My music also features these world-class musicians:
John Bilezikjian
Oud, Violin (Leonard Cohen, Ofra Haza, Placido Domingo)
Alex de Grassi
Acoustic Guitars
Djivan Gasparyan
Duduk, Zurna, Vocals
Doug Lunn
Electric Bass (Mark Isham, Peter Buffet, Andy Summers)
Andy Abad
Acoustic & Electric Guitars (Shadowfax, Marc Anthony, Bonnie Raitt)
Martin Flores
Drum Set, Percussion (Paulina Rubio, Joan Sebastian)
Andre Harutyunyan
Percussion (Vas, Axiom of Choice)
Gilbert Levy
Percussion
Susan Chakmakian
Vocals
Greg Ellis
Percussion (Vas)
Stu Nevitt
Drums Set, Percussion (Shadowfax)
Influences
I've fused the music from different cultures, primarily Western styles, Armenian, Mediterranean, Middle-Eastern, North and West African, with a hint of jazz and progressive rock thrown in for good measure. As far as my influences, I've always loved to listen to Chick Corea, Peter Gabriel, Mozart, Erik Satie, U.K., Eddie Jobson, The Beatles and Elton John to name a few.
Sounds Like
Hmmm...good question. I don't know who else I sound like. I work hard to have my own sound and not sound like anyone else. If you know any bands or artists that sound like my music, let me know. I'd love to hear!
"For as long as I can remember there was always music in our house while I was growing up. One of my brothers introduced me to the Big Band sound at an early age and the other introduced me to rock & roll. My sister plays classical piano and my parents always had Armenian and Arabic music playing on the stereo," remembers composer/keyboardist/producer, Armen Chakmakian.
A prodigy with a gift for playing by ear, Armen's musical education was extensive. A native of Glendale, California, he attended Berklee College of Music, UCLA and USC where he studied the "History of Armenian Music". Also, he studied jazz with John Novello, a world acclaimed music educator, and learned improvisation from keyboardist, Chuck Wild of Missing Persons fame and composer of the Liquid Mind stress-relief music series. Soon he found himself embarking on a successful career in Hollywood performing, composing and arranging for singer/songwriters with former Rick James' Stone City Band members, Richard and Lorenzo Shaw.
Next up, Chakmakian formed his own jazz-fusion ensemble whose members graduated to stellar careers playing for hit makers, Shadowfax, Strunz & Farah, Kitaro, Jon Anderson (from Yes), The Rippingtons and some of the biggest pop artists of our time including Sting, Bonnie Raitt, The Backstreet Boys, Christina Aguilera, Marc Anthony and Patti Labelle.
In 1991, the break of a lifetime occurred when Armen joined the GRAMMY® Award-winning band, Shadowfax as the keyboardist. The following year, the album, Esperanto co-written by Chakmakian was nominated for a GRAMMY as Best New Age Album of 1992. Following Esperanto was Magic Theater, Shadowfax Live, and a 90-minute concert video of the Live album. The next five years were spent co-writing, recording and touring with Shadowfax and were instrumental in shaping Armen's signature keyboard stylings.
A new era began in 1998 when he founded TruArt Records. Armen's debut solo album, Ceremonies was released that year to rave reviews and debuted 1 on the New Age/World radio charts (NAV Top 50). Airplay was received on over 600 stations worldwide. Two tracks from Ceremonies were featured on the European compilation CD series, Buddha-Bar I & IV, and have to date sold over 700,000 units.
In 2004, Armen’s second solo album, Caravans was released and showcases the artist’s growth as a composer/producer with its spontaneous performances. While he continues to man his independent label, he also enjoys playing with other groups including a South American tour with Saltimbanco, Cirque du Soleil's flagship show and contributing songs to film and television projects.
As an artist, Armen Chakmakian continues to break new ground and explore new territory with his inventive and dramatic compositions.
When Streisand recorded "New York State Of Mind" Billy Joel's mom said "NOW your a STAR!!" ... Thats how I feel about you and OPRAH!!! :) love you! I am off to CANCUN!!! (even though it is supposed to storm EVERY DAY we are there!) smooch!
Hi Armen Thanks for the add and taking the time to listen to my music - appreciate your kind feedback and support. Keep on creating your beautiful music - love the energy to bring into it ciao Robyn
I didnt realize you worked on Buddha Bar. I simply LOVE that music, and the music you have on ur page. Really an inspiration to me, as that is the general sound I aspire to.
Hi Armen, Liked your keyboards on "Day without Rain". This could be Shawn's big hit !! Are you still listening to the CD I lent you? Do you like it ? Maybe I'll see you in June at Pechanga
