A Fable

In 2011, Tigran Hamasyan released A Fable. From the perspective of anyone who became acquainted with the master of time with his breakthrough album, The Call Within, A Fable will initially sound like a piano virtuoso playing it relatively straight. No forays into djent-style melodies, a general aesthetic that will be familiar to those steeped in Keith Jarrett with an almost classical approach to jazz piano, and mostly subtle uses of the Armenian melodies that undergird Hamasyan's compositions. This, of course, will only be the first impression. Hamasyan's music will sometimes require a deeper listen.A Fable contains a few pieces that will jolt a complacent listener out of any sense of the expected, but in many ways, A Fable presages what Hamasyan would do on subsequent recordings by combining the roots of jazz improvisation in a Jarrett-like style with an approach to time and rhythm that is simply more elaborate and complex than one may notice on first listen. Hamasyan invites you to count with him and search for the patterns that create the sense of tension that simply shouldn't be there in compositions that can otherwise be so placid. There is dynamic range, but mostly the compositions on A Fable create a false sense one can only unpack by noticing the subtle changes in rhythm and time that become more dramatic and bombastic on Hamasyan's subsequent recordings.That is not to say that A Fable is a lesser or superior album. It is elegant and beautiful, and challenging in its way. It is a direction. It has more going on in it than any mere mortal pianist could accomplish in a lifetime. It teases and invites you, though, because upon first listen, you are drawn in without quite knowing why. After all, how many Jarrett-style piano players are there? Plenty. But none can do what Hamasyan can do. Not just the incorporation of multiple musical traditions, but with time. The master of time. One would call him a Time Lord if he were British rather than Armenian (which gives a different flavor to the word, "master," of course). At the very least, we can say that these compositions are bigger on the inside.

Tigran has been discovered by the French. Now we have to discover him as well. He is a talented piano player. Not just jazz. Not just classical. Not just pop. Not just rock. But everything, and all of it. At moments he channels the American composer Alan Hovhaness, at other times the jazz piano of Tommy Flanagan. Then he's an Armenian chanteuse. Tigran is not, most certainly NOT, just a jack of all style but a master of them as well. This CD is his show off talent, his trip to all the piano styles currently available. But intelligently done. Tres bien, Tigran.

Nice

Fantastic album.

I love this album. It is a very unique album and it will put a spell on you. Tigran is an amazing musician. Can't wait to hear more.

Amazing album with a multitude of influences present. An interesting blend of jazz, Armenian folk, as well as classical aspects. No drums on any of the tracks which gives the album an intimate feel to it.

This album is an amazingly fresh approach to improvisation with elements of jazz and Armenian folk rhythms and scales. Tigran is a master pianist and has so much to say in the field of contemporary improvised music. You MUST get this album.

Interesting stuff. I really enjoy it.

Only bought this as a result of his appearance on Jools Holland's show but it wasn't out of my CD machine for months. With the exception of one or 2 tracks which get a bit experimental there is fantastic piano playing and inventiveness here. Rather disappointing to see live as he is very introverted and rather hung-up on using sequencers.

Écoutez ce pianiste!! Il est fascinant. Je l'ai entendu la 1ère fois, il y a environ 2 ans dans un concert de Dhafer Youssef pour la tournée d'Abou Nawas. Cela avait été un émerveillement: de la simplicité, de la dextérité, de la créativité. A comparer à Keith Jarret. Tigran Hamassyan a la capacité à mêler des influences très diverses pour les offrir au public. C'est un passeur qui nous emporte tranquillement vers des rivages poétiques, humains, tendres et jamais simplistes. A acheter. livraison en avance par rapport à la 1ère indication.

Ein Füllhorn an magischen, poetischen, feinen und archaischen Klängen. Ein Wunderwerk, tiefverwurzelt und gleichzeitig zum Kosmos pulsierend, als würden Töne und Klangkaskaden aus sich selbst geboren werden...

Une très belle découverte ce pianiste ! Généreux musicien qui sait s'affranchir avec intelligence des styles et figures imposées par le jazz pour nous nous enjouer avec sa musique riche et chargée d'émotions. 15,1 / 20

J'ai découvert M. Hamasyan lors de l'un des concerts donnés récemment à l'occasion de la commémoration du génocide arménien. En attendant la parution du disque qui témoignera de ces concerts, je me régale avec celui-ci , que je trouve magnifique et qui m'a permis d' entrer dans l'univers tantôt aérien, tantôt sombre de ce prodigieux pianiste.