By Paruir Siniavsky
Jazz pianist Macha Gharibian has become a discovery of the French jazz in 2013 by releasing her first album called “Mars”. The daughter of Dan Gharibian, one of the founders of Bratsch band, Macha is playing the mixture of Armenia and American music made in Brooklyn, folk and Komitas. In an exclusive interview with NEWS.am STYLE Macha told about Armenian roots and her plans.
Tell a little about yourself
I was born in France, I am of Armenian origin. My father is Armenian and since my childhood Armenian music was in my soul that naturally had a huge influence on my works. I was brought up as a pianist playing classics. I was singer and played in a theater. At a certain point I decided to find something new and went to New York, where I met with very unusual musicians, and this was how jazz gradually came into my music.
How did your father and his music influence you?
My father and group Bratsch have affected my works, because they showed me what incredible music you can create from a mixture of different music and different styles. Since childhood, I have been used to that kind of a mixed lifestyle. Different cultures, languages and styles - all this was something normal for me. You should be open to the world. This allows each person to share a part of himself, his culture, and at the same time to learn everything. Armenian music is a part of me. I played with my father in 2006 when we came to Yerevan, visited Gyumri, Ijevan.
How did you have an idea to combine New York jazz and Armenian music?
I was playing Armenian folk but at the same time looking for something more interesting, and it just happen naturally. I was influenced by the meetings with musicians such as guitarist David Poto - Razel and drummer Fabrice Moreau. I always create my works instinctively. I do not think about what style I create or what music I belong to. I do not create a frame for my works. Prior to creating my first album, I asked myself how I can combine all my music desire and experiments in one piece, but in the studio everything went as it goes naturally.
What plans do you have? When will you visit Armenia?
I am on a tour in France with presentation of my album. I have recently visited a festival in Algeria and hope to visit Armenia with my band in the near future. I am running several projects that combine various ethnic sounds with jazz. As to the last concert in Paris, the audience was just amazing. I had a warm reception. The concert was broadcasted live on France Musique channel.
Follow NEWS.am STYLE on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
13:30, March 24
Jennifer Lopez: There are no rules in today’s fashion scene (PHOTOS)22:22, March 22
Eurovision 2023: Under which number Armenia to perform at semifinals? (VIDEO)11:05, March 22
Rapper 6ix9ine hospitalized after being beaten by group of men at South Florida gym11:34, March 21
Kev Orkian: Blockade continues, Azerbaijan president threatens Armenians with war, but world is still silent (VIDEO)11:15, March 21
Bruce Willis celebrates 68th birthday together with former, current wives (PHOTOS)21:20, March 20
10:25, March 20
Playbill: Where to go in Yerevan this week?11:15, March 19
Macaulay Culkin's 2nd child is born13:29, March 17
Billie Eilish plays hypnotherapist in new series ‘Swarm’ (VIDEO)12:08, March 17
Arsen Grigoryan speaks on new Armenian comedy film OTTK, new collaboration with Sarik Andreasyan10:26, March 17
Jennifer Lopez stars in ad for her own shoe brand (PHOTOS)14:19, March 16
Jim Gordon, drummer and convicted murderer, dies aged 77