The Oud has so many voices and tributaries. The repetoire of its music changes as you cross its diaspora. Few players who gain international recognition attempt to cover all the variations in its potential, and one such player is Alan Shavarsh Bardezbian.

Born to to an Armenian family in Massachusetts, Alan Shavarsh Bardezbanian, has been a hard working musician since an early age. He has paid his dues in the learning of Armenian dance hall music, but also in rare form, he began to learn the Turkish makam system under qanun maestro Esber Koprucu, Arabic classical maqam, Persian dastgah, as well as jazz theory and composition at Berklee College in Boston. Alan has also recently been teaching at the Arabic Music Retreat.

This recording features Alan and his Middle Eastern Ensemble in an exciting journey across Armenia, Greece, Turkey, and Bulgaria. The pieces reflect a wide range of songs that are both traditional pieces, compositions by Alan Bardezbanian, Udi Hrant Kenkulian, V. Kotoyan, and Refik Fersan.

The line up flows very well from upbeat dance pieces through more somber and reflective pieces, elaborate compositions, and solo taqsim on oud. The improvisational work is world class and inspired. The accompanyment is worthy of Alan's virtuosity and features Alan not only on oud but also on the clarinet. His ensemble including Beth Borgerhoff, accordian and piano, Michael Gallant, violin, Eric LaPerna, dumbek and riqq, Bau Graves, guitar.

The quality of the recording is exceptional and perfect for gatherings or personal listening. The liner notes are very well thought out and the overall production is what recordings should be made of.

ARC Music adds this to a great catalogue of recordings featuring Armenian music, oud, and Middle Eastern music.