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

GODFATHER TOM! Music from the Armenian Underground in New York: Gor Mkhitarian's Second Appearance in GothamЕ

By Aleksandr B. Gevorkyan  

MAY 3, 2004 NEW YORK – Who said that Armenian songs were only those that went with lots of electronic instruments, fast beats and ever-present duduk or zurna? Learning from the aces of the Armenian and Western music world Gor Mkhitarian of Armenia has brought a new sound to us that is as purely traditional Armenian as it is modern.  

Last Sunday evening, the New York Armenian Students' Association hosted Gor Mkhitarian and his band at the Knitting Factory in New York City. Gor is currently on tour, promoting his second CD "GODFATHER TOM". It was his second appearance in New York from the start of his musical career. Last year the NY ASA and Armenian Network of New York and New Jersey had organized a similar concert also at the Knitting Factory. It was a debut concert for Gor presenting his first album acoustical "YERAZ". As in last year, this year too, the room was filled with fans and people who were interested in the "Armenian miracle". Running ahead of the story, it is interesting to note, that the organizers counted many non-Armenians in the audience. The whole action took place at the "Old Office" - a bar with a stage and a hall at the Knitting Factory's basement, which drew everyone closer to experience the true spirit of underground culture. 

A special touch, courtesy of thin walls and far from being perfect equipment, was the heavy rock background echo, emanating from the concert rooms above, that accompanied the first few minutes of Gor's performance. Despite that, the crowd picked up with Gor from the very start and chanted all through the end. As Gor would say later, Уthe audience is everything for a musician. I am thankful to everyone who came and helped us make this an enjoyable celebration of our music and culture.Ф Indeed, Gor's music is highly Armenian in every tune and every chord as he starts off modestly and quietly only to reach culmination towards the middle of a composition and then bring it down to the starting pointЕGor's style is a successful mixture of acoustical and modern sounds, going from fast to slow and high to low, often changing tunes entrapping in this, but never diverting too far from, the core melody.  

But even more so one feels the whole complexity of Armenian character in his deeply philosophical lyrics. Each song whether it is about an undying and sincere love of УSasuntsineriФ or the realities and wisdom of life in the УOld AgeФ or jokes of УGodfather TomФ or the mocking УArmenian MirrorФ or the УStone FacesФ that keep one wondering of the meaning of time and history and the legacy of his nationЕeach song is definite to make a change in lives of those who listen carefully and try to see the world, the Armenian world, through the artist's eyes. A pause longer than a minute is required for a listener to think over what has just been sung, only to push a УRepeatФ button on a CD-player and hear the same song over and over again.  

Getting back to last night's concert it should also be noted that the performance lasted for two full hours, it was absolutely unplugged, acoustic performance with Aaron Stayman (or "Eric Clapton II" as the crowd nicknamed this brilliant guitarist) playing the lead guitar, Jason Demerjian (yes the one who has founded the Armenian Volunteer Corps) on the dumbeg and Gor on a guitar and lead vocals. The trio exhilarated the crowd to the point that the last half hour they performed with an accompaniment of continuous applause and shouts of УMore, More!Ф and УBravo!Ф Gor and his band performed such well-known Armenian classics as "Gagavig" and "Sarer". Those in the audience who knew the songs cheered and sang along with the musician.  

In all it was a fantastic and unforgettable evening with one of Armenia's most gifted young singers, musicians and (again judging by the lyrics he writes) a great thinkers with an open mind and tremendous talent. It leaves to be desired for the Armenian Diasporan groups to offer greater support to, provide venues, organize concerts and evenings with such artists as Gor Mkhitarian. Armenian culture is a rich and incredibly inspiring to many and young people especially. It is the responsibility of the community groups to offer opportunities for others to learn and enrich their inner world.  

For more information about the NY ASA please visit www.asainc.org/newyork