Middle-Eastern Jazz
8 - 9:45 pm
$10 suggested donation
John Berberian - oud (Hugo Montenegro, Joe Beck, Lanie Kazan)
Harry Bedrossian - piano
Charles Dermenjian - percussion, featuring the doombek (Airto, McCoy
Tyner, Stan Strickland)
a newly formed group consisting of players well seasoned in
middle eastern and jazz music, fuses music of several middle-eastern
countries, built around the creative theme of Western Jazz, resulting in a
dynamic synergy of international melody and rythms. Instrumentation is both
current and traditional.
Production: Charles Dermenjian
The Players:
John Berberian plays the Oud, a twelve string, frettless instrument often
referred to as the grandfather of the present day guitar. It is undisputed
that John is a master of this instrument and has been acclaimed as such,
world wide, both in traditional and modern cultures where music of the oud
is played. He started his musical career as a classical violinist, which
speaks to somewhat of a natural progression to playing the oud as, the two
instruments are fretless and share common fingering techniques. His
accomplishments as oud virtuoso, although too numerous to mention, boast
several recordings on such major labels as M.G.M., R.C.A., Roulette, Verve
and Mainstream as the featured artist. John has also played and recorded
with many well known artists such as Hugo Montenegro and Lanie Kazan, in
addition to being featured on several sound tracks of major motion pictures
and documentary films. Most characteristic of his performance with Hye
Fusion, is the music John recorded on Middle Eastern Rock, a 1969 fusion
album that included guitarist great, Joe Beck.. To date, oudist John
Berberian, has consistently reigned at the top his charts as a sensitive,
creative and soulful musician.
Harry Bedrossian , schooled and trained as a classical, concert Pianist,
changed his musical direction after listening to the music of jazz legends
Oscar Petersen and Bill Evans, which respectfully cuts through in his
playing. Although Harry has also established himself in Middle Eastern Music
as a highly accomplished oudist, an instrument on which he is equally
active, he more recently combined his expertise in Middle Eastern modal
tonality (makam), creating his mark as an accomplished key-boardist,
utilizing quarter tones and unique harmonies. To his credit, Harry has
played and recorded with several well known Middle Eastern Artists
nationally and, locally is acclaimed as the most highly sought after
musician, where Middle Eastern Music is featured.
Charles Dermenjian plays Percussion, featuring the Doombek, the most
commonly played percussive instrument throughout Middle Eastern cultures. As
a Middle Eastern/Jazz percussionist, he has performed extensively in a
variety of venues, both nationally and abroad. Some noteworthy appearances
include opening for the well known Brazilian percussionist, Airto, at the
former Paul’s Mall in Boston, as well as for jazz pianist great, McCoy
Tyner, at the Village Gate in New York. He has toured nationally as the
feature show drummer for the famous dancer, Little Egypt. His talent as a
percussionist colorfully blends the ethnic convention of Middle Eastern time
signatures into both standard and creative Western Jazz music. In addition
to playing with numerous Middle Eastern musicians, Charles has performed
locally with Stan Strickland, as well as several Berkley College faculty on
various occasions. Aside from performing, Charles has devised and applied
specific rhythmic teachings as a form of meditative group therapy.