Mariam's band is comprised of a group of amazing world and jazz musicans from across North America. These musicians include Elliot Polsky (percussion), Gord Grdina (oud), Adam Popowitz (guitars, mandolin), Nick Apivor (vibraphone, percussion). She has also worked with Jesse Zubot (violin), John Berberian (oud), Francois Houle (clarinet), Ernie Tollar (woodwinds), Pepe Danza (woodwinds), Karen Kocharyan (percussion), Arvin Zaroukyan (bass), and Martin Haroutunian (duduk), among many others.
Sounds Like
.. CDBABY LINK for MARIAM MATOSSIAN: Far From Home -->
Mariam Matossian is an example of the musical treasures that exist in the world next door. Vancouver born and raised, Mariam has been collecting traditional Armenian folk songs and creating her own melodies since she was a child, and initially, mainly singing these songs in her community. Most of the traditional songs that she sings have been passed down through her family - songs that were favourites of her grandmother and her mother, and now they have become her own favourites.
With over ten years of training in classical voice, Mariam brings the range and control of a classical singer to the spontaneity and passion of the folk tradition and combines the two to produce a synthesis that has earned her rave reviews from everyone who has heard her. In 1998, she travelled to Armenia, the first member of her family to set foot in the Homeland. She volunteered for an English language newspaper there and through that work, learned about the plight of the many street children. In 2002, she took a leave of absence from her teaching career to return to Armenia to work with these children. It was during this time that Mariam's passion for singing met her new commitment to bring attention to contemporary Armenia. When she returned to Vancouver, she continued to perform the songs she had learned from her family and songs she had learned in Armenia, including those taught to her by some of the children she had worked with in Yerevan. Those who heard her sing told her she needed to record.
In 2004, Mariam released her first album, Far From Home (produced by Adam Popowitz) and began performing with her ensemble which includes accomplished musicians from the jazz and world music scene in Canada. Her debut recording has won rave reviews and has had airplay across Canada and in the United States. It was chosen as one of Echoes 25 Essential Albums for 2005 in the United States. Mariam's interpretation of Groong/The Crane was featured in Araz Artinian's moving documentary, The Genocide in Me.
Currently, Mariam has once again teamed with producer and musician, Adam Popowitz, to work on her second album, In the Light, which will be released in early 2007. And once again a group of amazing musicians that includes Elliot Polsky, Jesse Zubot, Gordon Grdina, Pepe Danza and others has come together to work with Mariam on this new project. Blessed with a beautiful voice and a natural stage presence, Mariam is sharing with the world at large her repertoire which includes her interpretations of the traditional folk songs of Armenia and her own new creations as she and her band are invited to perform at festivals and in concert halls across the country. And in this way, Mariam is delighted that her dream of sharing the beauty and richness of her beloved culture with a world audience is being fulfilled.
I edited my profile with Thomas' Myspace Editor V4.4
Hi Mariam.. Thanks so much for friendship.. That's a real pleasur to hear your songs.. I like so much your sonorities and voice.. Have a long life.. Bye
Mariam! I adore your music. Although I myself prefer metal, hardcore and other obscure (for Armenia) genres I've been also looking for some pure (withour mugham)Armenian songs done in a tasty manner. Ara Gevorgyan has the great tunes, but his arrangements are so-so. And your music - it's the epitome of how armenian music can be presented. And your voice - my favorite, along with Kari Rueslatten. So glad I could find your works on the internet. Arsen
I happened to hear one of your songs on CBC Radio 2 while driving to a friend's house. They played a second song right after the first and I just sat in my car listening in the parking lot before going in. Amazing music. Thank you. The only reason I haven't bought your album from iTunes yet is simply because I think I'm getting an iTunes gift card for Christmas. :) Do you still do shows in the Vancouver area? I would love to hear your music live sometime. Michael
GREAT show in Vancouver! I left the recital hall floating on a cloud, I was so moved and inspired by your performance. What talented musicians you work with! God has gifted you all.
All the best on your journey back to the south! I sincerely enjoyed being in your band, and I look forward to playing with you and the guys again! Laurence
I like this music. Traditional Armenian folk that you've arranged and/or created new melodies for correct? Regardless, the end result is quite nice and the skills of yourself and your collaborators really shows -- very tight, excellent. Bravo!
-frank
Thanx for adding me on your beautiful place and also for your words about my work. To play besides your voice is one of my amazing dreams.
Strong hugs
Ninad
Gracias Mariam
Thanks for the note. I'm glad we are in touch. I loved your music and can't wait to hear the whole cd!. You've got Heart, Spirit and Chops. You can't lose!.
Many blessings
mariam- sorry i havent commented- my school firewalled myspace so i cant get on here much anymore- i had to do this from a public wireless spot. well i have talked to george twice so we should be starz soon.
