J. Armen's pensive music wraps latin rhythms ("Dancing Maria"), west coast soft-rock ("Got To Be Going", "'Til Georgia"), smooth jazz ("Waiting For Mine") and folk ("Stay Away") in a warm '70s pop radio hug, suggesting a mix between Seals and Crofts and the softer side of Stephen Stills, with an added dollop of brow-furrowing. Armen's a solid songsmith, as evidenced by the near-perfect ballad "'Til Georgia"; and his arrangements are masterfully understated. Interesting back story: Born Armen Meschian, J is the son of renowned Armenian composer and poet Arthur Meschian, and grew up behind the Iron Curtain, emigrating to the US in 1989. His debut is a fine effort, but next time out, it might be fun to hear him cut loose and lighten up on a song or two.

Contact Information:
J. Armen
230 East 79th Street #20A
New York, NY 10021
(917) 848-6928
USA
amaf@att.net
http://www.jarmen.net

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