Twitter review: Tigran Hamasyan – Red Hail (Plus Loin, 2009)

July 15, 2009; 2:49 PM • by Dean Christesen

Originally reviewed by Dean Christesen on Twitter: @RVAjazz

Tigran Hamasyan
Red Hail
Plus Loin Music
2009

Some may remember the album review I conducted on Twitter back in March. Like it or not, I did it again, this time with a young (b. 1987) Armenian pianist named Tigran Hamasyan and his newest album Red Hail. I don’t necessarily predetermine that I will do an album review with Twitter; rather, while listening, I may become inspired to immediately tell others about my discovery. Such is the case with this album. For the sake of organization, preservation, and extra promotion for deserving artists like Hamasyan, I copy the tweet reviews here on RVAjazz for blog-reader consumption. Below are the nine posts I made while listening to the album.

– Listening to the young Armenian pianist Tigran Hamasyan on his newest album “Red Hail” [Plus Loin, 2009]. Sax’ist Ben Wendel killin as usual

– …The first track, “Shogher Jan,” absolutely knocks you out and makes you wonder what could possibly follow. And you aren’t let down.

– …Surprises around every corner, like in “Love Song,” which turns from pretty melodic ballad to a brief, entrancing beat. Lush textures.

– …Piano and drums play around the fast break-beat of “Falling” w/ total abandon, somehow locking up with each another.

– …The rhythm section’s interactions during “Sibylla” is so nuanced and sensitive. The calm mood is short-lived, however. Crashing beats!

– …It’s not surprising to hear complex multi-metered, heavily grooving music come from a 22-y.o. composer. Product of his time, influences.

– …”Chinar Es” is a beautiful and thrilling piano/vocal duet of an Armenian folk song. Much needed before the return of distorted elec gtr.

– …Album closes with an a capella folk song, incl. Tigran himself singing.

– …Listening was a journey that comes highly recommended. Can’t wait to see what Tigran Hamasyan does next. [End 1st impression CD review]

Tracks: Shogher Jan; Red Hail; The Glass-Hearted Queen; Love Song; Falling; Sibylla; Corrupt; Part 1: Serpentine; Part 2: Moneypulated; Chinar Es (You Are As Tall As A Plane Tree); The Awakening Of Mher; Amran Gisher (Summer Night).

Personnel: Tigran Hamasyan: piano, Fender Rhodes piano, keyboard, synthesizer; Areni Agbabian: vocals; Sam Minaie: electric guitar, acoustic bass; Ben Wendel: soprano saxophone, tenor saxophone; Nate Wood: drums.

Visit Tigran Hamasyan on the web.