Description
In his remarkable album, *Alone*, Artyom Manukyan firmly establishes himself as one of the most innovative cellists in today’s vibrant music landscape.
The cello is an exceptionally versatile instrument, capable of being bowed like a low-register violin or plucked like a string bass. Its rich tonal qualities allow it to shine in both traditional and avant-garde settings. Despite its incredible range, the cello took some time to gain recognition as a solo instrument in jazz, beginning with trailblazers such as Harry Babasin and Oscar Pettiford in the 1950s and continuing to evolve to where we are today.
Throughout his career, Artyom Manukyan has demonstrated the cello’s tremendous potential beyond classical music and rock, showcasing its ability to take center stage in jazz. His extraordinary virtuosity is complemented by his creative flair and a willingness to embrace new artistic challenges, resulting in compositions that feature profound themes and adventurous improvisations.
*Alone*, his second release for Ghost Note—following the acclaimed *Citizen*—uniquely positions Manukyan as a one-man orchestra, utilizing multiple cellos while beautifully collaborating with five distinguished guest artists. This album comprises ten original pieces that span a spectrum of moods, often evoking an atmospheric, reflective, and rhythmically engaging soundscape.
The album opens with “Intro,” featuring a poignant poem by Narek Hovsepyan, accompanied by Manukyan’s enchanting playing. In “The Form,” the cellist delivers engaging rhythmic patterns, artfully soloing above them. Following the brief yet impactful “Outro”—which includes one of two cameo appearances by bassist Tim Lefebvre—Manukyan engages in a dynamic duet with pianist Vardan Ovsepian on “Last Chance To…,” where Ovsepian showcases his improvisational prowess. “Duet #2” introduces the promising vocalist Michael Mayo, who harmonizes beautifully with Manukyan, while the track “#Celloart” brings a delightful funkiness to the mix.
The title track, “Alone,” introduces an especially haunting melody paired with a captivating rhythm. In “Next Step,” Manukyan skillfully expands the cello’s sound, alternating between virtuosic passages and droning notes that evoke a sitar-like quality. “Every Time She Goes” features enchanting wordless vocalizations by the talented Gretchen Parlato, and the vibrant journey concludes with “Not Alone,” which circles back to poetry by Narek Hovsepyan, mirroring the album’s opening.
Artyom Manukyan first captivated audiences with his exceptional talent in his native Armenia. His remarkable journey began as the youngest member of the Armenia Navy Band, leading him to perform around the globe before settling in Los Angeles. Since then, he has seamlessly integrated the cello into a myriad of settings, excelling in classical, rock, and jazz genres alike. His impressive repertoire also includes composing film and television scores, as well as touring with luminaries such as Kamasi Washington, Melody Gardot, Peter Erskine, and Tigran Hamasyan, in addition to leading his electro-jazz quartet, Artyom.
On *Alone*, Artyom Manukyan not only plays with unwavering brilliance but also consistently surprises listeners with his creativity. This album represents an exciting milestone in what is undoubtedly poised to be a profoundly impactful career.
For more information on Artyom Manukyan, *Alone*, and Ghost Note Records, please feel free to reach out.
Track Listing
- Intro
- The Form
- Outro
- Last Chance To
- Duet #2
- #Celloart
- Alone
- Next step
- Every Time
- Not Alone
**Credits:**
– **Artyom Manukyan**: Cello, All Original Compositions
– **Gretchen Parlato**: Enchanting Vocals on “Every Time”
– **Tim Lefebvre**: Thoughtful Bass on “Outro” and “Not Alone”
– **Michael Mayo**: Soulful Vocals on “Duet #2”
– **Narek Hovsepyan**: Evocative Poetry on “Intro” and “Not Alone”
– **Vardan Ovsepian**: Elegant Piano on “Last Chance To…”
**Production Details:**
Our recording journey took place at Lucy’s Meat Market, expertly handled by Pete Min in 2019. Notably, Gretchen Parlato’s captivating vocals were beautifully captured at Leo Costa’s studio.
**Special Acknowledgments:**
A heartfelt thank you to Anna Rakita for her invaluable contribution as co-writer of “Duet #2.”
**Photography Credits:**
The stunning cover image is graciously provided by Avo Kambourian, while the exquisite inside photo is captured by Marina Lypiridou.
We are filled with gratitude for the extraordinary collaboration and artistic expression that has made this project possible. Thank you for being a part of this creative journey!
