MARIAM MATOSSIAN: Far From Home

Mariam Matossian

Far From Home

© 2004 Mariam Matossian (776098153620)

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Combining the unique sounds of the duduk, oud, mandolin, guitar and the hypnotic rhythms of the djembe, dumbec and udu with the mesmerizing voice of singer Mariam Matossian, this powerful debut album takes each listener on an enchanting journey to Armenia

tracks

1 Groong - The Crane: To Begin
2 Almast - Jewel
3 Hayastan - Armenia
4 Hayastani Aghchigner - Armenian Girls
5 Gakavig - Partridge
6 Garod - Yearning
7 Groong - The Crane: Request
8 Mayrigis - To My Mother
9 Hayrenik - My Homeland
10 Shogher Jan - Ray of Light
11 Yerevani Kisherner - Nights of Yerevan
12 Oror - Lullaby
13 Groong - The Crane: Flight

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notes

Mariam Matossian was born in Vancouver, B.C. where the Armenian community is a small one, struggling to be as vibrant and active as the larger communities in Montreal and Toronto. However, despite this obstacle, her culture has remained an integral, precious part of her life. Perhaps it is a result of growing up in a city with few Armenians that her passion for her language and culture has been so strong. Mariam's love for her cultural heritage intensified when she decided to travel to and work as a volunteer in Armenia. She was the first one from her family to ever see the homeland, and this was an extremely emotional experience. Mariam writes: "Hearing my language being spoken in every store, through the loudspeakers at the subway station and on every street corner was surreal. As I worked and ate and laughed with fellow Armenians during the week and then visited the country's treasures -- the ancient churches, monasteries, and even Mount Ararat from afar -- on the weekends, my passion for my culture was deepened all the more." Four years later, Mariam's yearning to return to Armenia was fulfilled when she decided to take a leave of absence from a career she loves -- teaching -- to go back to Armenia with the hope of working with street children. Mariam had first learned about the plight of Armenian orphans while she was volunteering at the local newspaper during her first visit. She knew then that she somehow had to find a way to return to the country and use her teaching and counselling skills to try to make a positive difference in the lives of these children. That dream came to fruition in February 2002. Mariam volunteered with 2 local non governmental agencies in Yerevan, the capital city, and helped develop programs for the children. This was a life changing experience for her. Mariam writes: "Upon coming home to Canada, I was faced with a difficult decision: return to Armenia and continue my work there or remain in Vancouver and resume my teaching career. I loved both of these options and had a gruelling time trying to decide between the two. Little did I know, however, that the decision had been made for me long ago and that a very different path was about to be revealed to me." She continues: "While I was actively looking for teaching work here and volunteer positions in Armenia, something inside me kept telling me that I had to first complete the album that I had started to work on before I left for this trip. This seemed like an incredibly risky path to take, but however hard I tried, I could not ignore this voice, this strong yearning inside me to communicate my culture's story to a larger audience through our timeless folk songs." But after meeting producer Adam Popowitz, Mariam embarked on what she says has become "one of my most meaningful, challenging, and amazing adventures to date." She goes on to say that "the process of fusing my passion for the Armenian language and my love of music through this album has been an enriching journey. I have had to draw on all my past experiences -- my joys and my pains -- in order to have the courage to begin and complete and now share this album with others." Mariam had the privilege of working with a group of extremely talented musicians including Adam Popowitz (mandolin, guitars, bass), Elliot Polsky (percussion), Andre Thibault (oud, bouzouki, additional percussion), Shannon Rowe (flute), Ruben Haroutunian (duduk)and George Hall (additional mandolin). She hopes that this recording will give a world audience, Armenians and non-Armenians alike, the chance to experience the beauty of her culture's music. She says, "My dream has always been to share the story of my culture with as many people who want to listen. My grandparent's story -- especially accounts of their faith, resilience, and hope despite the many obstacles that they endured -- and more recently, the plight of the street children in Armenia -- the very children who taught me some of the songs which are now on this album -- have inspired me. I long to share these stories with people as I, in turn, learn from what others have to say. And as I pass on this music, these stories to others, I hope that people will be as enriched as I have been." Ó 2004 Far From Home

reviews

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  • Pure Musical Goodness
    author: Andre Nadon

    Music like this is to be cherished and loved with an intensity that can only be matched by Mariam's sensual voice.

  • Far From Home
    author: Harry Dikranian

    Nights of Yerevan, Groong, Mayrigis, what's the point of renaming each song? This is an absolutely perfect cd from start to finish. A heavenly voice and the perfect melodies for the quiet evening to listen, to write and to dream.

  • Far From Home

    Sweet! Traditional eastern european roots with new age,world music spirit. Fantastic voice.

  • Resale
    author: Massis Voskanian

    WaOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO soft and smooth has Mariam Matossian, great work you have don in Armenia and hope you success and prosperity on your life.

  • Superlative
    author: Jack Kalayjian

    Mariam Matossian's interpretations of Armenian folk and secular music is simply superlative. Her voice in songs such as "Almast" and "Gakavig" make you feel like you're in a blossoming, green, mountainous village in the Armenian highlands. I am looking forward to her next CD.

  • Amazing voice
    author: Carole

    I first heard Oror on CBC and wrote down the title and performer. The next day I ordered the CD Far From Home online. It arrived in short order and I have played it every day since. I am in awe of Mariam's wonderful voice, the pure notes that go on forever, the clarity and passion she exudes. Oror is still my favourite, it does have an Enya-like quality, but I love the whole disc.

  • author: Varoujan Aharonian

    Its a wonderful cd! Congratulations Mariam

  • i so love it!
    author: irina

    hits all the nostalgic cords in my Russian soul...beautiful sweet voice - and sweet personality also. .. looking forward to Mariam's next album

  • Absolutely Stunning, Incredible, Beautiful - Heart, Soul & Spirit
    author: Verna

    Mariam, How absolutely Lovely!!! The first time I heard your singing, I had to sit down to listen, I was trembling. It deeply touched me in my heart. It reminds me of the mountains of Armenia, so spiritual & so majestic. Your singing reminds me of the indomitable and unconquerable Hye Spirit of Armenia ... 'On Eagles Wings'..

  • Beautiful flat second scales
    author: Liza Taylor

    Heard it on Canadian radio, had to hear more. Gorgeous vocal sound and lyrical modal scales as exotic as friendship.

  • Magical
    author: Merala

    Soothing, lyrical, haunting vocals--even my 12 year old daughter was mesmerized...

  • Perfect
    author: Tom

    This cd is absolutely fantastic. Words cannot express the emotion and imagery that it evokes. A wonderful cd.

  • Mariam - wonderful! When is your next CD coming out?
    author: Errol Hudspith

    Earthy and full, yet sweet and eternal. My heart opens wider. I am deeply moved. This exquisite singing and great music!

  • Hauntingly beautiful music from a very talented singer.
    author: Sheila Gibbons

    This CD provides beautiful, relaxing music that seems to transport the listener to far away,exotic places. It stimulates the imagination and introduces the listener to a different culture. I highy recommend this CD to others looking for a different experience. Thank you, Mariam.

  • Soothing
    author: Tim Klein

    This music makes me want to take a warm bath in a natural spring up in the mountains of armenia

  • Passport to another world!
    author: deirdre82

    I first heard some songs from Far From Home on the NPR echoes program and ordered it. The songs are really lovely, a nice blend between Armenian traditional and Ambient sounds. I agree with the listeners above that it does evoke Celtic sounds but also the sounds of ancient, ancient cultures in the Cradle of Civilization.The songs "Jewel" and the "Lullaby" are nothing short of being transported not only to Armenia, but to another world.

  • beautifuly soothing
    author: khatchik sadjonian

    I did listen to a couple of the songs on the CDBABY web site, I liked what I heard, but once I listened to the whole CD, I loved it even more. Selection of the songs, the arrangements, choice of the instruments and her lovely voice, simply it transported me to a serene and joyful state, job well done Mariam.

  • The Voice of an Angel
    author: Nshan Markarian / Ottawa

    It is!... the voice of an Angel from far... from our ancestral Home...

  • angelic renditions of songs from the heavens
    author: gregory topalian

    This is a quite beautiful cd. From the masterly vocals on the various renditions of Groong, to the Enya like qualities of Oror, Mariam Matossian exudes confidence in the sheer emotional intensity of her magnificent vocals. Far from Home straddles genres and is a superb introduction to Mariam Matossian's voice and similarly it contains some of the best interpretations of ancient Armenian folk songs I have ever heard.

  • Absolutely beautiful
    author: DR

    A beautiful redition of traditional Armenian songs.

  • One of the Best CD's I've ever heard amazing Voice
    author: Tony Russel Wimbish

    Hello Mariam I just wanted to let you know this is one of the best CD's I've ever heard. My friend Haro Setian let me listen to your CD because he is Arminian like yourself. I read your CD cover an that gave me more of an appreciation for why you had the CD made. Your Voice is amazing an speaks Straight to my heart. Thank You. IN HIM Tony Russel Wimbish Ny email is www.trwimbish@liberty.edu be good to here from you. God Bless

  • great mood music
    author: dan

    This is a great mood album for anyone, even if you don't understand the words. Mariam's feelings for the music really come through on the recordings and blend very well with the tracks played by the band.

  • A true journey back for those of us far from home...
    author: Talyn Terzian

    This music on this CD is a cross between the ancient and the new...although it sounds new age, some of the songs Mariam has chosen are older than time... For those who do not understand the Armenian language, note that it is not essential to fall in love with this CD. I too feel the pull of "home" as does the artist, who's own struggle permeates through the music. Well done.

  • The music of ancient sounds is blended with present day melodies.
    author: Lynda Alemian Duplissea

    Mariam Matossian's Far From Home captures the spirit of the Armenians throughout the near east regions, Russia, Canada, and the United States. Hers is a music of ancient sounds blended with present day rhythms and melodies. May she sing forever of the springtime of Armenia.

  • Great driving in the woods/mountains music!
    author: Haro Setian

    This is an amazing CD, what a great treatment of traditional Armenian songs. Her voice is wonderful. Mariam, you are welcome to sing me to sleep at night! One problem though, I don't have access to reverb. Seriously though, it's an awesome CD and a powerful fusion of old and new - to be simplistic about it!

  • author: Sossy Terzian

    I have to commend Mariam for putting out this record. As an Armenian who grew up with these songs, I never learned to really appreciate them. But with this new and youthful approach, I can't stop listening to the cd. The music is stunning and the vocals are even more so. Thank-you Mariam, and please, make more!

  • Musically recorded masterpiece of world class music
    author: Leo Magnum

    This CD is a very well recorded and producted. The only aspect of this CD more impressive than the clarity of the sound, is the music itself. The recording only amplifies the emotionally charged voice of Mariam Matossian into a relaxing, peaceful, charged, and thunderously soft musical masterpiece. The music is very rythmic, measure beat accurate, and engaging to the human ear. This is one of those rare CD's where you can play start to finish without skipping a single track. I would highly recommend this to anyone. The musical merit this CD achieves is of world class for all cultures and people to enjoy.

  • A voice that persevers in your mind long after listening to CD
    author: Christine Marie

    A haunting and pleasurable foray into angelic sound; a voice you will long for again after the music ends.

  • Wonderfully fresh - lovely voice - great arrangements!!
    author: Beatriz Graham

    I found Mariam Matossian's rendering of armenian folk songs so very refreshing and an intimate view into this old culture, with a crisp and lovely voice and beautiful musical arrangements. THANK YOU!

  • World Music talent
    author: Krista Stremel

    If you do not yet know anything of the Armenian culture, you will be inspired to learn more after listening to Far From Home. Though I do not speak Armenian, the first few notes of the mournful track Garod spoke volumes to me, as do the other tracks on this CD. Mariam Matossian's beautiful voice, the gorgeous musical arrangements, the haunting melodies, and the unusual instrumentation (to the ear of the Western listener) all conspire to create a CD you will not soon forget.

  • You don't need to speak a word of Armenian to feel the passion!
    author: Jane Gale

    Although I don't speak a word of Armenian and I am not that much of a folk music fan, a friend suggested that I pick up this CD. I am so glad that she did! You can feel the singer's passion throughout the CD - it is almost hypnotic! Her voice is amazing - Charlotte Church can learn a thing or two from this singer. You will love it!

  • The Enya of Armenian music
    author: Tom Friesen

    At the first sustained note of Mariam's voice in Groong, I actually had tears in my eyes. (Good ones!) Mariam's voice is breathtakingly pure, and her amazing diction is a beacon to non-Armenian speakers. The rhythms on this CD are also compelling; though unique to themselves, I was reminded of the catchy cadences found in some Celtic music. With her talents, I am expect that Mariam could do for Armenian music that which Enya did for Celtic. Thanks, Mariam!

  • Excellent.
    author: Brian Taylor

    I knew nothing about Armenian music before listening to this CD, but I was hooked from the first track. The vocals are unbelievable and the rhythms and melodies will stay with you for days after listening to the songs just once. I liked it so much I bought a few extra copies to give as gifts.

  • Great album, beautiful haunting voice
    author: Mark Naylor

    This album is reminiscent of Enya and Sarah Brightman in both quality and style of music. The haunting sound of Mariam's voice is extremely pleasant and soothing to listen to. I love it!

  • Brilliant vocals, fascinating instrumentation, joyful, musical, soulful!
    author: Sue Dudoward

    Far From Home is rivetting from the very 1st notes of the haunting Groong. Mariam's agile voice, sometimes soft and caressing, sometimes laughingly joyful, evokes the mystery and the depth of her Middle Eastern heritage. The authenticity of the instruments and the musicianship of the players instantly transports the listener into the heart and soul of Armenia.

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