: Derek Frank, Origin Story

Former Gwen Stefani/Shania Twain Bassist Announces New Solo Album “Origin Story”…

Veteran session/touring bassist Derek Frank is thrilled to announce the release of his new instrumental album “Origin Story” on March 25th, 2024. 

Origin Story is Derek’s third album as a solo artist, and his second album project with multiple Grammy award-winning producer Jim Scott (Tedeschi Trucks Band, Tom Petty, Wilco, Sting, Red Hot Chili Peppers). He is joined by his touring band, which includes guitarist Joshua Ray Gooch (Derek’s longtime bandmate with Shania Twain), keyboardist Carey Frank (Social Distortion, Tedeschi Trucks Band), drummer Randy Cooke (Smashmouth, Brit Floyd), percussionist Demian Arriaga (Miley Cyrus, The Jonas Brothers), along with keyboardist Matt Rohde (Janes Addiction, The Chicks), guitarist Anthony King (Buffy Sainte-Marie), Vegas horn Section The Fat City Horns, featured guests Karl Denson (saxophone), Brent Mason (guitar), among others. 

After years of touring the world with artists such as Gwen Stefani, Shania Twain, Shakira, Air Supply, and others, veteran LA bass player Derek Frank decided it was time to take a slight detour from the life of a “hired gun” musician and focus on his own instrumental quintet. Described as “Seventies-Inspired Funky Instrumental Jams With Fewer Bass Solos Than You Would Expect”, Derek and his band blend funk, blues, soul, jazz, southern rock, and seventies soundtrack music into a genre all their own. 2020 saw the release of “Eleven Years Later”, Derek’s first solo album since his 2009 debut “Let the Games Begin…”, and now Origin Story is set for release on March 25th, 2024 on all download and streaming platforms. The 2-disc vinyl version (with bonus live tracks) will be available sometime in May 2024. 

In concept, Origin Story is an instrumental homage to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the city where Derek was born, grew up, discovered his love for music, and decided what he wanted to be when he grew up. 

For more information, visit online at derekfrank.com 

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New Album: Tom Kennedy, New Start

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New Album: Tom Kennedy, New Start

Tom Kennedy, New Start…

Autumn Hill Records is pleased to announce the March 22nd release of Tom Kennedy’s New Start.  Autumn Hill Records is a worldwide leader in instrumental music, boasting 11 billion streams and counting, and Tom Kennedy ranks as one of the top electric and acoustic bass players on the planet.  The new album features the Grammy-winning and Modern Drummer Hall of Famer Dave Weckl, as well as performances from Eric Marienthal, Randy Brecker, Mike Stern, Bill Evans and others. It is the sixth solo album from Tom Kennedy.  New Start will be available digitally on all major streaming and download platforms March 22nd, 2024. 

Kennedy writes that “The legendary pianist Keith Jarrett once said of his recorded music, ‘If there were words to express it, there would be no need for the music.’ Ironically, Keith’s sentiment provided the perfect verbiage for describing the process I’ve experienced in creating the music for this album.  These compositions did not come to me in complete thoughts, but rather as bits and pieces of melody, harmony, or rhythm to build from, much as in a live improvisation.  A single note or chord could inspire a pathway to a new section or critical transition of a song, and at times a completely orchestrated idea would just pop into my head.  No method, no foresight…just the music.”

Kennedy’s musical roots were on the acoustic bass, an instrument he started playing at age 9 and took to so naturally that within a few years, he was performing with internationally known players such as Freddie Hubbard, James Moody, Nat Adderley, Sonny Stitt and Stan Kenton. At age 17, Tom would create a musical alter ego when he began playing the electric bass. Intrigued by the endless possibilities of the instrument, he began developing his now signature style best described as deep, soulful grooves merging seamlessly into acrobatic, horn-like soloing.

Gaining a reputation that soon traveled beyond his native St. Louis, Tom relocated to New York City, where he quickly gained work with multiple groups. Further accolades came through a recording with guitar great Bill Connors and tours with tenor saxophonist Michael Brecker in the world-renowned jazz-fusion group Steps Ahead. Additional tours and recordings with Brazilian pianist Tania Maria and guitarist Al DiMeola followed. In 1998, Tom became an integral part of Modern Drummer Hall of Famer Dave Weckl’s band, a group he toured, composed and recorded with for over nine years. Tom and Dave have continued to perform and record together on various of Tom’s own albums as well as projects for other artists, including Mike Stern, Didier Lockwood, Dave Grusin and Lee Ritenour.  They’ve been performing this music live for the last two years during tours of The Dave Weckl/Tom Kennedy Project.

Visit Online

www.autumnhillrecords.com
www.tomkennedymusic.com

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