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Gloucestershire Echo
May 2, 2014 Friday
Armenia's young talent
PREPARE to be dazzled at Cheltenham Jazz Festival tomorrow as talented
pianist Tigran takes centre stage.
Described as the next Keith Jarrett, he grew up listening to the
lyrical folk music of his native Armenia.
"I began playing the piano by ear," he told The Buzz.
"I was picking up Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath songs by ear when I
was three. "When I turned six I went to a music school. I had my
second jazz teacher when I was 10 and he taught me how to play bebop.
"I was really into bebop for a while until I discovered folk music.
"My childhood was a bit odd because of the music but also very prolific."
Growing up, he'd listen to the likes of Queen and Herbie Hancock and
his family's love of jazz, rock and funk music inspired him to embark
on a path to stardom.
His big break came at the tender age of 14. "Stephane Kochoyan has had
the biggest impact on my career," he says.
"He brought me from Armenia to France to play three festivals back in
2001 when I was 14.
These were my first full concerts." He's been playing in the UK since
2009 and admits developing "a love of the London audience".
But away from the capital, he's looking forward to his appearance at
Cheltenham Jazz Festival tomorrow.
"We will be playing music from my album Shadow Theater and also some
newer compositions that we are planning on recording four days after
the Cheltenham show," he said. You can see Tigran at the Jazz Arena
from 4.15pm tomorrow. Tickets . Call 08448 08094.
Jonathan Whiley
From: A. Papazian
May 2, 2014 Friday
Armenia's young talent
PREPARE to be dazzled at Cheltenham Jazz Festival tomorrow as talented
pianist Tigran takes centre stage.
Described as the next Keith Jarrett, he grew up listening to the
lyrical folk music of his native Armenia.
"I began playing the piano by ear," he told The Buzz.
"I was picking up Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath songs by ear when I
was three. "When I turned six I went to a music school. I had my
second jazz teacher when I was 10 and he taught me how to play bebop.
"I was really into bebop for a while until I discovered folk music.
"My childhood was a bit odd because of the music but also very prolific."
Growing up, he'd listen to the likes of Queen and Herbie Hancock and
his family's love of jazz, rock and funk music inspired him to embark
on a path to stardom.
His big break came at the tender age of 14. "Stephane Kochoyan has had
the biggest impact on my career," he says.
"He brought me from Armenia to France to play three festivals back in
2001 when I was 14.
These were my first full concerts." He's been playing in the UK since
2009 and admits developing "a love of the London audience".
But away from the capital, he's looking forward to his appearance at
Cheltenham Jazz Festival tomorrow.
"We will be playing music from my album Shadow Theater and also some
newer compositions that we are planning on recording four days after
the Cheltenham show," he said. You can see Tigran at the Jazz Arena
from 4.15pm tomorrow. Tickets . Call 08448 08094.
Jonathan Whiley
From: A. Papazian