Category Archives: Middle Eastern music
Ara Dinkjian with The Secret Trio and New York Gypsy All-Stars Live at Princeton University
As we attempt to push forward through a global pandemic, the quest to find solace in our everyday lives is more important than ever before. The medicinal effect of making and/or listening to music is scientifically proven to reduce anxiety—something … Continue reading
Armenian Musician Harry Minassian, Student of Udi Hrant Passes
The Armenian music community has lost another gentle giant, Harry Minassian. Known throughout the east coast as a prominent oud player (Middle Eastern lute, 11 strings) as well as a singer, Harry’s playing and vocal skills made him a versatile … Continue reading
Nina Stern & The Crane
I am a frequent user of the online music app, Spotify, which has allowed me the ability to experience a broad range of musical artists and genres. As a matter of fact, I have discovered more artists using this app … Continue reading
The Exciting Sounds of the Mal Barsamian Band
Traditional Armenian village music has traveled hundreds of years and has faced major hurdles in order to survive and tell an important story about the Armenian people. So much has been lost due to the horrors of the Armenian Genocide, … Continue reading
The Sarkissian Brothers: Mike & Buddy
Recently on Facebook, someone posted the asked the question to readers to mention the name of a Middle Eastern musician ‘gone but not forgotten’. As Facebook inquiries go, this was actually interesting to see all the names generated in this … Continue reading
A Musical Refuge for Ronnie Malley
In September, 2018, I had an opportunity to attend ArtsMidwest in Indianapolis. This was a large conference that featured different arts organizations, councils and artists from around the Midwest. As I was scanning the big expo hall filled with different … Continue reading
Harry Bedrossian: Euphoric Oud Ride
If you have ever met musician Harry Bedrossian I think one of the first things you would say about him is that he loves life, doesn’t take himself too seriously (as none of us should) and is an excellent musician. One … Continue reading
Karim Bader, Legendary Arab Oudist
Abdul Karim Bader, renown Arab oud master has passed away on February 24, 2019 in Farmington Hills, a suburb of Detroit, Michigan. Bader was born in Beirut, Lebanon in 1921. “Abdel Karim” means “servant of the generous,” a reference to … Continue reading
Chick: The Blue Collar Musician
As I was growing up listening to Armenian music, there were different groups of instrumentalist musicians that I was aware of that played folk music. One of those groups of musicians were oud players. As far as I was concerned, … Continue reading