“The emergence of singer - songwriter Gor Mkhitarian reflects the best of the underground music scene
now evolving in Armenia”

The Armenian Mirror Spectator

GOR MKHITARIAN Dazzles Diverse Audience in Somerville, Massachusetts

By Nancy Kalajian

SOMERVILLE, Mass.- Many prefer their toast warm and the crowd at Somerville's new Toast Lounge was just that when Gor Mkhitarian performed there on January 24.tickets for the popularmusical artist, who wasborn ans raised in Vanadzor, Armenia, and enjoys success not only there but in the diaspora, were sold out. Produced by Raffi Meneshian, owner of Cambridge-based Pomegranate Music, Gor's only appearance in the Boston area during this American tour took the crowd by storm.

Though the weather that evening was pretty frigid, it didn't stop old and new fans from attending the concert. “I'm thrilled that Gor's Boston show was sold out. It reaffirms the notion that there is a new generation of Armenian music enthusiasts out there that want's music directly from the homeland (Armenia), whichever style it may be. My hope is that Pomegranate Music serves as the culltural bridge between Armenia and the diaspora,” said Meneshian.

During the concert, not only did some audience members get as close to Gor and his accompanying musicians – some returned Peace Corps Armenia volunteers - as they could, but they were dancing, waving, smiling and really feeling the excitement of the music. Indeed, Gor knows how to move his audience and well appreciates his fans and collaborators. The audience included many returned Peace Corps Armenia volunteers and ex-pats who became very familiar with Gor during their tenure in Armenia; some traveled more than 100 miles to make this special event.

College students and graduates, business people, representative of many ages and nationalities, were also there rocking to the music. New England-based John Berberian, world famous oudist, joined Gor on stage for a few numbers, and they were a glorious sight to hear and behold together. Other artists also gathered on the stage to great acclaim – and appreciation – by Gor.

Narini, a young lady from Watertown, later described the experience as “surreal. It felt good to my heart to see leaders of the Armenian community and also both America and Armenian-born musicians joined together, and feed us the spirit of ancient Armenia and Western music.” Brian Lawson, an impressed audience member with Armenian friends but no Armenian roots, declared, “We went to a night of east meets west in the pop, rock music world, Gor and his group kept a worldly, diverse group of easterners and a worldly, diverse group of westerners happy all night long.”

CD's featuring Gor were available after the concert, and judging by the length of the line and many happy faces, Gor's music is now rocking many New England homes. “Yeraz”, Gor's first CD, came out a few years ago by Pomegranate Music to great acclaim. The folksy, 11-song CD features two acoustic guitars, percussion and a banjo. Mkhitarian wrote 9 songs on “Yeraz” and rearranged two traditional Armenian folk songs including one by Komitas. Released just before this past Christmas season, Gor's newest album is called “Godfather Tom: Music from Armenian Undergroung.” Recorded in Armenia during the summer of 2002, this new album electrifies Gor's distinct style of New Armenian world indie-pop. The sounds of banjos, acoustic/electric guitars, flutes, an African djembe and harmonicas are heard on this latest effort.

Gor, a tall, striking figure, interacted with his audience off stage as well, shaking hands and giving hugs to many admirers including Arthur Queenan, a Peace Corps volunteer who served in Vanadzor for two years and now lives in the Boston area. “I've had the privilege to know Gor in hiw own hometown, Vanadzor, in Armenia. It has been a treat to see his music mature and begin to evolve, but still keeping his Armenian roots. I think his greatest strength is composing songs and he is very talented at constructing melodies and choosing the right instruments to complement his ideas,” he said. “To see him in American soil, with talented musicians playing the oud or banjo, filling out a rhythm so perfectly, brought a smile to myself, as well as to many others, tonight in Somerville.”