The Breath announce Keep it Safe EP
The Breath, Ríoghnach Connolly (voice, shruti and flute) and Stuart McCallum (guitar, effects), ann...
Fri, 11 October 24
Djivan Gasparyan (1928 – 2021)
We were saddened to hear news about the death of Armenian duduk player Djivan Gasparyan yesterday. He was a true master of his instrument, and his talent was known internationally through his many recordings and collaborations. Amongst these, he recorded the album Black Rock with Canadian producer Michael Brook for Real World Records, which was released in 1998.
Djivan died on 6th July 2021 at the age of 92. Peter Gabriel posted a tribute to him yesterday which sums up the memories we have of Djivan during the time he spent working on the album Black Rock:
I fell in love with the music of the duduk when I was introduced to it during the research for the film score of Scorsese’s The Last Temptation of Christ. In Armenia they say that when the duduk is played well, everyone cries. The great master of the instrument was Djivan Gasparyan.
He was a delightful companion, with a great sense of mischief and I loved the soulfulness that poured out of him when we were lucky enough to see him or to play with him.
One evening at Real World Studios he stood up in the dining room in the middle of the meal and said, “I am playing this for my mother.” Not a dry eye in the room. When he lifted his duduk to his lips he cast a spell over all who listened. Thank you, Djivan.
Peter Gabriel
Djivan Gasparyan (12 October 1928 – 6 July 2021)
Featured Release
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Djivan Gasparyan & Michael Brook
Released 06 September 1998
The black volcanic landscape of Lanzarote provided the unifying location for Gasparyan’s mellow, gorgeous performances and the inimitable creativity of guitarist/producer Brook. Together with multi-instrumentalist Richard Evans, they have created a dramatic, sultry and beautiful soundscape.
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Further reading
Rizwan-Muazzam Qawwali announce new album At the Feet of the Beloved
Rizwan-Muazzam Qawwali return with another deeply accomplished, moving collection of songs.
Tue, 28 January 25
Track of the day: ‘AmmA’ by Bab L’ Bluz
'AmmA' draws on music from north-east Morocco and influences from Tunisia and Algeria.
Fri, 08 March 24
Track of the day: ‘Too Many Have Gone’ by The Breath
The Breath reveal their first new music since the release of their third album, Land of My Other. A...
Fri, 19 July 24