Born: April 6, 1978 Primary Instrument: Piano
Armen Nalbandian (b.1978 in Manchester, England) is a jazz pianist, composer & humanitarian.
In addition to the piano, he has been known to perform on the prepared Fender Rhodes mechanical piano, and contributes to produce jazz, improvised and experimental music in California. Nalbandian is the composer of over 600 works in addition to having led more than 20 different ensembles in the past few years. Nalbandian's compositions have included music for his trio, string quartets, orchestral music, music for theater, Armenian folk music, and “game pieces.” His primary ensemble is the Armen Nalbandian Trio.
From 2004-2008, Nalbandian served as the Music Director\Artist-in-Residence of the Fresno Art Museum, Artistic Director of Jazz @ the F.A.M. and curator of the Rhythms of Art. Nalbandian is also the Artistic Director of the F.O.R.M. (Festival of Resurrected Music). Nalbandian is a protegee of pianist John Hicks and has performed with Billy Higgins and Han Bennink. Nalbandian is the founder of Blacksmith Brother Music. In 2008, Nalbandian was named as a finalist in the 2008 Gilles Peterson Worldwide Talent Search. Armen Nalbandian returned to performance on January 20, 2009, as Music Director for the Day One Event, celebrating the inauguration of Barack Obama and a few weeks later in a tribute to Hip Hop producer J Dilla in a benefit for Jay Dee's mother, Ma Dukes.
Nalbandian has frequently used his position as a musician to perform many humanitarian services. Nalbandian has raised thousands of dollars in aid for the victims of Hurricane Katrina by way of many benefit concerts. Nalbandian has also raised money for organizations as diverse as The United Way, The Red Cross, the ONE Campaign, Habitat for Humanity, The American Cancer Society, Breast Cancer Research and The Relay for Life Foundation, among others.
Nalbandian frequently references the art of Jean-Michel Basquiat in his work and song titles. Numerous compositions throughout his discography reference specific Basquiat paintings and graffiti. Two of Nalbandian's albums, “Young King Get Their Heads Cut Off,” and “To Repel Ghosts,” reference Basquiat in their titles; both albums featuring cover art that evokes his art. Nalbandian also presented a concert inspired by Jean-Michel Basquiat's work in March of 2008 during his tenure as Artist-in-Residence at the Fresno Art Museum
”extemely tuneful and organic music with a real group synergy, plus a wonderful negotiation between accessibility and a true spirit of adventure. highly recommended!”
- d.d. jackson
“after hearing armen nalbandian’s new cd, I can say that armen has found a personal voice in expressing a music that is so clearly a part of his soul. he brings to his improvisations and organization to his arrangements. he has a touch and playfulness reminiscent of thelonious monk , and a feeling of swing that is natural and easy.”
-ted nash
”from swinging piano melodies to moody atmospheric prepared rhodes, armen brings a myriad of sounds for the listeners delight”
- susie ibarra
Surrounded by Snakes
Blacksmith Brother
2013
Armen Nalbandian;Fender Rhodes, Laptop
Quiet, as it's Kept
Blacksmith Brother
2011
Armen Nalbandian;Fender Rhodes
Personnel: Eric Revis: bass. Nasheet Waits: drums
Coup de Grace
Blacksmith Brother
2011
Armen Nalbandian;piano
Personnel: Han Bennink; drums
To Repel Ghosts
Blacksmith Brother/Noise Boutique
2010
Armen Nalbandian ;Fender Rhodes/laptop
Tirez Sur Le Pianiste
Blacksmith Brother/Noise Boutique
2009
Armen Nalbandian; Prepared Fender Rhodes/laptop
Young Kings Get Their Heads Cut Off
Blacksmith Brother/Noise Boutique
2007
Armen Nalbandian; Prepared Fender Rhodes
Manchester Born
Blacksmith Brother/Noise Boutique
2007
Armen Nalbandian;Fender Rhodes
Personnel: Kevin Hill: bass. Brian Hamada: drums
Armen
Blacksmith Brother
2006
Armen Nalbandian; Piano
Personnel: Kevin Hill: bass. Brian Hamada: drums
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